Page 99 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

Then she was there before me, her small hands pressing against my chest like twin brands. My heart slammed against my ribs, each beat calling me to action.

Her touch was a balm, yet it seared, burning through layers of armor I’d built up over our time apart.

"Show me Blómhaus," she requested.

"Will you marry me if I do?" The words tumbled out and there was no calling them back.

Her fingers curled into my shirt, pulling herself up on her toes, her breath mingling with mine. "Take me there and find out."

The challenge in her eyes was a gauntlet thrown, and I was already reaching for it.

Swooping her up, I crushed my lips to hers. Raina's arms wound around my neck, clinging as though she might never let go again, and in that moment, I was nearly whole.

"Blómhaus," I breathed against her lips as we spun through the shadows of the portal, landing in the secluded sanctuary I'd designed and helped build with my own hands.

As soon as our feet touched the floor, Raina’s fingers went for the fastenings of my tunic, her movements fevered and desperate. My blood roared, a tempestuous sea crashing against the cliffs of self-restraint.

"Raina," I warned, capturing her wrists gently but firmly. "Not until I have all of you."

Her eyes met mine unflinchingly. "I am ready, Liam. All that I am, I give to you."

The words ignited something deep inside my soul. A claim, an oath, a need so profound it bordered on sacred. Yet, I reined in the burning tide.

"All of you means marriage, flower."

Frustration flickered across her face before she surveyed Blómhaus, the haven I'd kept secret. Her gaze softened as she took in what little she could see of the master suite.

"Fine," she huffed, though curiosity replaced irritation as she peered at the strange flora singed into the wood paneling and painted in soft colors, the shades of her irises as I remembered them.

"If you’re not going to let me have your cock, then at least grant me a tour."

Even now, with desire a tangible force between us, she could disarm me with a few well-placed words. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to kill the erection straining to get out of my pants.

Raina entwined her hand in mine and told me to hurry because we were short on time.

Sorry we had to rush, but ecstatic at the shift in our relationship, I was too distracted to remember she technically hadn’t said yes.

No matter. I’d be rectifying that as soon as we returned to Thornewood.

Then I’d lock my little nymph in our quarters and make sure she knew exactly to whom she belonged.

Forever.

Twenty-One

Raina

The heavy cloak of dread lifted ever so slightly at the sight of familiar faces waiting for us in the main hall. I wasn’t looking forward to witnessing Brahm’s intel reach Nox’s ears.

And definitely not Aeryn’s.

Despite Sidra being from the king’s past, no female wanted to hear about her mate’s sexual history. Especially when that piece of sexual history was gunning for the throne and would kill to get it.

Nox stood with an arm around Aeryn’s hips, their expressions identical imprints of concern. Uncannily, they also both noticed Liam’s grip on my hand, at the same time.

Astrid and Saxon stepped forward then. They were just as observant. Thankfully, they were also quiet.

Aeryn came closer, pulling me into a hug. "When the missive arrived from the Drótinn, we feared the worst.”

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