Page 120 of Invoking the Blood

Faye lowered herself to his thigh, desperately wanting to believe his words. Needing to believe fate superseded circumstance. The part of her that guarded her heart said it wasn’t enough. Urged her to run before she fell any deeper. Cut her losses or hurt forever.

Rune’s hand closed over hers as he stroked her back. Faye’s tension fell away and he said, “I will never turn from you. I do hope you become immortal when you invoke your blood. But if that is not our fate, I will cherish the time I have with you and wait for your return.”

Faye leaned forward to rest her forehead against his. His words touched her, soothing the scars she carried on her heart. She wrapped her arms around him, tangling her hands in his white-blonde hair. He pulled her closer, his lips a moment from hers. She closed her eyes letting his words resonate in her. Humming along the connection she felt between them.

She leaned forward touching her lips to his.

It was a soft, chaste kiss. He didn’t take or demand more. His longing and reverie evident in every touch. Being in his arms felt so right, it scared her.

The part of her mind that protected her heart for so many years screamed his words were honeyed lies. That she should run before he could hurt her. Faye pushed it away, silencing the protesting voice. Concentrating on his touch. How she felt when he held her close.

Faye pulled back, breaking their kiss. She was met with a soul deep yearning reflected in his pale blue gaze. His veined misted shadows swayed, brushing over the tops of his cheekbones. She swept her thumb through the shadows.

“Would you like me to let Voshki rise?”

“No,” she breathed as she brushed her fingertips over the side of his face. “Can I touch you?”

He smiled up at her, giving her a flash of his fangs. “You may do anything that pleases you.”

She stood to retrieve a length of uncut ribbon Rune gave her to bind the herbs together.

The corner of his mouth lifted as he glanced up from her ribbon to meet her gaze. “You wish to be restrained?”

Faye ran the length of the silk between her fingers. “Oh, this isn’t for me.” He arched his brow and she giggled. “You’re the one who couldn’t control himself and ripped up my bed.”

He canted his head at her. “Always blaming me for your actions.Yourwings shreddedyourbed when I attempted to untangle myself fromyourhold. I did however enjoy the way you clung to me in your sleep. An experience I would not mind repeating.”

Faye wet her lips. She couldn’t tell him, but she missed the dreams where she slept in his arms while he stroked her hair. She curled her finger at him as she sauntered over.

Rune obeyed, gazing down at her. “What game did my minx have in mind?”

“One where you don’t get to touch me.” Faye waved her finger in a circle indicating for him to turn around. He turned as she bid. Faye pulled his arms behind his back crossing his wrists before binding them with her ribbon.

Rune twisted to glance down at her. “You realize I can break this.”

She met his gaze with one of mischief. “But you won’t.”

“And what would my queen command of me?”

“Sit.”

Rune turned and took his seat. Faye bit the inside of her lip as her toes curled. With all his power, he would choose to submit to her. The control she wielded over him intoxicated her, making her bold.

Faye stroked the front of his throat and Rune lifted his chin, giving her more access. A low rumble emanated from him, vibrating beneath her touch.

“Are you purring?” She teasingly ran her thumb over his bottom lip.

Rune answered in a low groan.

Faye crawled onto his lap, straddling his hips. Rune stared up at her, his gaze predatory. “I’m going to touch you and you will not move.”

He smiled up at her, male desire blatant in his eyes. His deep, accented voice caressed her as he purred, “Yes, my queen.”

Faye stood on her knees and gripped the front of his throat. She was a little taller than him in this position. Her heart pounded wildly as her gaze lingered on his lips. She wet her own and bent to brush her lips against his.

The touch of his lips thrilled her. His mouth began to move with hers, kissing her gently. Faye fisted his hair, tugging back until he hissed a breath.

“You don’t get to move,” she whispered against his lips. Faye kissed him again and he remained still, keeping his lips parted for her. She loosened her grip on his hair and sighed, “Good.”

---