Page 131 of Kiss of Fire

“I wanted to see you.”

“Have you come to tell me you are leaving?”

“Why would you think that?”

He spread his arms as if it was obvious.

“You are a queen now. You belong in Feyir.”

“Screw that.” She laughed and the vice around his heart loosened a little. “Unless you want me to go?”

“No! No, but…” he took a breath. “It would not surprise me. Everything that has happened to you, happened because of me. If I had not brought you here to Nush’aldaam, Aelfric would not have found you.”

“I think we both know that’s not true. His shaitun found me at the hospital just before you got there.”

“But you were lured into a trap because Leona was angry with me.”

“And again, you saved me.”

“I think on that occasion, you saved me.” He smiled faintly. “I have never heard of a Vulcani being able to throw a solid wall of fire before. It was remarkable. And extremely powerful.”

“Heat of the moment. Literally.”

“Still. I would not blame you for never trusting me again.”

Raya cocked her head.

“You think I don’t trust you?”

“I don’t know what you think. Your mind, as ever, is a mystery to me.”

She nodded thoughtfully. Then she turned and let herself fall backwards off the platform. The descent was shockingly fast, the wind snatching her breath away. The cliff face whipped past her and the sound of the gorge below got louder.

And then he was on her, arms tight around her, slowing her velocity. Shade held her close as they ascended, shadows streaming off him in consternation.

“Why in the name of the gods did you do that?”

“Because I knew you’d catch me. I trust you, Shade. I always trust you.”

And she kissed him. Her lips explored his, gently at first, then more urgently. He let her take the lead, unsure where this was heading. She darted her tongue into his mouth, surprising him with her boldness.

Her hands were against his chest and she moved them restlessly, stroking his pecs, his ribs, down towards his stomach.

He caught her wrist and pulled his mouth from hers.

“Raya, I need to be clear on this,” he said thickly. “What do you want from me?”

“I want you to be my first.”

“Your…?”

“I want you to make love to me, Lord Shadeed of Nurhan. You’ve told me how you feel about me. Now I want to show you howIfeel.”

“Are you sure?”

In answer, she kissed him again. She wound her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs about his waist. They spiralled in the air slowly, just kissing, as his wings beat in time to their hearts.

I could kiss him forever, she thought. He roamed her mouth possessively, his tongue flickering against hers sensuously. He moved from her mouth to her ears, nipping at her lobe before stroking the very tip of his tongue over the delicate points. She inhaled sharply. She hadn’t realised how sensitive fae ears were.

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