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All at once the magic releases me, and I know several beads have just disappeared without even looking.

I don’t give a flying fuck.

I’m seeing red.

Des looks so pleased. Pleased andaroused.

“We will be returning to this conversation, cherub,” he promises.

That’s about the moment I pounce on him.

He grunts as I push against the wall and loop my arm around his neck.

Oh my sweet baby Jesus am I angry.

He steps away from the wall, forcing me to lose my footing as he pries my arms off of his neck. Before I can attack him again, he pulls me in close, our torsos flush with one another.

“You had no right to do that,” I say, whisper soft.

Technically hedidhave every right. That’s what happens when you bargain with Des. He can take whatever he wants as repayment.

His eyes move to my heated cheeks. “You’re embarrassed.”

Of course I’m embarrassed. Who wants to tell the guy that ripped her heart out that, hey boy hey, I still want your babies.

He runs a hand down my back. “You would not be so embarrassed if you knew my thoughts.”

Now my breath catches.

“Rest assured, cherub,” he continues. “I don’t have any children.” He pulls me closer, his lips brushing my ear. “Though I’m always willing to change that.”

Now I try to pull away. “Des, let me go.”

“Hmm,” he says, his hand sliding down the back of one of my thighs, “I think not.” He loops it around his waist. I try to jerk my leg out of his grasp, but the effort is futile. He then wraps my other leg around his hips. “I think I like you right here.”

Next time I fall for someone, it won’t be a conniving, manipulative—

His hand moves lower, cupping my ass.

—hornyfae king.

Next time it will be a good boy.

“I don’t even want kids,” I mutter.

Des just smiles.

Fairies.

Then, naturally, someone chooses that moment to turn down the hall. The Bargainer doesn’t make a move to put me down. Instead he begins walking with me wrapped around him like a koala, nodding to the fae woman as we pass her.

So awkward.

It’s not until we reach the double doors that lead to the nursery Des finally puts me down.

In this section of the palace, it’s unnaturally silent. I keep expecting to hear …something. The young are always noisy.

I reach for one of the knobs. Before I can grab it, the Bargainer catches my hand.