Page 51 of A Court of Hearts and Hunger
“What would we play?”
“I know what I’d like to play… but if I fuck you, he’ll kill me. So perhaps we could play cards.”
“I don’t know any games.”
“I’ll teach you.”
He must see my expression shift, because his eyes light up. “Ah, you like learning new things. Yes, he told me you’re never quiet, always questioning. Come with me, mousie. We’ll drink, and we’ll play.”
When I nod, he crows his delight and hooks the gold leash to my collar.
I’m curious whether or not the Rabbit has broken the life-debt bargain yet. I plan to test it once we get upstairs.
Caer leads me into the parlor where he and the Rabbit gambled for me. “I like your new style of dress, mousie.” He casts a lascivious glance at my nipples, which are poking against the thin fabric of my chemise.
“These clothes need to be washed,” I tell him. “Do you have any fresh ones?”
“I’d conjure you some, but my particular brand of magic doesn’t include that ability,” he says. “I do keep relics from past lovers. I’ll see what I have.”
He locks my chain into the metal loop on the wall. While he’s gone, I scan the parlor for anything I might be able to use as a weapon. There’s a chunky bust of a Fae with a bird’s beak that looks both heavy and pointy enough, and as luck would have it, it’s on a table almost within my reach. Once he unlatches my chain again, I’ll be able to grab it.
I’ll have to be quick. I will get only one chance at this.
“I found something.” Caer saunters back into the room, holding up a few silky, sky-blue bits of cloth. “Just the right amount of coverage.” He smirks, then releases my chain with a snap of his fingers. “Put these on.”
I don’t ask him to turn around and give me privacy. I know he won’t do it, and besides, the distraction of my body will work in my favor.
I slip off the chemise and panties, standing in my bare skin on the rug. Caer ogles me, sniffing appreciatively. “You smell like a thousand savory pies. Like fresh meat and ripe berries.” His purple tongue lashes out, wetting his lips. “I’d like to taste you, Alice. Just a lick, I promise.”
“A lick, where?” I ask softly, stepping forward.
His lean chest heaves, his gaze traveling to the delicate curls of blond hair between my thighs.
I move faster than I’ve ever moved before.
Snatching the bust. Smashing the stone beak into Caer’s skull. Leaping for the door of the parlor.
But he’s not weak and wounded this time. He’s on me in a second, his body colliding with mine, slamming me onto the rug face-first. He lies on top of me, pinning me down, one hand crushing the side of my face against the carpet. Blood from his wounded head drips onto the thick woven wool.
His hard length is pressed into my ass. He drags his teeth along my cheekbone, snarling faintly.
“He broke it. The bargain between us,” I say faintly.
“Yes.” Caer’s teeth prick my skin. “He dissolved the life-debt. I can hurt you, and allow you to be hurt. I can do anything I want to you.” He rolls his body against mine.
A shiver of terror passes through me.
“Hurt me again, and I’ll hurt you back,” he whispers. His long tongue traces the curve of my ear, leaving it wet.
Then his weight lifts from my back.
The second he moves, I jump up and race for the door.
His claws wrap around my wrist, and he yanks me back in one fluid move. Then he rams me against the wall.
He’s gifted with faerie strength; I’m a kitten fighting a lion. It’s hopeless. But I struggle anyway.
“Let me go! Let me go home!” I thrash and twist in his grip. When I can’t get my wrists free, I snap my teeth at him, narrowly missing his cheek.
