Page 32 of Shadows and Flames
We both halted, throwing questioning glances to our mark. Was he the type to want us to keep going? Or to keep this to himself?
As the knocks rang again, he pulled his hand out of his trousers and signaled to the guards to open the door. Another one came forward, whispering in the merchant’s ear, which I had no problem hearing. There was a problem in the southern wing; no, it wasn’t a threat to his safety, but they needed his attention at once.
I dropped the witch’s dress while still hovering over her. What could be the problem? Had Nogón and the queen gotten into trouble? Certainly not… right?
Von Herron reluctantly stood, barely able to drag his eyes away from us. “I’ll be back, sweets. But don’t stop on my account.” He winked and left one guard with us, the rest trailing with him out the door they left ajar.
So much for getting out of touching her.
Instead of reaching under her dress, I bent until my lips were a brush away from hers. I felt the flutter of her lashes in the airbetween us as I trailed to her ear. The witch rested her hands on my arms as I whispered, “Ready to give up now?”
She snapped her teeth, sharper than she fucking needed to, and caught the shell of my ear. “Not on your fucking life.”
I growled in frustration, running the tip of my nose in the hollow of her throat. She trailed her fingertips up and down my spine and wound her hips. Ugh. “Fine. Anything you’re uncomfortable with?” She stalled for a moment, and I backed off, bracing on hands that bracketed her shoulders.
Surprise flitted across her features before she replaced it with want. A minute shake of her head, and I dropped my lips to hers. It was methodical, the pressing of our bodies, the peeks of our tongues. And when purposeful footsteps marched toward us, we both kicked up the show. I grasped her hip underneath her skirts, her hands grabbed my arse and pulled me closer.
By scent and ear, I counted the increased reinforcements surrounding our mark. Ten and then the one with us. Goodness, goodness, whatwasthis human up to?
Another quick sweep of my senses, and I detected no hint of Elián or the queen nearby. Were they not to blame for this interruption? Had they caused some damage and already fled?
“My apologies, sweets,” the human’s voice rang over us.
She broke our kiss first, blinking up at him with a pout and everything. He no longer sounded wrecked, and sure enough, when I turned my attention his way, he appeared far from fucking us.
“You are more than welcome to enjoy the festivities. I have more urgent matters to attend to,” he said tightly, left, and all of the guards followed. Curious.
As soon as we were alone, the witch and I sprang away from each other.
She could’ve done without wiping her lips with the back of her hand, but I just shrugged it off. My mouth was amazing, so it was her loss.
With a loud huff, she stared up at the ornately carved ceiling.
I glared at the floor.
There was no use going after him with all those guards swimming about on high alert. Our contract was blatantly clear that the final deed was to have no witnesses. Otherwise, this whole bit would’ve been much, much easier.
The witch’s bare foot rested near my leg, so I nudged it with my thigh. She glanced at me, and I sighed. “Fancy a hunt?” What else was there to do but find someone to fuck and feed from?
She paused then sat upright, smoothing the back of her slicked curls. We both stood at the same time, tense competition cleared. At least for the moment.
“Fine.”
Chapter Fourteen
ELIÁN
Iclosed the door, flipping the multiple locks and latches. I leaned my back into the wood and took her in.
The deep green dress with embroidered bodice hugged her frame, the skirt hiding what I knew so intimately. The full hips where my hands belonged. The dip of her lower back, where I wanted to dot kisses and soft caresses.
It also didn’t escape my notice that she was dressed in Versillian colors.
My queen stood just beyond the threshold, an inch out of my arm’s reach. I looked at the apartment with new eyes, and it was simple. There were no personal effects. A front room with a small kitchen, table, two chairs. A bedroom and en suite bathing room to the left.
Still, she stood, the calm expanding of her chest not quite belying the rapid beat of her heart.
“Meline,” I said, and she startled. How long had it been since I’d said her name aloud? Now, I couldn’t stop myself. I had her. She washere.
