Page 127 of Monsters Carve Thrones

“You already smell like Nico,” I teased.

She didn’t even try to deny it. “Exactly my point.”

While the guys gathered around the kitchen island discussing food options, Laura handed me a glass of red wine and curled up next to me on the couch. “To surviving another day,” she said, clinking her glass against mine.

I smiled, took a sip, and leaned back. “So. You and Nico.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “What about us?”

“Oh,come on, I wanted to give you some time before I gottoonosey.” I grinned. “But you’reglowing. You look like you’ve been ruined in the best way.”

She burst out laughing, nearly spilling her wine. “That’s because Ihavebeen. He’s… God, Adela. He’s the best sex I’ve ever had. I didn’t even know it could be like this. I remember overhearing you and Rafe discussing some of your... kinks.”

I rolled my eyes dramatically.

“I just have to say, he is veryadventurous. So... I get it now.”

“No way!” I giggled. “He seems like he’d be... intense.”

“Oh,he is,” she said, eyes gleaming. “And he has a huge dick.”

I nearly choked on my wine. “Laura!”

“What?” she shrugged, grinning wide. “It’s a gift. I’m simply honoring it.”

We both dissolved into laughter, the sound echoing off the tall windows. For a moment, it felt like everything was okay. Like we weren’t gearing up for war. Like we were just two friends, drinking wine and gossiping about our men.

“We’re really out here falling for violent, bloodthirsty men,” I said, still laughing. “What the hell happened to us?”

Laura tilted her glass toward mine again. “We got lucky. That’s what happened.”

Just then, Nico emerged from the bedroom, barefoot, with a black T-shirt hugging his inked chest. He dropped onto the couch beside Laura and pulled her in with a lazy arm. “Whatare you two cackling about?” he asked, his deep voice edged with amusement.

“Nothing,” Laura said sweetly. “Just girl things.”

“You should be afraid,” I added. “Just heard about your dick.”

Nico chuckled and kissed her temple, clearly not phased. “I’m glad you know how lovely it is.”

“Don’t break my best friend,” I snorted into my glass.

“Already did, sweetie,” Nico smirked.

A moment later, Rafe joined us, his presence commanding even in casual clothes. He leaned against the back of the couch, resting a hand on my shoulder. “We’re ordering in. Too many eyes out there to risk a restaurant tonight. Steak, potatoes, grilled vegetables. That work?”

“Perfect,” I murmured, reaching up to wrap my fingers around his.

Kieran walked past, flicking open a lighter. The flame briefly lit his face as he stuck a cigarette between his lips. He stepped out onto the balcony, letting the cool night air drift into the room. There was a strange peace in that moment–the five of us scattered around a luxury suite, surrounded by weapons and whispered plans. Friends. Lovers. Killers.

Dinner hadn’t arrived yet, and the others were still talking around us in the living room. I was snuggled up next to Rafe on one side of the couch, his arm around my shoulders comfortably. He leaned down, brushed his lips against my ear, and murmured, “Come shower with me, baby.”

My eyes widened as I looked up at him.He didn’t have to ask twice.“We’ll be back,” I said as casually as I could.

“Gross,” Laura laughed. “Have fun, kids.”

Rafe smirked over his shoulder as he followed me into our bathroom. It was massive with white marble floors andfloor-to-ceiling glass walls around the shower. As soon as the water was warm, he tugged me in under the spray, pulling the door shut behind us. The heat wrapped around us instantly, beads of water slipping down his sculpted chest and tattooed arms. My eyes roved over the tattoos on his bicep and shoulder, admiring the flowers and the snake winding through them.

My gaze wandered down his beautiful, sculpted body as he stepped into me. Heat flared through me when I felt he was already hard. His mouth found mine without hesitation, and the kiss was filthy from the start. It was wet, possessive, tongue and teeth, and a low groan vibrated in his throat. I pressed up against him, my breasts slick against his chest, the water cascading over his shoulders.