Page 45 of The Dark Rises
“I sort of thought… never mind,” I stammer, unsure of what I even want to say.I thought you liked me?Juvenile, but sort of how I feel. Honestly, it took him forever to even accept my friendship. Although, things have been changing between us. Little moments that felt like more.
“It might have been the reason I came, but it’s not the reason I stayed,” he croaks, as if he’s forcing the words out.
“Right,” I drawl, one eyebrow raised high.
Cursing under his breath, he confesses, “I followed you when you left the palace. Using the shadows.” He peers down at me to see my reaction to his words.
I stare at him, not entirely sure what he’s telling me. “When?”
“Never mind.”
“Fine.”
Apparently, he doesn’t like my answer. “Do you think I would hold you like this if all I wanted was the power inside you?” His voice is gruff, but his gaze is intense.
Wow. Man of few words. But I still can’t help the smile spreading over my face. “Mmm, do you think I’d let just anyone hold me like this?” I inch forward, my eyes on his full lips, but the rest of his words stop me. “Wait. You want the power inside me?”
His arms tighten around me. “Leandra stole it from me.” He places my hand on his chest. “This scar is from her.”
Reeling, I connect the dots, and a lot of things start to make sense. His arrogance, ability to fight, the level of power he wields, his stint in The Below, and so much more. “King of the Dark Fae?”
“I was supposed to be, but I can’t be crowned unless I have the power,” he informs me. “The Wild Hunt gave it to Konnyr in case they needed to call upon him in times of war. Only dark Fae can wield it. The power passes from the strongest in our bloodline to the next. Denir was never meant to possess it. He can’t control it.”
“How do you propose to get it out of me?” I ask, but then the answer hits me. “Leandra. You’re hoping she’ll transfer it back to you.” I look him straight in the eye. “She won’t. I’m her revenge against Denir. If he can’t use the power, he’ll lose the crown.”
“If she gives it to me, she can still get her revenge,” he insists, almost desperately.
Another thought occurs. “If I can’t control it, what will happen?” I’m afraid to hear his answer, but I have to ask.
He tightens his arms around me. “I’m not going to let that happen.” His finger lifts my chin higher. “I promise you.”
“Tell me,” I implore him. “Knowing the worst-case scenario is how I deal with bad things. Please. Tell me.”
He hesitates but seeing my set jaw and narrowed eyes, he finally relents. “It would consume you, making you a permanent rider in The Wild Hunt.”
“Bloody hell,” I curse. “Why does everything have to be so damn difficult? I mean. Where is the karma here? Leandra should be writhing in the pits of hell. With Denir at her...”
The smallest of smiles appears on his scruffy face and stops my ranting in its tracks. It’s the first one he’s ever given to me. It looks so good, I want to see more of them. Although I don’t mind his gruff and surly nature, either. Or his blunt approach to everything.
It makes sense with every little bit I learn about him. If he was groomed to be king, was he even allowed to be carefree? I try to picture him laughing and joking with others, but the image eludes me.
Closing the gap between us, I place my lips on his, peppering them with small kisses and nibbles. His smile disappears, and I wait, breath held, to see if he’ll push me away. Full lips open under my tender onslaught and return my affection with the sweetest, deepest kiss I could never have imagined.
I thought he would want to dominate, not seduce, demand, not give. This is sensual and enticing. My body melts into his, humming with need, but in no rush to move beyond this moment. Sliding my hands around him, I shift my body until I’m fully wrapped around his torso. Who ever thought he would let me hold him like this? I bring one hand up and slide my fingers into his thick hair. Luxurious and soft, I play with it while we kiss.
He pulls back a little to suck on my bottom lip, then swipes his tongue across it. His tongue plays with mine, then delves deep again, taking ownership of the kiss.
I scrape my fingernails lightly against his neck, and his lips harden a little. Of course, I do it again. He shifts my lower bodyuntil it’s flush with his. Fingers tighten on my waist, but his kiss remains languorous and sensual.
My body settles on his and I pull my lips from his to groan. “Goddess, you feel good.”
“Mm, I want to touch you all over,” he says in a low, husky tone.
My shirt disappears, and his hands slide up and down my bare back as if he’s mapping all the ridges and valleys.
Desire courses through my veins, and I brush my breasts against his chest. “Touch me.” My voice is surprisingly guttural and almost harsh.
Madoc jerks away from me. “Stop.”
