Page 102 of Of Kings and Thieves

Trust me, love, he said, his voice dark and sultry. I’ll have you seeing stars by the time I’m through with you.

Our bond thrummed with desire as we exchanged heated promises, leaving me flushed and desperate for his touch. I tried to focus on maintaining a straight face in front of Silvius, but my mind was filled with images of tangled limbs and sweat-slicked skin.

A gust of wind suddenly blasted through the open window, lifting the curtains into the air. Silvius and I stared as a giant raven flew through it. The bird had a wingspan wider than three men standing side by side and descended gracefully onto the floor with barely a sound.

His feathers were black as midnight, and his eyes glowed with an eerie light. Eyes that looked directly at me and were filled with lust. I barely had time to admire Col’s new form before he transformed into the man I loved. He was already naked, his eyes burning into mine as he took in the sight of me.

“Silvius,” Col ordered, his voice low and commanding. “Get out.”

Silvius quickly gathered his belongings and limped out, giving me a knowing grin as he left and closed the door behind him.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

The light streamed through the grand windows, dust motes dancing in the golden shafts that cut across the floor. The heavy drapes were pulled back and secured with golden tasseled cords, allowing the room to bask in the sunlight.

But I only had eyes for Col. He stood at the window, his broad back to the air as he gazed on me with hungry eyes.

His dark shoulder-length hair framed his chiseled face, and his hazel eyes burned with intensity. The raven tattoo stood out sharply on his left breast, and now I knew what it meant. It was a symbol of his newfound power as the Iron Raven. But to me, it marked him as king.

My heartbeat quickened at the sight of him, heat coiling low in my belly. I leaned on the vast oak table for support.

Col’s strong shoulders heaved with each breath, betraying his exhaustion from chasing after The Harrow and from his flight back to the castle.

“I’ve missed you, little thief,” Col said, amusement lacing his tone.

“And I’ve missed you.” I dragged my gaze up the hard planes of his chest. “Your Grace.”

Col crossed the room in three quick strides and caught my chin in his hand, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. I smiled.

It was all the invitation he needed. Col crushed his mouth to mine. I sighed into the kiss, parting my lips to deepen it as heat and longing surged through our bond.

Col deepened the kiss, pushing me against the table and letting out a low growl. His hands traveled hungrily over my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I gasped as his fingertips caressed my skin, and desire pooled in my stomach as his mouth moved down my neck.

His lips were everywhere, exploring, tasting, and teasing until I was breathless with pleasure. His hands slid down to grip my hips. “I’ve done nothing but think about this moment since you killed Moredanea.”

“The feeling is mutual.” I slid my hands into his hair and nipped at his lower lip, desire burning hot in my veins. “I’m sorry The Harrow got away.”

“We will discuss it,” Col said firmly. He cupped my face in his hands. “But later. He has taken enough from us—I won’t allow him to steal a single moment more of our joy.”

I leaned into his touch. “As you say, my king.”

“My love,” he corrected gently. “Before all else, you are that to me.”

He drew me close, and I rested my head on his chest, listening to the strong, sure beat of his heart. In his arms, the horrors of our past and fears of our future receded. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and hoisted my legs around his waist, pulling him against me, and—

A sharp knock sounded at the door, startling us apart. I scrambled to adjust my clothing as the door creaked open.

“Unless the castle is burning down,” Col roared, “no one better knock on that door again for the rest of the morning!”

The door shut again, and whoever was on the other side must have realized their error because they quietly left.

I laughed and returned my arms to Col's neck. He looked at me with a wicked grin. “You still have clothes on.”

“Let’s see how fast you can get them off.” I grabbed his cock and ran my fingers along the hard flesh, and he let out a long moan as I caressed him with a light touch. He inhaled sharply and stepped into me, pushing me against the table with a hungry kiss. I moved to untie the laces of my gown but Col caught my hands.

“Let me,” he said hoarsely.

He undid the laces with agonizing slowness, brushing his knuckles against my breasts as he did. I sucked in a sharp breath, heat pooling between my thighs. By the time he finally eased the dress over my head I was panting, aching for his touch.

---