Page 65 of Rook of Ruin
Alec stands at the window near the large bed, observing us, his black hair pulled back into a neat bun. If I hadn’t just seen him murder a man and tear minds apart, I would think he’s just had a relaxing day at the Locker. It gives me the overwhelming need to share everything about my time outside the castle with him. Words stumble out of my mouth as I tell Alec about healing the villagers and Vetter’s with a little input from Finn and Nora. He listens, an emotionless mask tight over his face.
“Mate, didn’t you hear?” Finn says with a smirk. “She has a kid now.” Finn watches Alec, waiting to see if he takes the bait.
Alec regards Finn coolly. “What’s wrong with that? This boy, Elliot, is lucky to have her.”
Fuck me. I bite my lip and think of the many ways I would love to show him how grateful I am to hear that answer. Alec’s eyes catch mine, and Finn frowns, glaring at Alec.
Nora rolls her eyes at the very male-aggressive atmosphere. “We will honor O’s wishes to work with you—for now. After she has healed the last village, retrieves Elliot, and returns to the castle, we go back to the way things were.”
“Is that what you want?” Silver eyes on mine.
“I don’t think things will ever be ‘the way they were’ for me, and I don’t want them to be. But I need to continue with Nora and Finn. I need to help our people,” I say slowly. Alec tilts his head slightly in agreement. “I would like everyone to know I’m okay though.”
Nora raises her eyebrows. “Everyone?” She smirks and coughs back a laugh.
“Oh, and Simon. He will be concerned, of course. My face feels warm. I was so excited to see Alec, I forgot about Simon. I am a horrible person.
“If that is what you want, O.” Alec looks out the window. “I give you two my word that I will also honor Orlaith’s wishes.”
Nora stretches and gives her goodbyes, then opens the door, waiting for Finn. He scoots his feet and turns. “If you would like, love, the Rook can have my room, or you could bunk with Nora.”
Alec snaps his head to Finn and narrows his eyes. “I’m never leaving her.” Too much meaning behind those words.
“Let’s go, Finn.” Nora shoves him out the door, leaving us.
Alec says nothing as he turns back toward the window, completely still, staring into the outside world. The air is thick with tension. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.I have too much to say, unsure of how to begin. He came for me. He fought for me.
I wait for him to say something, anything, but he doesn’t. Heaving a sigh, I go into the bathroom, leaving the door open, and glance at the two sets of clothes on the vanity—a very low-cut crimson silk night dress for tonight and for tomorrow, a cream dress with red beading. Taking off my shoes, I start the water for a bath until it reaches the perfect level.
Courage fills my veins, but all I can think of is a simple request. The same one Alec asked of me. “Allow me to take care of you.”
He gives no response. My stomach drops for a moment until I hear shuffling and a click of a lock. He comes into the bathroom, and I watch as he pulls the clasps of his brown leather chest piece. The next layer comes off just as easily, and he turns his back to me, placing his leathers neatly on a small stool. He turns around, and I gasp.
Angry red flesh with fresh ink is seared into my mind. From his left collarbone to the top of his first rib, I see a large O with a ranunculus flower blooming out of it and a dagger stabbing through them both. Tears threaten to come down my face because, like his other tattoos, it represents something he’s had to survive.
Me.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper. I’m horrified. He may be the Spider, but I’m the beast that crushed him.
“Look at me.” He grabs the back of my neck, and I look up. “I wouldn’t trade this, any of what we have. I didn’t get this ink because I have to survive you. I did it because no one will ever have my heart like you do. I covered my heart so I would always have you here, protecting it.” He moves my hand and places it over his fresh tattoo. I heal it completely so I don’t hurt him, and his beautiful smile almost makes me weep. “This is the firsttattoo, the only tattoo that shows my hope, not my despair.” He squeezes my hand.
Years. We have known each other for years, and we could have had this all along. The regret for what was, what is, and what we can only have now . . .
I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck. I brush my lips over his, silver eyes on mine as his arm curls around my hips, pulling me in. He crushes his mouth to mine, and I open myself to him, moaning as our tongues clash and his hands move lower to grip my ass. My hands claw at his back in need, desperate to be closer, before my dress rips and falls to the floor. Cool air pebbles my skin as I pull at his pants, his thick, hard length straining against the leather. He chuckles, pausing to slide off his boots and pants, making my mouth water. Alec’s eyes widen, taking me in; the see-through lace corset and underwear has his cock twitching.
“You’re so fucking beautiful.” He slides his thumb along my lips.
My body responds, and I can’t help myself as I glide my hand up along his thick shaft and then back down. He sucks in a breath and then expertly removes my corset, my breasts rubbing against his chest as our mouths collide again. That tongue of his trails along my own, and I press against him for more friction. My simple braid is taken down, my hair tumbling down my back as my hands push up around his neck. I lift one thigh, and he pulls the other up, lifting me easily. I wrap my legs around his hips and kiss him fiercely. His breath becomes ragged and—thunderous mercy—I want to hear him moan for me.
He carries me into the bedroom. My back hits the bed, and Alec climbs on top of me, our kiss deepening. He removes my underwear and puts his forehead to mine. The desire in his silver eyes causes my breath to catch.
“I’ve never needed anyone, but I fuckingneedyou, all of you. Be mine, Orlaith, if only for now.”
My fingers gently touch his cheeks. “You have me. All of me.” I smile and then seek out his mouth as his hand goes between my thighs, moving slowly around my clit.
“So fucking wet for me.” My breath hitches, and he grins, removing his hand. He stands and pulls me to the edge of the bed. “I’ve wanted to devour you for so long.”
He kneels next to the bed, and his tongue slides across my seam. I throw my head back, my hand covering my mouth, stopping my loud moan. Alec’s tongue licks my center, swirling his tongue and then sucking on my clit.
