Page 69 of Kiss of Fire

“Take her face off, Leona. It does not suit you.”

Leona’s lips tightened.

“Is she the reason you don’t want to see me anymore?”

“I told you, I have to make the Vulcani believe my betrothal is real.”

“The Vulcani don’t give a shit whether you’re tupping that half-breed. They just want to know if she’s really fae.”

“Have a care, Leona. An alliance with the Vulcani will help me secure the throne.”

“What aboutme?” The si’lat’s voice rose to a screech. “What aboutouralliance?”

“I already have your people on my side. Now I need to win over the Vulcani. Here, cover yourself.” A shadow snaked out and tossed the towel towards Leona. “You should go. And Leona?”

“What?”

“I do not want to see you wear her face ever again.”

With a hiss of rage, the si’lat morphed back into the redhead as she stormed from Shade’s chambers. He didn’t bother to watch her leave. She was already gone from his mind.

He walked out onto the platform, drawing the night air deep into his lungs. He closed his eyes, remembering the feel of Raya in his arms, her skin warm and damp from the bath, the smell of her hair.

She was only next door. Yet she was an aeon away.

When it’s over, I’ll hate you for it.

Her words had cut like a knife to his heart.

She wanted you, his inner voice told him. It wasn’t all one way.

Was he sure about that? Or was it wishful thinking? Was he any better than that dog, Griggs, who had abused his power over her in the human world?

He roared his shame and frustration, the guttural sound rolling like thunder through the night sky. He had to redeem himself. Somehow, the thought of Raya hating him was an agony he couldn’t bear.

It came to him, then. Something he could do to repair Raya’s trust in him. It would mean swallowing his pride, but that couldn’t be helped.

He knew it would make Raya happy and then, maybe, just maybe, she would forgive him.

Twenty Six

Raya groaned when the knock came at her door. It was almost noon, but she didn’t want to get out of bed. She was still mortified at the events of the night before, angry with Shade for making her feel that way, and furious with herself for practically swooning in his arms.

It had been a long time before she got to sleep.

“Go away,” she snapped, thinking it was a servant bringing her food.

“It is I.” Shade’s voice rumbled through the door.

“Definitelygo away.” She pulled the covers over her head.

“Raya, I will stay here until you open the door. All day if necessary.”

“You’re a fucking jerk, you know that?”

“We need to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you.”

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