Page 73 of TBR: Dead But Well Read

“No, we don’t!” I wheezed.

Lochlan gave me a look that said,Really? You expect me to believe that?

Wasabi chose that moment to grunt, which I was sure was just a coincidence.

“I’d like to read about your book boyfriends.” Evander grabbed a notebook and sat on the floor next to us. “What are their names?”

“You can’t be serious!” My entire body flushed just thinking about him reading some of my favorite books.

“I’m completely serious. Research is my hobby, and if they are providing something you enjoy, I’d like to take notes.” Evander slid his glasses back on and clicked his pen as though he truly thought I’d start naming names.

“Don’t worry, Ev. I’ve got that covered. When I couldn’t find her, I spent time in the archive room and found a stack of books and a Kindle. I took down some names, and I’ve already read through two of them.” Lochlan’s eyes sparkled, and he grinned. “Your highlighted portions were particularly enlightening. You’re a naughty girl, boo.”

Someone please kill me. Again.

Lochlan looked back at Evander. “I’ll email you my notes. I made a list of a few scenes we could have some fun performing for her. If we get Rhodes and Saul involved, we’d have enough bodies to really drive her wild.”

I couldn’t tell if I was burning alive from mortification, or if I was so turned on that I was on the verge of cremating myself.

Evander was scribbling notes. “Good idea. We could also each pick a different book boyfriend from her favorite series and create a date night where she gets to have all of them at the same time.”

“I have four sexy guys who drive me wild just by touching me. I don’t need you guys to go through so much effort,” I protested, trying not to squirm on Lochlan’s lap.

“But if we can make your wildest imaginings come true, why wouldn’t we do it?” Evander’s brow creased in confusion. “Isn’t that the point of having partners who love you?”

Leaning to the side, I kissed Evander. Lochlan’s hand moved to support my back and keep me from toppling over. With my body sideways, the loosely draped fabric that made up the low-cut bodice of my dress fell to the side, something I didn’t realize until my nipple was sucked into the heat of Lochlan’s mouth.

With a gasp of surprise, I tried to twist back into a sitting position on his lap, but the men weren’t having it. Lochlan shifted me on his lap so I was straddling him and I arched backward, allowing Evander to sink his fingers into my hair andcradle my head as his mouth captured mine in a nearly upside-down kiss.

Lochlan licked and sucked first one breast and then the other. The palm of his right hand was flat against the curve of my back, supporting me so my muscles weren’t strained. His left hand explored my body as though reassuring himself I was truly there and that I wanted his touch.

“Guys,” I murmured between kisses, “we need to make sure Saul and Rhodes are safe. They might need us.”

“Rhodes texted ten minutes ago that he will be headed back soon.” Evander placed soft kisses all over my face.

“And Saul told me to protect you and he would be home soon. That means I’m not allowed to let you go running back into the fray,” Lochlan breathed, flicking his tongue across the hardened peak of my nipple. “And when Basileus Deathtells you to do something, you do it.”

Evander’s head snapped up to stare at Lochlan. “We don’t have a Basileus. No heir was willing to take on that role.”

“We do now.” Lochlan continued to swirl his tongue over the sensitive skin of my breast. His breath teased my skin as he gave a low laugh. “And you’re kissing his wife.”

“You can’t be serious,” Evander whispered.

“Deadly serious.” Lochlan’s mouth left heated kisses between my breasts as he moved south.

“Why now?” Evander’s fingers massaged my head as he tried to make sense of what Lochlan was telling him.

I didn’t have a clue what a Basileus was, but Evander’s expression worried me.

“They insulted his bride.” Lochlan’s hand slid to my neck, undoing the ribbon so that the top of my dress fell around my waist. “You should have seen it, Evander. Saul claimed the role just so he could force them to bow to his wife. Some refused,which gave him the right to destroy the threat they posed to him, and by extension, his bride.”

I sat up, crossing my arms over my chest to hide my exposed breasts. “Hang on. What is a Basileus? What role are you two talking about?”

Lochlan grinned. “Saul is the king, ruler, sovereign, emperor, czar, or whatever title you want to use, over death. Didn’t you know you married into royalty, boo?”

“No. That can’t be right.” But as Saul’s words and the banging of his scythe replayed in my mind, I became lightheaded. “So he’s the head of the reapers?”

“No, he’s head over all of death, and both the reapers and collectors answer to him. That means no more free agents or the reaper court trying to impose their rules. We’re under a monarchy again,” Evander explained.

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