Page 61 of A Fate so Cruel

His heart didn’t know how to function anymore as she stared at him as if he were the only one who existed. Her amber eyes took him prisoner and he gladly let her hold the chains.

Then she kissed him.

Her lips were softer than he ever imagined. He didn’t know what to do with his hands. His mouth. His breath. His body.

Her lips moved against his and he moved with her, wrapping his arms tentatively around her waist. He had no idea what she’d permit, where she drew the line.

She tasted like vanilla and sin and horrible decisions. All things he’d gladly live with for the rest of eternity.

She pulled away too soon, leaving him reeling. She offered a gentle smile and the way her face lit up was enough to challenge the sun in its glory.

Her arms slid down his chest, then she took his hand and laced her fingers between his. His body was on fire, cheeks just as flushed as hers. He knew he should turn his attention back to the Fae in the vicinity. He should access them for danger, but he couldn’t drag his gaze away from her.

Selina ducked her head, as if suddenly bashful and all but dragged the abomination of Brónach through the streets like a love-sick teenager.

A breeze swept between the buildings, clearing his senses enough to take in the shocked faces surrounding them. The Fae who’d been reaching for their weapons now stood gaping at the pair. Those who’d been ready to flee had frozen in place, too stunned to move.

What she’d done—he knew the ruse. Knew what it could mean. But to have her touch him physically. To do so without revulsion . . .

He still tasted her on his tongue, still felt the slight gasp she’d loosed when he’d kissed her back. The shadow of her touch still caressed his neck and his heart wouldn’t stop pounding.

An act, his mind kept repeating, but his heart wasn’t listening. It was drugged, beyond reason or rational thought.

They continued down the street, Selina guiding his every step. Rion wanted to say something, but his tongue was too heavy, his thoughts jumbled. He didn’t even realize where they were going until Selina pushed open the door to an inn.

Another smile and she released his hand and headed for the counter. Rion took the time to collect himself. He let the scents of alcohol and polished tables distract him from the female.

Only a handful of patrons occupied the space but they were too focused on their drinks to bother looking up.

Rion wondered if Selina had visited the city before and already planned to use this particular inn. With its low lighting and assorted tables, it was a perfect meeting place to exchange information with her comrades. Rion imagined her sneaking down in the dead of night when the other guests were too drunk to notice.

He heard his name and turned in time to see Selina pointing. The owner fumbled his cup at the sight of Rion’s magic. Magic that was still dancing to the frantic beat of his heart.

Rion swore he heard Selina whisper something about Rion waking up grumpy if he slept on a poor bed. He rolled his eyes.

She exchanged coins for a key and minutes later, Selina was half skipping toward him, twirling the set on one finger. “All set,” she declared, as if her mind weren’t reeling whatsoever from what had occurred minutes ago.

“Glad my reputation could be useful.” He couldn’t look her in the eye.

She shrugged. “Can’t blame a female for wanting a decent bed to sleep in.”

Fear burned his nose and Rion looked behind Selina to find two males staring at them with wide eyes. He’d probably just ruined their buzz.

He followed her up the creaking stairs to the second floor like a creature on a leash. Only, instead of a tether, she controlled him with the sway of her hips and the way she batted her lashes.

She could control him with a lot less if she wished. He was willing to bet she knew it, too.

Doors stretched down a short hall way. Selina turned to one on their right and placed the heavy key into the lock. The wooden door swung open to reveal a mid-size room that was likely considered luxurious by the inn’s standards.

A cold fireplace stood off to the left. The caretakers had already piled wood off to the side. More than enough to get through a few nights if they needed. Judging from the heat in the room, the flames wouldn’t be necessary for anything other than boiling water.

Light sheets were neatly tucked along the bed and thick furs rugs surrounded the bedframe. Rion had marked the bathroom at the end of the hall but was glad to find one within the room.

“Take off your shoes,” Selina demanded. “I don’t want the furs ruined.” Rion closed the door behind him, then eyed a stain already marring the rugs. They weren’t new by any means. He could have argued, but decided against it and tugged off his boots.

Selina did the same, then marched straight for the bathroom.

“What are you doing?”

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