Page 97 of A Kingdom of Fire and Fury
“Just allies then?” I whispered. My skin tingled from where he touched me. ‘Don’t trust him,’Wes had warned me. ‘He uses people.’
“I didn’t trust you, but I knew you’d turn Lusadia on its head, and I wanted to be by your side when you did so. You don’t like being here, doing this, but you will for your sister. I don’t like doing this, being a monster, but I will for Daeva and for the safety of the continent.” Kieran tightened his grip on my hand. “You and I? We’re the same. Isn’t it exhausting to smile when you want to scream?”
Lightning crackled under my skin from his touch. His gaze trapped me in place. “What are you getting at, Kieran? What do you want?”
“You. I want you, Selena.” With a casual flick of his wrist, he pulled me flush against him once more. Heat trailed down my spine. “I’m tired of denying it. I know you want me. I want you. Why don’t we help each other pass the time?”
The air left my lungs. The desire was clear in his eyes as well as the lust. It caressed my shoulders and slid between my thighs. I sputtered, unable to find the words.That’s it? You want to fuck me?But at the same time, another emotion lingered. One I didn’t want to name. But that feeling felt like a knife slammed between my ribs.You only want to fuck me?
“Careful now,” Kieran murmured. “There’re so many eyes on us, little thief. Remember to keep yourcomposure.”
We stood merely inches apart. His eyes lowered to my lips, and it was all I could do not to lean into it.What should I do?I was back on that wooden bridge, hovering over another step.Do I take the leap of faith?“You…” I wasn’t some blushing virgin, so why was it that a mere proposal from him left me stuttering mess?
“Say yes,” he growled against my lips. “I’ll bend you over a stall right now.Say yes.”
“I do apologize for interrupting, but may I cut in?”
We both froze, and I turned to see Queen Nasreen, the sole ruler of the western kingdom, Raghnall. Stunning. That was the first word that came to mind when I saw the queen. She had perfect posture. Her beige scarf concealed her hair and perfectly complemented the trim of her dark green dress. My stomach tightened as I studied her annoyingly perfect features. She had an oval shaped face, thick brows, and not a blemish in sight on her light brown skin. The smile on her face belied the calculating look in her eyes as she studied me.
Bitch.The thought slipped out before I could control it. I glanced at the two women before me. Nasreen’s Lady in Waiting, Takara, stood just a step behind the queen. She smiled warmly at us. She was thicker than the average woman and curvy to match, and she met our gaze without a hint of shyness. Like the queen, she also wore a scarf around her head that matched her cherry blossom colored dress.
I looked at Kieran, but he’d been replaced by Kieranthe Executioner. Our moment had passed.
Kieran stroked my hand. “Of course. Think on it, Selena, and get back to me.” When he let go of my palm and waist, he took all my warmth with him. Then he turned to Queen Nasreen and smirked. “I was wondering when you’d pull me. I admit, I began to fear you might’ve changed your affections regarding my face. A rather sad feat considering I dressed up for you.”
Nasreen smiled. “Flatterer. There’s no need for such lies. I know you like having pretty women on your arm.”
Kieran’s gaze flicked to me. “That I do.”
Nasreen laughed. I watched them slip into the crowd with a knot forming in the pit of my stomach.Bitch.She knew what she was doing. The ferocity of my anger shook me. It was an entirely new sensation, this ugly emotion that swelled in my chest as I watched Nasreen smile at a comment from Kieran.
What the fuck just happened?Was this a move on his part, a way for him to get me under his thumb? I couldn’t forget—this man was like a chameleon. He thrived off convincing others he was something he wasn’t. How could I be certain this wasn’t another act of his?He’s stupid if he thinks a dick can make me lose my allegiance to my sister. No dick is that good.
Though I don’t doubt he has some talents.Another thrum of heat pulsed between my thighs.Gods, I want him.
“I warned you.” I turned to see Wes glaring at me. Just what I needed. Another Caddel to bother me. “He’splaying you.”
I clenched my jaw. “I can fend for myself. Where’s my sister if you’re here?” I looked over his shoulder, even though I knew she wasn’t here. No way in hell would Luther let her come here. It’d be too easy for me to grab her and run, even though I’d already committed to staying.
“She’s okay. Not with me, obviously, but she’s in good hands, and I’ll be back with her tomorrow.”
I scrunched my nose. “Remember, keep your hands to yourself, or you’ll lose something precious to you.” I glanced pointedly at his groin.
He scoffed. “You’re so controlling. If Clara—”
“Don’t. Touch. Her.” She was vulnerable, and if things crashed and burned between them, she’d be stuck under his thumb. It was a recipe for disaster. “She’s relying on you.”
“I could say the same.” He narrowed his eyes. “He’s easy to trust, but that’s a ruse so you let down your guard. He’ll lead you into danger and stab you in the back.”
My mouth dried. “Just—stop it. I know what I’m doing. I won’t put Clara in danger.”
His jaw flexed. “Even without her life on the line, he’s dangerous. He won’t hesitate to use you, and as soon as you’ve outlived your use, he’ll cut you loose.”
It was only because I saw true concern shining in his eyes that I didn’t shout at him.What if he’s right? What if it’s a trick?I straightened my shoulders. “I can take care of myself.”
Wes’s nostrils flared. “Fine.”
I sure as hell wished I could step away from this conversation, but I knew the moment I left Wes, another noble would make me dance with them. “How’s Clara doing?”
