Page 23 of Of Kings and Thieves

When it comes to certain things.

I paused, the moment between us like the lightning that heralds a violent storm. And what things might those be?

Col leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. “Things that involve you, Samara,” he murmured, his lips grazing my skin. Things that make you moan and beg for more.

My body responded instinctively, a pleasant ache beginning between my thighs. I leaned in closer to him, my lips brushing against his ear in a teasing kiss.

Are you going to show me just how proud you are?

He groaned softly, his hands reaching up to tangle in my hair. “You have no idea,” he said, his breath hot against my neck.

I shivered, my whole body trembling with anticipation. I wanted him desperately, and because of our new connection, I knew he wanted me just as much. I didn’t need to guess anymore about how he felt.

My cards forgotten in my hand, I imagined him leading me away from the fire and pinning me against a tree before fucking me into oblivion.

Careful, love, Col’s voice echoed in my mind, I might have to show you what happens when you tease me with images like that.

“Hey you two lovebirds,” Magnus said, “either get to fucking or get to playing.”

Is that a threat or a promise? I asked Col, ignoring Magnus and smirking. I pulled back and fanned my face with my cards.

Maybe both, Col replied.

It felt as if we hadn’t been apart at all, and as the evening progressed, Col and I became so engrossed in our private conversation that we lost track of the game, much to Magnus’s irritation. He grumbled about being stuck playing cards with “boring Killian” while we exchanged stolen glances, our connection growing stronger by the minute.

As our conversation grew deeper, I wondered if our bond was a good thing, and if I should be encouraging it. Just a few days ago, I had tried to distance myself from Col, but the new bond made it difficult to maintain any semblance of emotional separation.

I’m sorry for deceiving you, he said abruptly. I only wanted to protect myself, and later, you.

I know that now. And I forgive you. I was just… hurt. And more than a little shocked. Just promise you’ll never keep anything from me again.

I swear it.

When Magnus finally called an end to the game for the night, exhaustion weighed heavy on my limbs. But the anticipation of being alone with Col lent me a second wind.

We bid Magnus and Killian goodnight, and no sooner had the cards been cleared away than Col slid under my blanket with me. He pressed his body against me, his mouth finding mine in a searing kiss.

I tangled my hands in his hair, pulling him closer as I opened my mouth to the skillful sweep of his tongue. Arousal ignited my blood, desire pooling hot and urgent between my legs.

“Gods, I wanted to do that all night,” Col growled against my lips.

What stopped you? I panted, rocking my hips against his, grateful that Killian’s painkiller was still working.

We had an audience. He nipped at my jaw, hands roaming over my body in a possessive caress. And I prefer to have you all to myself.

Lucky for you, we’re alone now. Magnus and Killian seemed to have melted into the night air. I tugged at Col’s shirt, impatient to feel his bare skin against mine. Get this off.

Col complied, discarding his shirt in short order before returning his attention to me. His gaze remained locked with mine, hazel eyes glowing with passion and something more—something that made my heart ache with tenderness. He brushed a wisp of hair from my cheek, the tender gesture at odds with the primal heat between our bodies.

“You’re so beautiful,” he rasped, hips snapping forward in a particularly deep stroke. The heat and friction of his hips between my legs was electric, and I felt the deep throb of pleasure emanating from our connection even through our clothes. “Watching you come undone for me is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. And I want to see it again.”

Killian said no sex.

Killian is an ass.

So are you.

Col stilled, and I thought I had offended him before a flush crawled up my neck, and a pleasant buzz filled me as another wave of arousal shook my body. How did you do that?

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