Page 89 of Kings & Queen

Get a move on, the time is now.

I promise when you find me, you’ll say wow.

The kitchen buzzed with motion—knives tapping, something simmering low. Chef Bonfils spotted me hovering near the threshold and arched a brow. “Did you need something, Master Nik? Dinner will be ready soon.”

“No, actually I’m fine. I need to check the freezer.”

“Do you need some ice? Let me get it for you.” Chef Bonfils moved, but I stepped in front of him.

“I’ve got it, thanks. Do you think you can hold dinner for a bit?”

“Of course. Let Renee know when you’re ready.” He gave me an odd look as I opened the freezer and dug around. I found the popsicles and grinned at the piece of paper taped on the top.

Brr, that’s cold, unlike me.

I’m hot for you, wait and see.

So time to shake that fine-looking ass.

Your next clue is by a whiskey glass.

My expectation only deepened as I hauled ass down to the drawing room. Right on the bar sat a piece of paper and a glass of single malt whiskey. I sipped it, savoring it because she’d been the one to pour it for me. I stared, fascinated. Even her handwriting was small and neat, just like her. I read her next clue.

Do you like it, Crow? Does it quench your thirst?

Don’t take too long with it, or I’ll simply burst.

I’m very needy and really missing you.

So slam it back and walk to the sink for your next clue.

I side-eyed the sink over to the left of the bar, shaking my head as I brought the glass up. Its taste hit my tongue, smooth as velvet, then flared sharp and oaky at the back of my throat. I welcomed the burn. Slamming the glass down, I grabbed her next clue. My phone rang, and looking down at it, I let my grin grow.

“How’s our girl?” Alek asked as soon as I answered.

I smiled at the way his voice softened and how natural it was that she wasourgirl. Alek had become a happier man under Kinsley’s love and affection. Now that we were settling into things again, it was good to have him back.

If only Ivan would come back around. The night we shared our plan with him, he still insisted it was best for him to stay as far away from her as possible. The unease at hearing him say that hurt. Whatever had happened between them, it hadn’t been small. It had left marks.

“You there?” Alek asked, startling me from my wayward thoughts.

“Yeah, sorry. Apparently, the little shit is missing me. However, she’s got me on a scavenger hunt.”

“Well then, I won’t keep you. Kiss her for me.”

“Will do, Brother.” I paused, noting the worry in his voice. “Alek, we’ll find a way, I promise.”

“I love you, Nikki.”

“Love you too,” I said, then hung up. Turning my attention back to Kinsley, I read her clue, and my cock throbbed with the image.

Soapy and wet, with water all around.

If you hurry, now I may be found.

So scrub-a-dub-dub,

Come find me. Will I be naked in my tub?