Page 73 of Blooms of Darkness

Ian attempted to cover his laughter with a mock-coughing fit that had me wishing I had something to throw at him. My stare would just have to bore holes into the back of his head instead.

“Something to say, Captain?” I added.

“There’s something in the air, I think,” Ian said as he wiped away a tear leaking from his eye.

Storm coughed next, waving his hand around. “Oh, yes, I feel it, too.”

Kade laughed so deeply, I stared, wide-eyed, as he threw his head back, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

I shifted my gaze forward, focusing on Ian’s back instead of the man beside me.

“I’ve never had Storm help me with my jokes, Captain,” Kade remarked. “Not in the fifteen years I’ve known him.”

Storm leaned toward me. “It’s because he’s the only one who finds his jokes humorous.”

The path we took through the forest was used frequently enough that the horses could easily navigate by themselves, with little direction. Without having to pay such close attention to what lay before me, my mind wandered into curious territories.

“How did you become friends with this one, Storm?” I asked. “He seems far more arrogant than you.”

Kade rotated his entire body, so he rode his horse backward. My mouth dropped as he called, “It’s only arrogance if the things I boast of are untrue.”

“This may shock you, Princess,” Storm chuckled, “he’s usually quieter. More docile.” He remained unbothered by the murderous glare Kade shot him as he righted himself on his saddle, huffing with disapproval.

“Far less social,” Storm continued. “Honestly he’s a bit of a grump when we’re home.”

“Are we talking about the same man?” I asked, jaw hanging open slightly once more. “The one who tried to flirt with me while pressing his sword to my throat during battle?”

“I merely matched the violent energy you were throwing my way, Little Rebel.” Kade’s voice was indignant, but if he turned around, I had a feeling there would be a playfulness to his gaze.

Storm shook his head as we rode. “Ellevail seems to have changed him in new ways. Including his idea of flirting. Though, he hasn’t done much of that since I’ve known him, either.”

I couldn’t help joining in on the laughter this time.

Kade turned his horse around, trotting in a semicircle. “I haven’t needed to resort to flirting. Especially not to show off in front of other Fae before.” Kade winked at me as he fell in step with his steed beside me. I closed my eyes at the intensity of the way the simple contact of his leg brushing mine caressed the inner parts of me.

“Perhaps Ian could give him some lessons,” I told Storm. “He has always managed to woo the eligible women of Brookmere. However, I wouldn’t expect such behavior amongst contenders for my hand,” I quipped. My mouth ran away on its own, from my proper princess demeanor, choosing to let out my inner lustful barmaid. She threatened to take over more times than I cared to admit. Usually, my non-proper side only appeared in the presence of Ian and Kalliah.

Something made me feel at ease now, and I realized I had to be careful. The walls I’d spent carefully constructing couldn’t disappear just because Kade Blackthorn had a sexy smile I couldn’t get out of my head.

Kade’s eyes widened in Ian’s direction, who had remained relatively quiet this trip, observing everyone interact and takingit all in. I knew Ian well. He analyzed every move and each step we took on the journey, always prepared for what may lie in wait.

He shrugged nonchalantly at the new attention and offered a sly smile in Kade’s direction. “Magic and swords may hurt like hell, but the company of a woman at night should always leave with a satisfying ending.”

“It appears I have underestimated you, Captain,” Kade said.

A branch snapped and our heads swiveled to the right. An orangish-red fox trotted along, unbothered by our intrusion into his home. The animal, normally protective, was usually content to ignore Fae. It sniffed the air in our direction before it turned, disappearing farther into the woods.

A few minutes went by before a calm returned to the forest once more.

“So, do you think this new version of Kade should get a chance at being King?” I asked Storm as he continued to meticulously survey our surroundings.

“Despite the fact that he’s behaving like an absolute prick at the moment, he doesn’t need to do anything to earn the title of ‘King’ in my eyes. He’s loyal and usually a damn good friend.” Storm’s voice seemed nonchalant, but the weight of his words wasn’t missed. I watched as he trained his gaze forward, not looking to gauge my reaction, or Kade’s for that matter.

“I pay him to sing my praises,” Kade whispered. “Don’t get any ideas, I'm not some knight in shining armor, ready to sweep you off your feet.”

Ian held up his hand. “If you all are done chattering, we’re two miles out from the drop site. I’d like to proceed without the extra banter.”

Storm trotted his horse up to Ian and gave him a curt nod.

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