Page 41 of Chess

Ever ran a hand down the side of her face, avoiding eye contact as she sank down on the bed. “Something foolish.”

“Oh dear,” Maddie groaned. “Did you fuck him?”

“No,” Ever drawled, yet thinking how close they had been to that point.

“That sounded more like ‘not yet’.” She wrinkled her nose. “I may not like the arse, but he’s different than when I saw him in Scarlet last. Still cocky. I can’t put my finger on it though... Perhaps not selfish? No, no, he will always be that, but maybe less so.”

“We’ll see.” Ever smiled. However, she’d seen it. Thus far, she’d seen a change in the prince.

“Something else I noticed,” Maddie sang. “March seems to be a tad bit jealous. I don’t think he’ll ever stop carrying that blasted torch for you.”

“He knows I don’t want more than friendship with him.” Eventually, he would move on, find someone who felt the same way. One day.

“March never was the right one for you…” Maddie looked as though she wanted to say something else on that matter, but she changed the subject. “I should probably go chat with the others and start preparing in case some devious bastards show up.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” Ever grasped her friend’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Unfortunately, I’ll be leaving for the Ruby Heart Palace soon. And speaking of devious vampires, it won’t be long before Rav discovers what has happened here. Whether he makes an appearance himself or sends new guards as he did with March, I’m unsure.”

“We’ll be ready”—Maddie tapped Ever’s nose—“then have bloody fucking tea afterward.”

“That’s the spirit.” Ever laughed. “I don’t know much about Noah, but he seems a good match for you.”

“He does, doesn’t he?” Maddie grinned. “Who would’ve thought?”

Ever bid her friend goodnight and headed toward her bedroom. A strange feeling washed over her as she padded down the hall alone. In the past, there would always be a human or vampire servant around, cleaning. None were ever mistreated who served in the palace.

As Ever opened the door to her room, her gaze fell to Chess sprawled out on her bed, back against the headboard, his hair wet, shirt off, showing his chiseled abs. His shoulder was now almost fully healed with only raised pinkish marks. Once again, his trousers hung low, showing a patch of dark hair leading underneath the fabric.

She pushed down the heated feeling blooming inside her, pulsing harder, and placed her hands on her hips. “What are you doing?” Her voice came out more breathy than irritated.

“Being your knight for the day.” He leaned forward, propping his elbow on his knee, his yellow eyes smoldering as he studied her with a seduction that must’ve lured half of Wonderland into his damn bed. For the first time, jealousy roared through her at the thought and she shoved the bothersome feeling away. “I did protect you earlier, didn’t I?”

Ever took a step forward. “You could’ve gotten yourself killed.”

Chess was off the bed in a split second, standing in front of her. “None of this would’ve happened if you’d told me the truth, Queenie.” He pressed a warm finger to her lips and she hated that she was tempted to run her tongue up it instead of yearning to bite it off. “But I understand why you kept quiet about your rendezvous. Things are all out in the open now and we’re one big happy family in your palace.”

“That’s a stretch.” She laughed, a high-pitched sound that caused him to smile, only this smile was beautiful, captivating. That expression didn’t make her want to push him away but pull him closer.

Chess must’ve sensed what she felt because he hoisted her up, then backed her against the wall. She squeaked in surprise, her legs betraying her and wrapping around his narrow waist. “Oh, Queenie,” he murmured, “I wouldn’t say that. I believe you like me plenty. Kiss me, then deny it.”

She wouldn’t deny him any damn thing right then.

His cock hardened in the precise place where she wanted it. Her eyes fluttered, and she inched closer, his breath mingling with hers.

“I’ll play however you want tonight,” he said, brushing the tip of her nose with his.

That shapely mouth of his wouldn’t stop calling to her, and she was the first to give in, pressing her lips to his, gentle at first, then hungrier with each movement, each taste, until the hunger was all-consuming. His hips steadily rocked into her, making her moan in both pleasure and the need for more.

“How do you want me to touch you this time?” Chess purred in her ear. “With my fingers, my tongue, my lips, my cock? Tell me and I’ll fucking do it. I won’t stop until you come as many times as you damn well wish.”

It was as though Ever could feel his invisible hands everywhere, touching her, devouring her, readying her. “All of them,” she rasped, her fingers at the waist of his trousers, unfastening the button. He shoved them down and hiked up her skirt, drawing her panties to the side. His velvety cock slid against her warmth and she groaned in ecstasy, her fangs lowering. “I want to taste you this time,” she breathed. At that moment, she could hear the symphony she would play for him, feel the way her fingers would press the viola strings, the way she would stroke them with her bow before she would let him glide slowly, deliciously, in between her lips, against her tongue.

He didn’t hesitate as he carefully lowered her to her feet, their eyes meeting, something sparking. She was about to drop down to her knees, an act she thought she would never do with this male, when a sharp knock came at the door.

Ever froze and Chess growled in frustration but didn’t tell her to ignore it. If it was important, then she had to take care of the matter. Yet disappointment stormed through her, her heart still pounding from what was happening between them.

She smoothed out her skirt and answered the door to March. His gaze narrowed as he glanced just past her to Chess, who was adjusting his trousers by the sound of the rustling.

“I’m sorry to break up whatever is going on here.” March sighed. “But I have something important to show you, and it isn’t good.”

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