Page 75 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

It's just our hands and our mouths, but when the time finally comes for us to step out of the shower, I feel as if my body has been marked by Az and Emeric in some way that I can't even begin to explain.

We barely make it to Emeric's bed, our trembling hands interlocking tightly. Something passes between the three of us, the exhaustion of our journey and the thrill of the hunt binding us even closer.

Az wraps an arm around my waist possessively, while Emeric laces his fingers through mine and our legs intertwine in a desperate embrace.

Az trails a line of kisses up my neck until his lips reach my ear and he asks, "Can I feed from you?"

I wrap my fingers around his, guiding it along my curves, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. My stomach quivers as his palm moves inch by inch closer to my core, until my body trembles with anticipation. His fingers trace circles around my hips before finally resting at the apex of my thighs. A guttural moan escapes my lips as I whisper, "Here?" in a needy, wanton voice.

"Fuck," Emeric swears. "You do that and none of us are getting sleep tonight." He groans.

Az rolls me to my back, trailing his fingers over my hip as he settles between my legs. His lips press to my inner thigh before he moves higher. I arch my back, crying out softly as his tongue meets my sensitive flesh.

Emeric takes my hand, twining our fingers together just when Az sinks his fangs into me. A low keening fills the room as pleasure radiates through my body, making me dizzy and lightheaded.

It washes over me in waves, each one a higher crest, and I find myself lost in it. Lost in them.

Turning my head towards Emeric, I grip the nape of his hair and pull his lips to mine, our tongues sliding and tasting each other in unison.

When I come up for air, I meet Emeric’s pale blue eyes. “Show me again how this works.” I grip him below, feeling the vibration a second later as he grins.

My other hand cards through Az's silky hair, and I ride his face as though my life—

"Entertaining as this may be, might I have a word, Morte?"

Each of us freezes, my blood runs like ice through my veins, each beat of my heart a reminder of the power radiating from his body. It wraps us up in a blanket of horror and dread, so strong that every breath I take is a challenge.

A strangled gasp escapes my lips as his name slips past them. The devil stands before us, pure hatred and malice wafting off him. His eyes, like two burning rubies, bore into my soul, scorching me with the intensity of his gaze. He advances closer, looming above us like a colossus of dark power. His confidence is palpable in the air, a smothering weight of fear that claws down my throat and burrows into my chest.

Yanking the blanket pooled at my feet, Az covers me, shielding me from Aggonid's roving stare.

"I assume you know why I'm here." His voice fills the room, a sibilant whisper that echoes around us like a storm.

"Ah, I've earned your favor after all." I grin, pumping as much false bravado into my tone as I can.

Aggonid's eyes narrow, a malicious smirk playing on his lips. "Indeed, you have," he drawls, the tone husky and laden with promise. His gaze flicks between me and my two almost-lovers before settling back on me. "No doubt these two had everything to do with it."

Az places a protective arm around me, a low growl slipping from his throat.

Aggonid holds up his hands in a mocking gesture of peace. "There's no need for violence here. After all, I'm simply here to collect my due." His eyes flare with a faint glint of triumph as they flick between the three of us.

"If I'd had any inkling that I'd be cursed with the sight of your repulsive face for a full month, I would've stayed home," I snarl. My words may not be completely honest, but if he believes he can come here and insult me without me biting back, he has no idea who I am.

Aggonid claps his hands together in a show of mock delight. "Ah, such spirit!" His tone is partly scoffing, but it's clear he's impressed by my courage. He steps closer, looming over me like a dark specter. "But I'm afraid it is I who must endure the likes of you." He pivots on his heel, striding towards the door. "Come now, I don't want to stay in this hovel any longer than I must."

Az and Emeric exit the bed and help me to my feet. Emeric is the first to embrace me, his hand threading through my hair as he places a firm kiss on my lips. I lean into him, savoring his touch before Az clears his throat. Heat fills my cheeks when I take a step back.

"Here are some clothes that might fit you." Az holds up a pair of drawstring pants and a button-up shirt.

I take them from him, and the three of us dress in silence.

"You've got thirty seconds to get out here before I revoke your favor," Aggonid calls from the hallway, and I curse him under my breath with every evil name I can think of.

Once dressed, I launch myself at Az, and our lips crash together in a heated kiss. I don't care that Aggonid is watching, and when we break apart, I tuck my head into the crook of his neck. “I’m going to miss you.”

It’s only thirty days. Get ahold of yourself.

"You'd better be careful there," Az whispers in my ear.

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