Page 181 of Rebellious Royals

Which made a laugh slip out. "C'mon, you know what I'm talking about."

"Yeah, and are you really going to turn down getting him naked if it means you're the one biting the pillow or riding the wild beasty?"

I couldn't help it. My mouth fell open in surprise and one more laugh jumped out. "Wilder!"

"I don't know how to break it to you, but I'm crass with my friends," he assured me. "I count you in that very short list, so get used to it."

"More than happy to," I said quickly. "I actually like this more relaxed version of you. I also understand how you hooked Hawke now."

"Shit," he chuckled. "I told him his wings were sexy. That was all it took."

"They are nice," I admitted. "Shocking, but nice."

"Rain likes them."

I nodded. "Yeah, she does. And yes, you can tell him that. She's just a little overwhelmed right now, and with her and Aspen actually figuring it out? I think she might be open to some hot jevadu seducing her."

"He's not ready," Wilder said. "Well, he wants to be, but he's a little nervous about it. I mean, thefucking Morrigan? And one who has yet to find the limit of her power? Never mind that he tasted it, and he said she's..."

"What?" I asked, hanging on his too-long pause.

"Keir, Rain is so powerful, he doesn't have words for it. So powerful he can't imagine anything stronger. So powerful..." And he lowered his voice to a whisper. "She could stop Torian with a little more training."

"Shit."

He nodded. "So Hawke's not ready. But Torian? I think he is. I think he's desperate for someone to notice him for justhim. If it's someone who happens to like him despite his title, not because of it? Someone who has proven over and over again that he's powerful enough that Torian might actually be able to lean on him?"

"Or on both of us," I said. "Me and Rain, Wilder. You know she's there for him. Not as a lover, no, but as a friend?"

"He needs both right now." Wilder paused to lick his lips. "I am not trying to tell you that you have to do this. I'm just saying that if you want to..."

"Then I should," I finished for him.

"And stop being the nice guy." He lifted a brow. "Tor's not one, and he won't understand. With him, blunt works. Say it out loud so he can taste the truth. Don't hint, do not be subtle, and whatever you do, if you're interested in him at all..." He glanced down at the floor and smiled. "Take a risk, Keir. Not a physical one, but the emotional kind, because we both know you suck at that."

I nodded. "Busted."

Chapter Fifty-Seven

TORIAN

When Aspen made Wilder the heir to her crown, a weight had lifted from me. The next day, I felt like I could actually focus on my classwork. Half of the million fears spiraling through my mind had been removed. For the first time in my memory, things actually felt good.

So I was laughing with Aspen and Wilder as we headed to Bracken's gym for our evening practice session. Oddly, when I reminded Wilder he was now my equal, the guy's dark skin shifted to a much warmer color. One that had hints of pink in it.

Naturally, Aspen had to say something about it, picking on him the way only she could. In truth, the way Wilder always looked at my sister with such adoration was why I'd let him into the court. He wasn't attracted to her at all, but he still treated her like she'd put the sparkle in snow.

"Careful," I joked as I pulled open the door to the gym. "You keep that up and new rumors will start. Someone will think you've finally tamed the 'ice bitch,' Wilder."

"Shit," he said around a laugh. "Don't you know I like them freaky? Starting to think you do too, Tor."

I glanced away, but I was grinning. A little stupid banter, a few friends, and I was about to test my abilities against Rain again. Or maybe I should spend some time with Hawke so Wilder could see how impressive his lover really was. I didn't know, and surprisingly, I didn't even care.

"Well, look at that!" Pascal called. "Tor, did you get laid or something? I think you look... happy!"

My smile immediately faded, making me aware it had been on my face all day. "And who the hell amIgoing to fuck, Pascal? The only two women even close to my rank aren't options."

"Oh, because you're so much better than us?" Axel asked, moving closer.