Page 48 of The Princesses of Ruin
“We will break for tonight!” I call over the howling wind.
“We’re still too far!” Adrik yells back.
His face is chapped, gloved fingers curled and trembling.
“We will break!”
I tuck my wings and dive, not waiting for Lily’s consent. I know she’s chilled to the bone, too, but she’s so gods-be-damned stubborn. She wouldn’t stop if she was in Nol’Ther’s grasp, breathing her last breath. It’s maddening.
And so unbelievably attractive.
Trees rush up to meet me, and Alejandra lets out a startled yelp. I fan out my wings and catch the frigid wind. Pine needles tickle the sinuous material of my wings as we slowly descend. I land with a thump, making the good captain squeal again.
“I’m not scared,” Alejandra says. “It’s just…the sea is my home.”
I crouch and unsnap the harness, setting her free.
She straightens her coat and drops the supplies, then looks up at me. Her face is chapped, too, but I can see the color of shame in her cheeks.
“Don’t tell Adrik I screamed.”
“What scream?”
A loud, fearful shout is punctuated by a heady cackle that could only be my wife. She lands in a puff of white that glitters across her dark wings. She pulls them in and looks over her shoulder at me with a smirk that lights up her eyes.
“You won’t beat me next time.”
She unhooks Adrik and he stumbles to the ground.
“Come on, potion master. Let’s find some firewood,” Alejandra says as she reaches out for Adrik.
“And I thought flying with Kazimir was bad,” he mutters, then takes her offered hand.
She pulls him upright a little too hard and he lands against her chest with a fumbled apology. She smiles at Lily, who snickers. I can only roll my eyes. These lusty women and their antics.
Alejandra and Adrik walk into the forest. I would worry after Adrik, but with the sea captain and her blunderbuss, flintlock, various knives, and keen magical hearing, I know they’ll be safe.
Liliana sashays her hips and the snow moves out of the way. I’m captivated by her flushed beauty.
“You think I can’t handle a falcon dive?”
Her expression is playful, fiery, and it sets my blood ablaze.
“I didn’t say that.”
She touches my chest and warmth blossoms from every point of contact. I lean into her, drawn like a moth to the flame. Even at the end of the world I am undone by her.
“You’re testing me.”
“I’m always testing you.”
Her nails drag across my pectoral, and the beast in me trembles with restraint. My body swells in size and her pupils dilate. I can smell her desire.
“Did I pass?”
My hand is at the back of her neck before I realize what I’ve done. I drop my head and connect our lips. She opens her mouth and I force my tongue inside to taste her. I’m so hungry for her, so…fucking hungry.
She sighs into my kiss and repays me in kind, meeting tongue with tongue.
