Page 31 of Shadows and Flames
Change of fucking plan.
The private sitting room wasn’t so far removed from the festivities that I was able to make my move and finish this bloody contract, but it was a step in the right direction.
At least, if I could get rid ofher.
The poor fool whose days were numbered was turned toward the witch, heavy hand on her thigh.
His other was on mine, but that wouldn’t do. I needed her togo. Increase my chances of being invited somewhere without the watchful eyes of his guards that were now standing sentry at the door. Their eyes faced forward instead of on our little triad.
Lowering to his throat, I planted open-mouthed kisses on clean, cologned skin. The strong smell made my nose twitch, but I continued.
A groan from him vibrated my lips, and triumph made me chuckle into the hollow of his throat. And when he pulled away to nuzzle into mine? I let the deep, delighted noise escape.
The merchant’s hand was still on her, but his body was otherwise angled toward mine, sucking marks into my skin that would fade before I left this room. Earlier, out in the ballroom, after the telltale surge of lust directed my way, Elián and I hadquickly shifted our approach. We didn’t even have to discuss it, nor did I need him to spell out for me that he wouldn’t be joining in.
Shame. With him on the other side of the sofa, we could’ve done some real damage. Maybe could’ve gotten an orgasm or two out of it.
But, something told me that this witch would raise hell and make things much more difficult for me if I showed my hand.
If she wanted competition, then fine, the gauntlet had already been thrown. They’d find that we had more tools than blades and shadows to get the job done.
The witch didn’t move, but the fury on her face, nearly identical to Elián’s queen’s, was too delicious to ignore. My arm was slung lazily on the back of the sofa, and behind our mark’s back, I shot her my middle finger, sealing it with a kiss blown her way.
The man moved up to my ear, pulling at the silver hoop with his teeth. His breath smelled faintly of rum, but I’d been watching. Unlike the rest of his guests, he’d kept his imbibing to a minimum. “I want you to fuck me,” he panted. “While I fuck her.”
Hm. Would the witch go so far?Let us see. I smirked again, pulling him back just enough to press my lips to his. “Now, darling,” I batted my lashes, “I would love nothing more. But you must ask her first. Either way, I’m all yours.”
With desire-hazed eyes, he turned back to the witch who, to her credit, was a picture of delicately wrapped promise. Legs crossed but slit revealing flawless skin, bodice situated to push her breasts forward. Typically, I preferred a more masculine figure, but even I could see the appeal.
Our mark moved to her, nuzzling and whispering in her ear. Whispering of how he wanted her too, the picture she’d paint under him with his body between us.
The feigned giggle made me roll my eyes, and when she pulled his hand to palm her breast, I didn’t hide my huff of irritation. She was buggering up this whole operation. We would win anyway, so what was the point?
While Von Herron wove filthy fantasies, the queen’s cousin glared at me with brown cheeks reddening. Hm.
With a stretching grin, I grabbed our mark’s hips, eliciting a groan that he released into her throat. Even if I did intend to fuck the poor bastard, he certainly wouldn’t last long. Not with the way lust was rolling off of him.
I scooted over on the sofa, bringing me closer to both of them. Time to call her bluff.
“Do you need my help getting her ready for you, darling? Or maybe you like to watch? We could put on a show for you,” the witch glared with almost as much fire as Elián on a calm day, “drive you out of your mind.”
“Fuck,” he gasped and pulled away from her. “Yes, yes,” the merchant groaned, and with a last kiss to her then me, he bolted to the armchair facing us.
Brown hair in disarray and expensive clothing rumpled, he already looked debauched. Was he really that hard up? Poor bloke.
Facing the witch, I found more cracks in her armor, split apart by her frustration. I couldn’t relate, of course. I hardly lost, so I was unaccustomed to the feeling.
To most of the world, The Shadows appeared a stoic, impenetrable force. And, well, we were. But our public face was one of black leathers, armed to the teeth, and standing in a corner. Our killing was whispers in the dark, rumors full of truth.
Tales ofwhatwe did in order to get the kill often died with our target.
I threw my locs over my shoulder and prowled closer to her. “Are you ready for me?” This was a job for both of us, but I’d never taken a partner unwilling. She could fuck me angry all she wanted, but we both knew who was going to truly get to him first.
She flicked a glance over my body—which was flawless—and though no desire wafted off of her, she was mighty convincing if you didn’t know where to look. Throwing her leg over the back of the sofa, she leaned into the arm and bit her lip. “Yes,” she turned her stare to our mark, “please.”
Well. I grasped the hem of her skirts and began to lift. She had tenacity, I’d give her that.
Just as I was about to descend, revealing what lay between her legs, there was an insistent knock on the door.
