Page 69 of Taken By the Fae

Tristan leans in, snagging my chin and freeing my lip with his thumb, brushing it back and forth across before pulling back. Everything in me tightens when he lifts the digit to his mouth and sucks it clean.

I suck in a shallow breath, snared in his gaze. “This… is the best French toast I’ve ever tasted.”

His gaze darkens, dropping to my mouth, and my heart leaps. That brief look is my only warning before he sweeps in and steals my lips with his, tasting them, devouring me whole. “If I’m honest,” he murmurs against my lips with a soft chuckle, “I want to lay you on this counter, spread your thighs, and tasteyou.”

My breath hitches as I grab the front of his shirt, holding him as close as I can without pulling him off the stool. “Why don’t you?”

He kisses along my jaw, licking and nipping the skin and leaving a trail of tingles in his wake. “Because we have limited time, and once I start with you, Aurora, I won’t be interrupted.” The dark promise in his words knocks the air out of my lungs, and his shirt wrinkles in my grip. “Have I rendered you speechless? I suppose there is a first time for everything.” His tone is mirthful; my responding scowl is half-hearted at best.

ChapterEighteen

Ispend that afternoon prepping the ballroom. Skylar and Max help here and there, but mostly, it’s up to me and a team of the hotel staff, most of which are human.

Once everything is ready and I’ve spoken to the bartender, caterer, and musician, I step away to get ready. There isn’t much time before guests arrive, so I head up to the penthouse to finish my hair, do my makeup, and put on my dress.

I’m surprised when Skylar comes in and grabs the curling iron while I’m trying to rush through doing my makeup. She goes to work on my hair, pinning part of it up and curling it into loose waves before braiding a portion of it, which gives me time to touch up my face. In true Skylar fashion, she disappears before I can thank her.

I pace around one of the guest rooms in Tristan’s penthouse until there’s nothing left for me to do but put on my dress. I stare at where it hangs on the closet door. It’s a floor-length, sleeveless, rose gold gown that glimmers with every movement. It has a V-shaped neckline, and it is the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen. That I’m wearing it for a work event was my justification for the steep expense, but when Tristan insisted the company reimburse me, I didn’t argue.I step into it, pulling the material until it falls into place, and slip on my heels. My breath catches when there’s a soft knock at the door. “Come in.”

I watch the door open from the mirror in front of me as Tristan steps in and closes it behind him. The world slows. There’s nothing but the two of us, and we can’t stop looking at each other. I’ve seen Tristan in formal wear at the office for meetings, but I’ve never seen him like this. His face is freshly shaved and hair is slicked back, none of the usual unruly pieces sticking out. It looks darker than normal. It suits him. He’s wearing a black tux with a bow tie, making me smile at the thought of watching him standing at a mirror tying it.

He walks over to where I’m standing and stops behind me. A look of genuine admiration shines on his face as he stares at me in the mirror.

“You are stunning,” he says in a low voice, as if dozens of people fill the room, and his voice is meant for my ears only.

I meet his gaze in the mirror and smile. “Thank you.”

He leans in and kisses my cheek. “You’ve worked hard on this event, so I know you want it to be nothing short of perfect, but try to enjoy yourself.”

“Itwillbe perfect,” I assure him.

He chuckles. “Of course it will.”

“I’ll have a good time. You don’t need to worry about me, Tris.”

He tilts his head. “What did you call me?” he asks in a light tone.

“Sorry,” I mumble.

“No. I liked it,” he admits, making my belly swirl with warmth. His eyes travel the length of me, taking in every curve the material is hugging.

“I just put this on, and you’re looking at me as if you’re about to tear it off.” The idea isn’t one I’m completely opposed to, but the dresswasexpensive, and I need it for tonight.

He licks his lips, making heat rush to my cheeks and much lower. “It’s a gorgeous dress, but what’s underneath interests me much more.”

I swallow, my pulse kicking up as he slides his hand into mine and guides me to face him. I grip the lapel of his jacket with my free hand as my heart pounds in my ears.

He dips his face closer until our noses brush before resting his forehead against mine. “You have no idea how badly I want you.”

I suck in a breath, but before I can get a word in, his lips seal over mine, and whatever I was going to say is lost in the feel of his mouth. I slide my hand up his chest and grip the back of his neck, tugging him closer as I flick my tongue across his lower lip.

A soft growl rumbles in his throat, and he nips my lip before his tongue darts out to meet mine. His hands grip my waist, rubbing slow circles against the fabric of my dress that I’m suddenly wishing didn’t exist.

“How much time do we have?” I ask, kissing the corner of his mouth.

“Not enough,” he murmurs against my lips. He leans away and brushes my hair back into place before adjusting his suit jacket. He offers me his arm. “Guests will arrive any minute. We’ll have to pick this up later.”

I press my lips together so I don’t suggest something stupid like missing the beginning of the event.No,I silently scold myself. I’m going to be a responsible adult and ignore the delicious throbbing between my thighs.

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