Page 87 of Destined for the Fae King

So, I kiss him, and I cling to him, and I hold him close, savoring every touch, every breath, until he slowly, gently pulls away.

“I have to go,” he whispers before placing another kiss against my lips.

I let him untangle my arms from around his neck, pull my fingers from his hair where they’ve ruined his smooth ponytail. Tears blur my vision, and I’m not ashamed when a few slip free.

They’re his. All of me is his.

My legs wobble beneath me when he releases me and steps back. His hungry stare as he looks me up and down nearly makes me whimper. I have to bite my bottom lip to hold it back. But that might be the wrong thing to do because his gaze snaps to my lips. A glow flares from his pupils, and I’d swear he looks like he might pounce on me like a beast at any moment. But I’m not afraid. Not nearly. I’d give myself over to be devoured in a heartbeat.

“I…” He rubs a down his face. “I have something for you before I must leave.”

Lysandir stalks over to a table and rips the lid off a small box. He plucks out a golden chain with something dangling from it.

As he returns, my heart skips a beat. It’s not a pendent hanging off the necklace but a ring.

It’s hanging from a chain, clearly not an engagement ring or anything of the like, but my lust-addled brain can’t compute and screams in shock like it is.

He holds it up, so I can clearly see ornately carved golden band inlaid with red—possibly ruby. “I want you to have this. The ring is too big for you I think, so I placed it on a chain, but its twin to one of mine, a bonded pair.”

“Lysandir…” I’m speechless, my mouth gaping open like a fish. “Thank you.”

“May I?” He lifts it for emphasis.

I nod. He places the necklace over my head, caressing the back of my neck and down over my collarbone as he brushes my hair out from under it. The ring lands heavy and warm at the apex of my cleavage.

I take the ring before my thumb and forefinger and stare down at it. The design, although a bit masculine, is stunning, with a circle of flames rushing around the band. At first, I only saw the red stones,but there are others too, inlaid within the metal so its smooth when I run the pad of my finger across it.

“It’s warm,” I say, struck by the oddity.

“With any luck, it will stay that way,” he says. The hint of a grin pulls at the corner of his mouth. “I can feel yours now, warming on my finger.” He holds up his hand, though of course I can’t see it wherever it lies below the gauntlet. “Wear it always, if you will. As long as it’s against your skin in some way, mine will warm and let me know you’re safe.”

“And mine will stay warm if you’re safe,” I confirm.

He nods. “That’s not all. As a bonded pair, the two call to another. I’ll be able to find you, to shift to you, while you wear it.” His tongue slips out, moistening his lips, and he glances away. “I hope that’s all right with you.”

Something caught between a sigh and a laugh slips out. “Of course it is.”

When he glances back at me, the adoration in his smile nearly makes me melt. “Good. I’m glad. It’ll give me peace of mind to know you’re safe.”

“Same.”

His smile dims and he swallows thickly. Just that action, and I feel my heart start to crack. I tuck the ring under my shirt and savor the way its warmth settles on my skin.

When I fear I might crumble, Lysandir pulls me into his arms once more and kisses me which such ferocity it steals my breath. I’m almost dizzy when he releases me.

“Now, I really must go,” he says. “But I’ll come back to you. I vow it.”

A tingle of magic shimmers in the air. A vow. A one-sided fae bargain.

“You sealed it withmagic?” I gape.

Lysandir grins before picking up a golden helm and tucking it under his arm. “Only death could keep me away. And I suppose then it wouldn’t matter if I couldn’t keep my vow.”

“And you think I’m going to let you leave after saying something like that.”

He huffs air through his nose. “Probably not.” He gives a sharp whistle. A moment later, the back door opens, and Tharin enters. “Please see Mira back to her room.”

“Of course.” He gives a little bow, nose twitching. “Don’t forget to fix your hair.”

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