Page 230 of Heat of the Everflame

“You didn’t ask us to spare all the mortals who were trying to kill you at the Guardian camp?”

“They weremortals.”

“You didn’t convince me to show mercy to the Ignios King?”

“His gryvern—”

“You saved Zalaric after he betrayed us. You’re nudging me to make peace with my father. You’ve beenfarkinder to Aemonn than he deserves. Face it, Your Majesty. You’re a good person.”

“Lies,” I hissed. “Take it back.”

“Never.” He lounged against the pillows and crossed his arms behind his head with a smug grin.

A horribly wonderful idea took root. I tucked back out of sight and peeled off the last of my lacy undergarments, then flung them over the wardrobe toward the bed. Seconds later, I grinned wide at Luther’s groan.

“Problem, Prince?” I asked sweetly, leaning back just enough to reveal the outer curves of my naked body.

“This is cruel. This istorture.”

You have no idea, Corbois, I thought wickedly.

I hid once more and dug around in the drawers until I found a garment I’d spotted weeks ago. I quickly put it on, then shook out my hair until it spilled over my shoulders. As I started to close the door, I paused, eying the medallion he’d gifted me shining from its velvet box. I clasped it around my neck and adjusted it until it hung low on my chest, resting between the curve of my breasts.

The wardrobe door closed with a loud slam.

“I’m ready to sleep,” I announced.

I second guessed my evil plan as Luther’s expression went blank. His soul seemed to leave his body, then return, then leave again.

“I take it back,” he rasped. “You’re a ruthless Queen. Savage. Merciless in all things.”

I strode toward him, hips swaying and a hand raking through my hair. “Much better.”

He sat up straight as I approached the bed. “You’re sleeping inthat?”

I shrugged and looked down at myself. I’d chosen the tiniest wisp of fabric in my possession. It was little more than scraps held together by strings, carefully arranged to hide as little as possible.

I toyed with the end of a strategically tied bow. “If it’s a problem, I’m happy to change.”

“Don’t you dare,” he growled.

I bit hard on my lip to hold back my grin. “You were right, skin contact can have a healing effect. And I do want you to heal...” I kneeled on the end of the bed and crawled toward him. “So I’m giving you all themedicineyou can safely take.”

He held out an arm, and I happily slipped into it, wedging myself close against his side.

“I feel better already,” he murmured.

His hands began to roam. His rough touch slid eagerly over my back, my thigh, my shoulders, my ass. He hooked my thigh over his leg, sliding me over until I lay nearly on top of him.

“You swore to behave,” I scolded, adjusting to avoid his wound.

“That promise was made under duress.” He glowered, but there was no real protest in it. His hands were hungry yet careful, boldly pushing the bounds but always stopping short oftoo far. If Luther was anything, he was a man of his word.

“I suppose I deserve this for what I did in the Umbros inn,” he said.

“I quite liked what you did in the Umbros inn.” I arched my back at the memory, rolling my hips against his thigh. He closed his eyes and groaned. “And this isn’t punishment. It’s making sure we can do more than justtouchfor many nights to come.”

His wandering hands slowed, then stopped, then curved around me and held me tight. “Many nights,” he agreed. “All the nights I ever have—they all belong to you.”

---