Page 230 of A Warrior's Fate

It wasn’t long before she swore she was in that room, hearing Kai tell Charley that he was ready to cash out.

She felt him before he appeared from within the crowd. Davina squeaked and scooted out of the way, Isla jumping herself as she found her body corralled on her barstool. And then Kai’s mouth was on hers, the kiss hot, deep, claiming, and frustrated.

He wedged his hand into her hair, pulling gently from the roots to angle her head and sweep his tongue past her lips to caress hers. She didn’t mind the taste of whiskey much anymore.

Somehow, the embrace felt endless but so brief. Too brief.

She was breathless as he broke away and went to her ear.

“You have no idea what you’re in for later,” he whispered, his breath hot on her already searing skin. “If I didn’t want this whole place knowing how sexy you sound when I’m inside you, I’d take you in the back.”

Isla didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what to do with her hands, her body. She’d arched off the bar as he spoke, her breasts grazing his chest. Enough friction—but not enough at all—to leave her thrumming with need.

“I can be quiet,” she sent, not able to get her mouth to move, every part of her aching to feel him.

His low chuckle reverberated through her, and his lips grazed her ear. “I don’t want you to.”

The following kiss he placed on her temple was gentle, very at odds with how she imagined things would go later.

She swallowed hard, crossing her legs tightly as Kai took a seat on the other side of her and ordered food and drinks, not just for them, but for everyone in the tavern.

Isla couldn’t even manage to be impressed.

Her eyes went to the floor, her entire being on fire. She refused to gaze at Sebastian and Ameera but eventually glanced at Davina. The secretary’s eyes were wide and her cheeks stained as red as her hair. Whether it was for the actions or words she’d overheard, Isla shot her an apologetic look.

Suddenly, Rhydian appeared, followed by Jonah and Adrien.

The foremost kissed his mate on her rosy cheek, and his brows furrowed as he pulled away. “Are you okay?”

Davina gulped and looked Rhydian over, the inside of her lip between her teeth. She nodded briskly, humming her yes.

Rhydian still appeared doubtful, and Isla recognized the look as Davina spoke to him mind-to-mind. Recognized the spark in his eyes and the smirk that he failed to hide as he nodded, and they attempted to appear as normal.

Apparently, she and Kai weren’t the only ones breaking Ameera’s rules.

But maybe the general had been smart because Isla still felt wired and she wasn’t sure what—aside from a very cold bath or Kai making good on his word right here, right now—would make the feeling go away.

As Adrien stood before her and met her eyes, he caught on to her flustered state. His gaze flickered to Kai’s turned back before he raised his brows at her.

“Shut up,” Isla snapped under her breath before a smile could grace his mouth.

Adrien put his hands up. “Hey, I didn’t—”

He cut himself off as a finger tapped him twice on the shoulder.

The Heir spun, giving Isla a full view of a young woman. Her chestnut hair flowed long over her shoulders, and her bright green eyes shone behind fluttering lashes.

“Dance with me?” she asked Adrien, barring any other pleasantries.

Both he and Isla wore equal expressions of shock at the general question and the boldness.

Adrien opened and closed his mouth, surprising Isla further. He wasn’t typically one to stammer or hesitate, especially with female attention, but then again, he’d been acting strange since they’d got here.

With each second that passed, Isla could see the woman’s demeanor shifting, eyes dimming, smile fading. She’d been there before. Felt the sting of flat-out rejection, or the even more painful attempt at working around it, prolonging the inevitable heartbreak and brutal blow to her self-esteem.

Isla looked up at her friend, catching uncertainty in his eyes battling with the fact he seemed to find the woman attractive. He’d entertained a few after Cora—she knew that for a fact after some visits to his home—but he’d been cautious. As the Heir, everyone’s eyes in Io were on him. His people, the Council, his father…but he didn’t have to be the crowned prince here. This woman didn’t seem to know who he was or care enough to ask his name.

Tonight was supposed to be about fun. About letting go, relaxing. For all of them. Maybe Isla could give him a little push.

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