Page 131 of Tower of Tempest
Leoni scowled. “I still like rules, but I’m just going to loosen up a little. The bolt is important, so I’ll help find it.”
Poppy stared at Leoni for a long minute before saying, “Okay. Thank you, Leoni.”
The former captain of the guard sighed. “I better leave immediately. There’s no time to waste.”
She turned to leave, and Poppy shrugged out of my hold andgrabbed her arm. “Wait! When you get back, there’s going to be an open position for my captain of the guard. If you’re up for it?”
Leoni’s blue eyes widened. “What?”
I smiled. It was perfect. Leoni deserved that position. There was no one else, other than myself, I’d trust to protect Poppy.
“I am princess of the sky court,” Poppy said. “I’m going to need someone to protect me, someone whom I trust.”
“You’re offering me a job?” Leoni asked, voice wavering.
“If you’d be okay living in the sky court. We’ll have to figure out the whole no-wings thing, but?—”
“I accept!” Leoni threw herself at Poppy, hugging her tight. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t,” Poppy said. “Now go get us that bolt.”
“Fine,” Driscoll burst out. “Don’t twist my arm. I’ll go too.”
I raised a brow. “You still want to be a hero?”
Driscoll made a dismissive noise. “I already am a hero, thank you very much. But no. I’m retiring, I’m afraid. I’m starting to think I’m more of a sidekick, you know? Here to provide the entertainment and wit. Keep the spirits up.” He smirked. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll find my own prince charming.”
We all stared at him.
“Honestly, I’m fine doing this alone,” Leoni finally said.
“Too late. I’m going.” Driscoll raised his nose in the air. “Tell Liliath I’m sorry I didn’t make it back to the conclave, and she’ll hear from me soon.”
“Why do I always get stuck with you?” Leoni grumbled as she and Driscoll began making their way across the meadow and toward the forest.
“Stuck with me? Excuse you. It is an honor to travel with me.”
“If you say so,” she said, their voices growing distant.
“Is it weird I’m actually going to miss them and their bickering?” Poppy asked as we watched them go.
“Yes,” I said, studying Poppy, at the way the sun haloed her soft brown hair that hung in waves to her waist. “I’m looking forward to silence for the first time in months.” I whirled her around, pinning her body to the wall of the tower. “And having you all to myself for the first time in... ever.” I kissed her neck, and she melted under my touch.
“What happened to getting to the conclave?” Poppy asked, breathless.
“Oh, we’ll still get to the conclave... just after I have my way with you.”
I caught her lips with mine and kissed her hard. She threaded her hands through my hair, and my hands braced on either side of her head, pressing into the rough stone.
“So many things I want to do to you,” I murmured.
She broke the kiss and pushed me back. “Focus, Loch.”
My gaze dipped to her breasts. “I’m very focused.”
She laughed. “On our mission: getting to the conclave. Delivering the information we’ve learned.”
I groaned, my head dropping into her shoulder. “Oh, right. All of that.” I stepped back, studying her. “You ready for this?”
