Page 105 of Conspirators' Kingdom

Taisiya nodded as she turned around, taking in her surroundings.

“It’s hidden from anyone outside, and any who try to trespass will be at my mercy. So long as we’re here, we’re safe from prying eyes, ears and magic.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you.”

Taisiya smiled. His flattery had returned full-force.

“So, it’s just us?”

Mereruka nodded, pulling her close. If she didn’t know better, she might think he was using the same nefarious magic as his sister, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. She wanted him badly enough to risk ruining the comradery they shared and the high esteem in which she held him. She placed her hands on his bare chest, delighted by the feel of him, her heart both fluttering with anticipation and yet calmed by the safety she found in his arms.

“Just us,” he answered.

“Then, will you do something for me?”

“I hope to do many somethings for you.” He grinned.

She chuckled, nerves nearly making her shake. This time it would be different. It had to be. And for that, she wanted of him what she’d never had the courage to ask of anyone else—his true self.

“I want to see you without your glamour.”

His smile faltered.

“You… want to see my tattoos?”

Taisiya nodded. She’d liked what she’d seen of them, the soft, magical glow of them against his skin.

“They’re a part of you and they’re pretty.”

Mereruka’s brows pinched, his eyes searching hers for a falsehood he would not find. He rubbed his upper arm, looking askance as he fought some internal debate. For the first time, he appeared lost—vulnerable.

“You’re certain?”

“Yes.”

Mereruka released a shaky breath, dropping his glamour and exposing his glowing saffron tattoos for her perusal. Holding himself still, his expression was wary, as if expecting her rejection or disgust. Instead, she traced the designs with her fingers, savouring the taut muscles of his torso, lingering over those that had been re-inked. His hand in hers, Taisiya examined the designs at her leisure. Every finger had multiple spells, an intricate tapestry paid for with pain and patience. She circled him, parting the silky curtain of his violet hair, revealing the designs that snaked down the lean muscles of his wide back and disappeared beneath his kilt.

“Do you have them everywhere?” she asked.

“Almost. I’m not acompletemasochist,” he quipped.

She trailed her fingers across his back, revelling in the soft glide of skin on skin, and rounded him to stand toe to toe.

“Do I pass muster?” he asked, his tone joking but his eyes cautious.

“There was never any question that you would.” She reached up to pull him in for a kiss.

He bent down, his kiss tentative and soft. That wouldn’t do. She wanted his passion. She wanted to be lost in him. Taisiya ran a finger along his pointed ear, goading him. He shuddered and gripped her tight, kneading her rear, slanting his mouth across hers, claiming her tongue with his own. They stumbled onto the bed, a tangle of tongues and limbs, hands grasping, desperate to be closer.

“This will be easier without clothes,” he panted.

“Then take them off.”

“Your wish, my command.”

With a snap of his fingers, their clothes disappeared. The heat of his bare skin against hers had her heart tripping in her chest. His erection ground into her hip and it was all she could do not to moan.

---