A Fate of Wrath & Flame (Fate & Flame 1)

He pulls me flush against his body, his deft hands gripping my thighs tightly. Mounds of sopping silk bunch between us, but I can still feel him there, pressing against my thigh.

I close my eyes and let my head fall back, and I revel in the feel of Zander’s hands searching the material as his lips trace the curves of my breasts with slow, precious sweeps of his tongue.

Releasing a curse laced with annoyance, he grabs hold of my skirt and pulls. A tearing sound fills the dark, heady bath chamber. Beneath the water, his hands explore my bare thighs, then between them, his touch oddly gentle compared to his frustration a moment ago as he caresses and teases and probes. His eyes burn as he watches the enjoyment unfold over my face. “Does this help with your dissatisfaction from last night?” he quips softly.

I rummage for words between shallow breaths. “Yes. Though do you know what would help more?” I roll my hips against his hand, earning his guttural groan.

Tearing the front of my dress the rest of the way, he grasps my thighs and pulls me forward.

My body tenses with anticipation.

“Your Highness!” comes Boaz’s deep voice from the sitting room, startling us.

Zander’s lips part with a long, slow draw of air, as if he’s struggling to regain his composure. “What is it?” he snaps.

Heavy footfalls approach, and my arms instinctively curl around my exposed chest.

“Lord Stoll is eager to speak with you. He’s received a message from—” Boaz’s words falter when he rounds the corner.

“A message from …” Zander prompts, as if the two of us aren’t in the tub together. There’s nowhere to hide, and he isn’t the type to duck.

Boaz’s eyes flicker to me before shifting away. “From his steward in Hawkrest. There have been cases of poisonings. Six of them.”

Zander’s head falls back. “So, it has begun.”

“The tributaries were caught while trying to run. They are being held, but he needs guidance on how to punish them accordingly, given they are mortal. His people are terrified. Word is spreading.”

“I guess that ends that.” Zander gently eases me back from his lap and pulls himself out of the tub, giving me an impressive eyeful before he steps out. He leisurely wraps a towel around his waist and exits to dress in the adjacent room.

Boaz scowls at me, my arms still wrapped around my bare chest. “He has not learned his folly,” he mutters under his breath before disappearing.