Page 127 of A Crown Without Mercy

“That was amazing,” she said.

“Yes, it was,” he agreed, as he stroked her back with his fingers.

“Rio?”

“Syl?”

“I love you.”

He rose onto his elbow, tucked her hair behind her ear, and gazed into her eyes with a heartfelt smile. “And I love you more than you will ever know.” After a passion filled kiss, he pulled away and cupped her face in his palm. “If there is ever a time where I seem harsh or unemotional, never doubt my feelings for you.”

“I won’t.”

Chapter 18

Riordanwastryingtosleep. However, the puppy’s incessant whining was as aggravating as a cricket under a floorboard. He rolled over, picked it up by the scruff of its neck, and held it above his face. “I should have left you in the fucking market.” He then laid him down on the other side of Sylvana. “You better not shit on our bed.”

Sylvana laughed aloud. “If he does, I’m sure you are capable of cleaning the mess.”

“Is that so?” He scooted the pup to the side, rolled over, and pinned her beneath him. “I will not be responsible for him.”

“Rio, I can’t breathe. Get off.” She laughed.

“You’ve held your breath longer when my dick was down your throat.” He winked.

“Rio!”

He laughed aloud and rolled over.

“Haven’t you had enough for one night?”

“No.”

“Well, I’m tired.”

He kissed the crook of her neck and wrapped her in his arms. “If he wakes me again, your body is mine.”

“Fine.” She chuckled.

Nicolai and Kieran quietly tossed their robes onto a chair and crawled into the bed and Nicolai jumped up when a high-pitched yelp startled him. “What the fuck?”

“What the hell is that thing doing in our bed?” Kieran asked.

Sylvana woke up and grabbed the puppy. “Shit. You’re okay, little one,” she said as she cuddled it in her arms. She then looked up at Nicolai and Kieran. “Didn’t Riordan tell you?”

“No,” Nicolai stated.

“Fuck me, I have finally fallen asleep and the three of you are as loud as lords in a fucking tavern.”

“Can one of you explain why there is a mangy pup in our bed?” Nicolai asked.

“He’s not mangy, and Riordan gave him to me,” Sylvana replied.

“Say what?” Nicolai asked.

“Riordan—gave you a puppy?” Kieran questioned.

“Yes,” Sylvana said.

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