Page 86 of Kiss of Fire

She stroked a finger down his arm. She knew he was strong enough to lift her. She wondered what it would be like to be pinned against him. The unexpected thought made her warm.

“Let’s find Lord Shadeed first,” Tor said. Pasha stopped in front of a door.

“Let me just check if he’s…”

Tor didn’t let him finish. He threw it open, surprising the four or five people inside sitting round a table. Shade stood up, glowering.

“What is the meaning of this?” His face darkened as he saw Tor, still holding Raya’s hand.

Tor didn’t waver.

“Apologies, Lord Shadeed. But it’s a matter of urgency.”

Shade strode out, closing the door behind him.

“What do you mean? Raya, are you alright?”

Raya was finding it hard to speak. The sight of Shade storming towards them had done something major to her insides. Heat was rippling up and down her body and her heart was skittering like crazy.

Fuck, maybe shehadbeen poisoned.

Tor leaned towards Shade, whispering urgently.

“Someone gave her ambrosia berries. You need to take her somewhere private.”

Shade’s brows drew down.

“Ambrosia berries? Who?”

“She said a woman gave them to her. My Lord, she’s had two. You need to take hernow.”

Shade swore under his breath.

“Pasha, tell the others the meeting is over. And I am not to be disturbed for the rest of the evening.” He turned to Tor. “You have my thanks, Mr Torven. A lesser man may have taken advantage of the situation. I was wrong about you.”

“Not entirely.” Tor met his gaze levelly. “I considered it. But she’s already spoken for.”

Shade’s jaw tightened.

“That would not have been a barrier to someone of fewer morals.”

“Maybe not. But I’ve seen her aura when she’s around you and I know who she’d rather be with.” He let go of Raya’s hand and gave her a small smile. “You’ll be all right now, my Lady.”

Raya watched him vanish down the stairs.

“Wait! What’s going on?”

Her pulse leapt as Shade took her hand.

“Let us go.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the bedchamber.”

Heat bloomed between her legs. Christ, what the hell was the matter with her?

“I… I feel a bit strange.”

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