Page 13 of Alec in Wonderland (Rainbow Tales #1)

That laugh. It was enchanting. Bax couldn't look away from Mal. Malecvar. The name didn't suit him. It sounded too depressing. This man should have a brighter name. Something light and uplifting. Bax looked down at the arm hooked around his. He fought the feeling it gave him—a bubbling feeling. Bax didn't want it to overcome him. If it did, he'd soon be smiling, and the Queen would get suspicious. He'd already smiled once at Mal, and Cheshire had nearly fainted to see it.

The Knave of Hearts did not go around smiling at pretty men.

Oh, but he wanted to. Baxenvir's lips twitched with the need to grin as he stared at Mal. Just looking at him brought Bax joy. He couldn't explain it and didn't want to. Explanations could ruin a thing. Better to let it be a mystery. Just walk lightly around it like a herd of sleeping mome raths. No one liked startled mome raths flitting about in fright. They got fluff everywhere.

Then Mal unwound their arms.

Bax didn't have to hide his smile anymore. A scowl came to his face. But he couldn't protest. There was no reason to continue through the corridors with linked arms. It was good that Mal had detached them. Better for no one to see him like that. Bax had a reputation to maintain.

He looked at Mal again. “I swear, I know you. Your face is so familiar.”

Mal smiled. It was a beautiful smile and one that spread smoothly over his lips, no hesitation. How nice it must be to smile like that. Those exotic eyes looked him over in a way that made things twitch down low. Bax licked his lips again. He must have this man.

When was the last time Bax lusted so wildly for someone? He couldn't remember ever feeling so. It was strong enough to make him grateful for his armor. Without that metal codpiece, his erection would be out on display. As it was, it pulsed for attention and sent naughty thoughts up to his brain.

Tonight, he promised his cock. Tonight Mal will be mine. I will lay him out on my bed and take my time with him. I'll explore his body to my satisfaction. Then take more satisfaction from delving into him. He glanced behind Mal at the plump ass that curved beneath his thin linen pants. Oh, yes, he would delve deep and give them both satisfaction. Unless Mal wasn't a bottom.

The thought made Bax frown again. But the frown was short-lived. If that were the case, Bax would have a greater challenge to face. And the Knave of Hearts loved a challenge. He mentally smiled, pondering the ways to persuade—nay, seduce—Mal into succumbing. Perhaps Mal would even beg Bax to fill him. Oh, yes, that was a pleasant thought. Mal on his hands and knees, thick ass lifted, begging to be fucked.

Bax would rub sweet runi oil over his cock, then slide it into Mal. He'd be gentle that first time and stretch him with care. Only when he had Mal prepared would Bax go deeper. Then he'd thrust. He'd thrust and thrust and thrust until Mal looked over his shoulder and said—

“Bax?” Mal's voice jerked the Knave of Hearts out of his fantasy.

“Yes?” Baxenvir asked.

“Uh. Are you coming in to see the Queen with us?”

Bax blinked, taking in the open door and the confused stares of the guards who stood to either side of it. The Queen's solarium waited beyond. And yet Bax couldn't remember how they'd gotten there.

Oh, this was not good.

“Yes, of course.” Bax strode into the room ahead of Cheshire and Mal, his erection withering under apprehension.

Bax led them around the heart fountain, its water tinted red, and past red velvet daybeds strewn with heart-shaped pillows. The Queen of Hearts lounged on a chaise near the bay window, eyes closed and face lifted to the sun. She looked lovely, as always, but when she opened her eyes, Bax saw the slice of insanity within them—the streak of malice that tainted her beauty.

And he didn't care.

“Your Majesty.” The Knave of Hearts bowed to his queen. “Cheshire has returned with a guest. May I present his cousin, Malecvar of the Crimson Coast?” Bax turned to motion Mal forward.

Mal went to stand before the Queen, and Bax noticed that Mal’s hands trembled. The Queen of Hearts had a fearsome reputation, far worse than Baxenvir's, so Mal’s fear was understandable. But Bax didn’t like it. His dislike impeded his reason, and Bax set a hand on Mal's shoulder to steady him.

The Queen lifted a blood-red brow.

The Knave dropped his hand.

“It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.” Mal bowed and remained bent over.

“You may rise,” the Queen said, approval tinting her voice. “Come here.”

Mal went to the Queen.

Bax froze when he saw the way the Queen inspected Mal. It was similar to the way he had, except without desire.

“You look familiar, Malecvar,” the Queen announced. “Have you been to my court before?”

“No, Your Majesty,” Mal said. “This is my first time away from the coast.”

“Ah. That's right.” She held a hand out to Cheshire. “My darling kitty is from the coast.”

Cheshire hurried to the Queen and took her hand to kiss it. “Your Majesty, I have missed you every second I've been away. It's a relief to be in your presence once again.”

The Queen of Hearts focused on her lover, her expression going liquid. “I've missed you as well, Cheshire. See your cousin settled, then return to me with all haste.”

“If you wish it, I can see Malecvar settled,” Bax offered, the words pouring out of his mouth before he could consider them.

The Queen lifted her brow again. This time, a smile accompanied the look. “Why, Malecvar, I do believe you have gained the coveted interest of my champion. And within minutes of your arrival, no less. You will be the envy of my courtiers.”

Mal lifted both of his dark brows as Bax cleared his throat. He glanced at Bax, his grin turning mischievous, and said, “Ah, but I've heard stories of the Knave of Hearts. I'm told his heart belongs only to you.” Mal leaned in to whisper, “Just like my cousin's. But don't tell him I told you.”

The Queen laughed, startling Bax and Cheshire, and motioned Mal closer. He went to kneel beside her and took the hand she offered.

“Darling boy,” she said. “I like you. You have your cousin's charm. It would please me greatly if you spread your . . . charm over my knave. I haven't seen him happy in years. And I would so like to see him smile again. Disregard the rumors. He does indeed love me, but it's with the devotion of a son, not a lover. His heart is still open for the claiming.”

The Knave of Hearts gaped at his queen. He did not know that she noticed his melancholy. It touched him that she had, and it moved him to kneel beside her, opposite Mal. “My Queen, I hope my demeanor has not upset you. The last thing I want is to sadden you.”

“You could never upset me, my champion.” The Queen released Mal to stroke Baxenvir's hair. “My sweet knave. As I have your heart, you have mine. Now, go. See to our new guest and perhaps find a reason to smile again.”

Bax bent his head to his queen before rising. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He motioned for Mal to follow. “We shall leave you with your consort.”

“Thank you for allowing my visit, Your Majesty.” Mal stood up and bowed to the Queen. This time, he didn't wait for her permission to rise. He just turned to leave with Bax.

Cheshire must have prepped Mal for court. But that shifty cat couldn't have prepared his cousin for the Knave of Hearts. Bax felt freed by the Queen's approval. He wouldn't have been able to pursue Mal as thoroughly if she had disliked him. But she had practically pushed them together. The Knave of Hearts held the door open for Mal, then followed him out into the corridor, intent on obeying the Queen's command. It just happened to be in line with his own desires.