Page 60 of Above Cursed Winds

“But,” she amended, “we believe that the Citizens Raeth is a Sheild. During the meeting we had after Kane’s House was attacked, we settled on the possibility that he’d have to have that talent to follow and photograph us without our noticing. I didn’t realize no one had told you.”

“Ah. That’d make sense.” He snapped his fingers. “I should’ve thought of that.”

“Sehrin isn’t a Sheild, in case you were wondering.”

His grin turned debonair. “I wasn’t, but thank you for heading off any more spiraling thoughts, Lady Z.”

Zia was still struggling to hide her grin when Nero’s telepathic knock sounded in her mind. Yes, sovereign?

Are you with Jeremiah?

Her eyes rose to meet the Elemental’s as she confirmed. He’d gone quiet, sensing the telepathic conversation taking place, then eagerly grabbed another handful of chips. Somehow, the man was attractive even when he ate. Distracted by his good looks, she only caught the tail end of Nero’s message.

—and I’d like to assure them of Jeremiah’s continued existence; that we haven’t dumped him in a storm drain or roasted him like a kalua Pua'a. Will you bring him to my office in a half hour?

Grimacing, Zia didn’t ask him to repeat. Of course, sovereign.

This would be awkward. “Someone wants to know you’re not dead. We’ve been summoned to Nero’s office in thirty. I’m guessing it’s the Accords delegation.”

“They just assume I’ve offed myself, then?”

“Probably.” Zia shrugged. “You did punch Nero the first day you were here. It does hint at a slightly warped sense of self-preservation.”

Jeremiah made a face, something between regret and playful wickedness. “I did, didn’t I?”

Eyes twinkling with mischief, the Elemental grabbed a few chips from Zia’s plate and ate them while she stuck out her tongue.

“You’re naughty, Jeremiah. Perhaps someone should punish you.”

“Only if that someone is you.”

Before she’d even know he was moving, Jeremiah had lunged forward and captured her mouth. Passionate, he yanked her closer to him, intent on stealing her away.

Returning his passion with her own, she took the lead, urging him to respond in kind. Arching into him, Zia turned molten inside, the need so intense it burned like a ravaging flame.

Without thought, she yanked at his shirt, needing the feel of his skin beneath her fingers. Swiftly, he removed it before she dragged him down to meet her mouth, demanding he give her everything.

His hand slid up to cradle the back of Zia’s head, the other cinching around her waist so their bodies were flush.

Her fingers explored every inch of his exposed torso, enjoying the hard muscles and the soft immortal skin. Down they went, into the fires together, their desire a searing heat between them.

Thirty-two minutes later, after she’d gleefully explored every inch of that spectacular chest, Jeremiah let her tug him down the lighthouse stairs. His shirt, sporting a few wrinkles that hadn’t been there before, was sadly once more in place. Zia caught herself eyeing him when he wasn’t looking. He was irresistible.

Jeremiah positioned the air shield above them to hold back the rain, and they sprinted toward the dome in a fit of laughter.

That laughter died on Jeremiah’s lips as soon as they entered the dome. There, standing in the middle of Nero’s territory, was the Elemental monarch and his wife.

Chapter Thirty

Heartbeat thumping in his ears, Jeremiah’s muscles locked when he caught sight of Gideon and Rona. They hadn’t noticed him yet; the couple had their backs turned and were talking animatedly with Nero and Key.

There was still time to run before they saw him.

As he shuffled backward a step, Zia’s hand tightened on his. He saw the truth in her eyes: she hadn’t known they’d be here, and thus hadn’t led him like a lamb to the slaughter. Regardless, the female Raeth wasn’t going to let him leave.

And oh—now Zia knew his secret. He’d told her what’d happened that night when he’d attempted to save Gideon and failed.

Would she disclose his transgression and failure?

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