A Court This Cruel & Lovely (Kingdom of Lies, #1) (114)

My toes curled, my knees weakened, and I fisted his shirt in my hand. “What kinds of things?”

He just gave me a smug, male smile. “Tell me all the ways you want me to touch you, Prisca.” His eyes glittered, and I knew if I let him take me to bed, I’d be ruined for any other man.

The trouble was, it would likely be worth it.

I peered up at him. “I’m not good at this kind of thing.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “At what kind of thing? Telling men what you want?”

My cheeks heated, and his expression turned oddly…tender. “You’ve been fucking the wrong men. Those village boys would never have satisfied you.”

He cupped my face, and then his mouth was on mine, my back against the wall, and I was moaning, my body saying more, more, more. He slid his other hand to my breast, his thumb caressing my nipple, and my thighs clenched.

My hands were scrabbling at him, pulling him closer, needing him closer. He slid his hands to my ass, and a desperate groan left my throat as he was suddenly pressed against my stomach, so thick and hard and long.

He ground into me, and I writhed against him, even as his lips swallowed all the tiny noises I was making. Then he was carrying me to the sofa, pressing me into the cushion and pushing my dress up, until he was staring down at me, eyes dark.

“These are…interesting,” he breathed, one hand sliding to the lace band of my undergarments.

I blushed, unable to say a word.

“So this is how I make you quiet.” He smirked. I opened my mouth to snap at him, but he was already nibbling on my lower lip, slipping his hand beneath my underwear and along that spot that made my knees weak.

His tongue swept into my mouth, just as one finger slid inside me. I clenched around it, and he let out a rough groan as I pushed his shirt up, desperate to feel his skin. A second finger joined the first while his thumb teased my clit, and pleasure rippled through me. I let out a sound that would likely make my cheeks heat tomorrow.

He raised his head, his eyes on my face. “You like that.”

Arrogance dripped from his voice, and I snarled.

He thrust his fingers again and smiled at me. “I like you,” he said, and his voice was filled with something that sounded almost like wonder.

I opened my mouth, but a low moan came out, and Lorian cursed, his voice hoarse.

He pulled off my underwear, and then he was lowering his head in a way that made me squeak.

He just met my eyes, raising one dark eyebrow. I shivered at the sight of him, poised between my legs.

“I—”

He’d already leaned down once more, and I had to clamp my hand over my mouth to stifle the sounds I was making. His mouth was so warm, and he let out a growl as he slowly explored, his tongue teasing until I was panting, begging for more.

He lashed his tongue over my clit, and I bucked beneath him. He laughed, and the vibration, combined with his warm breath, almost sent me over. He caught my hips in his hands, holding me in place for him, and I slid my hands into his hair as I arched my neck, desperate, writhing…

“Knew you’d be like this,” he growled. He lowered his mouth once again, his fingers thrusting deep as he flicked my clit with his tongue. Then sucked.

I shuddered, my pleasure cresting in a wave, until my breath caught and all I could do was gasp, trembling through my release. Lorian continued playing with me, continued that steady thrusting until I was boneless.

“You…” My voice was hoarse.

Did that just happen? While it was difficult to believe I was just that intimate with Lorian, at the same time, it felt strangely…inevitable.

Lorian met my gaze, his cheekbones flushed. Then his gaze swept over me, spread out for him, limp and satisfied, even as my body craved more.

“Yes,” he murmured. “Me.”

I reached for him, but he was already pulling my dress back down, my underwear disappearing into his pocket.

“What—”

“I need you healthy for the things I want to do to you,” he growled. “Now leave, before I can no longer control myself.”

I took a shaky breath. The idea of Lorian—the man who was always in control—now having to fight for restraint…

“I feel fine.”

“Out,” he grumbled. I was standing before I realized I’d moved, hauled to my feet by the mercenary who glowered at me.

I couldn’t help it. I grinned.

He shoved me out of his room, ignoring my delighted laugh.





CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX





Auria visited me the next morning, perching on the edge of my bed. “How are you feeling?” She smiled at me, her eyes alight with her usual good humor.

“Ready to get back to work.” I almost winced when I said it. Calling my days of following the queen around work was an insult when Auria practically broke her back in the laundry.

“I think the queen probably wants you rested. Especially because the Gods Day ball is so close.”

Just days away. Blood rushed into my ears at the thought.

“Setella?”

“Sorry, mind wandering.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks.” She was studying me, and I raised one brow. “What is it?”

“The entire castle is talking about you and the prince.”