Page 26 of A Bargain with the Fae King

“Well, you’ll at least want to change for bed.”

“And where will I be sleeping?”

“Here. With me.”

My mouth forms a silent O. Okay, totally saw that coming, but hearing it confirmed, I can’t help but squirm where I stand.

Riven steps over to a nearby dresser and jerks open the top drawer. “I had some things brought up for you.”

“When?” The word slips out as a whisper.

But Riven ignores it as he grabs a second item. He holds each up in turn—two short and silky nightgowns trimmed with lace, one green, one blue. They’re like something straight out of the high-end lingerie stores I can never afford.

My toes curled in my shoes. “Surely there’s something more… just more.”

Amusement twinkles in his eyes. “You could sleep naked.”

I suck in a breath, my throat suddenly dry. “I’ll take the blue one.”

He chuckles as I snatch the nightgown, avoiding his gaze. He says, “There’s a washroom across the sitting room.”

Thankfully fae plumbing works like the human sort, maybe even better, with the constant floral scents and a little stream trickling through rocks in the room to cover any sounds. It’s one of those things I never thought about until now, but damn, I’m so glad this castle isn’t like the one from history books with chamber pots or whatever the hell people used before plumbing.

With a huff, I re-enter the bedroom.

Riven lays stretched out on top of the bed, dressed in only loose, light-colored pants that hang low on his waist. Almost too low. It’s an invitation to look, and boy, do I. With his sculpted chest, defined abs, and fine dusting of hair that disappears down below the edge of his waistband, who wouldn’t? Every inch of him screams lean muscle and golden skin. A few wicked scars mar his chest and arms in pearlescent patterns. They only add to his wild beauty.

“I’m glad you enjoy the view.” His voice rolls over me, snapping my attention to the wicked smile aimed my way.

My nose reaches toward the trees above as I avert my gaze and stroll to the far side of the bed. I won’t admit it, nope, nope, nope.

“One more kiss?” he asks, as I crawl under the soft furs, my back to him. Long fingers trail down my bare shoulder. Hair tickles my skin as he scoots closer. His strong arm snakes around my body, pulling my back against a chest firm as granite. Soft kisses grace my neck, my shoulder.

“Riven…” My breath comes short and fast. It’s too hot. Too much.

A deep chuckle rumbles through his chest before he releases me and scoots away. “Goodnight, little consort.”

Chapter 8

Sunlightbathestheroomin a cascade of light. Blinking the bright glow out of my sleep-blurred eyes, I gaze at the vines of honeysuckle climbing the walls and draping the window. An immaculate wooden table is set in front of it, two chairs angled to take advantage of the view.

I jolt upright. This is not my room.

Memories of the day before crash into me. May. Racing through the trees. Galen. The fae party. And…

The warm weight on the bed beside me shifts and groans.

I whip my head around. Riven gazes at me, long hair a mess, a sleepy smile on his face.

“Good morning, Lia,” he purrs. “I trust you slept well.”

Holy shit!

I leap from the bed. Belatedly, I remembered the short nightgown and reach back, tugging a heavy fur about me as best I can. Like hell I’m going to stand there half-naked in front of some…some…

My skin prickles at Riven’s soft laughter as I jerk and fumble with the heavy fur. My scathing look only increases his humor.

“So eager to get away from me?” he asks with a mock pout. A night of sleep has refreshed his roguish demeanor from the party or whatever it was. Pity. His expression shifts as he pats the sheets. “Care to come back to bed?”

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