Page 77 of The Fae Lord

“Finn wants her to kill Eldrion. Eldrion wants her to kill the demons.”

“So, why doesn’t Eldrion just tell Finn about the demons?”

I frown at her. “Because Finn...” I shake my head. “You know what, that’s a good question. I’ll suggest it to him next time I see him.”

Elodie smiles. She actually thinks I’m serious. By the stars, I need to find someone new to fuck. Someone who can hold a conversation about something other than ale or runes.

“What of the Gloomweavers?” she asks, raising her eyebrows. “Is Eldrion going to allow them back into the city?”

I stare at her for a moment, then release a deep chuckle and shake my head. “Elodie, I don’t actually want the Gloomweavers back in the city. You’d be mad to want them back here.”

“But you told Eldrion . . .”

“I needed to make him think I wanted something from him.”

“But you don’t?”

“All I want is for him to think I’m his friend, so that if he wins the fight, I become a confidant. Someone he trusts and bestows with a little of his great power.” I shrug. “And I want the same from Finn. If he succeeds in killing Eldrion, he’ll remember me as the one who helped him do so. And I’ll –”

“You’ll become his aide, someone he trusts...” Elodie rolls her eyes. “Okay, I got it now.”

“You did?” I ask, trying not to show her the surprise I’m feeling.

She bites her lower lip and leans forward so her breasts swell beneath her tunic. “I’m not just a pretty face, you know,” she coos.

Oh, but she is. Just a pretty face.

“Of course not,” I tell her, meeting her lips over the bar and kissing her deeply. When I cup her face and draw a line with my other hand down between her breasts, I whisper, “You’re one of the smartest women I know.”

Elodie blushes and grins at me. “And you’re one of the smartest guys I know.”

Leaping over the bar, I pull up her skirt and bend her over it. I slap her ass, then lean down and bite it. She likes that. It makes her squeal and wriggle back towards me.

As I fuck her, she calls my name, and the patrons wait patiently outside for me to unlock the doors.

I grab her hair and smile to myself.

I am smart.

I’m running this city, and neither Finn or Lord Eldrion have any fucking idea.

Long may it continue.

THIRTY-TWO

Finn

When we reach the tavern, there is a crowd outside. I push my way to the front, Briony close on my heels.

I do not care if I’m recognised. I need Garratt to open the fucking door.

I pound my fist hard on the wood. Behind me, someone shouts, “He’s busy. Can’t you hear?”

Pressing my ear to the door, I hear muffled cries from within. He’s screwing someone. That’s why he’s making everyone wait out here?

“Garratt, open up!” I yell. “It’s important. Open the hell-damned door!”

The noises stop. There’s a shuffling sound, then the door flings open. Everyone files inside as Garratt holds the door open, and when they have passed him, I grab him by the collar and drag him outside. “We have to go,” I tell him.

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