Page 92 of The Crownless King

“Just my sons switching shifts. Gotta protect the king and queen.” Nathanial dipped his head with a smirk that his queen returned.

‘Quit smiling so fucking hard at this muthafucker,’Levi grumbled at his mate, showing all thirty-two of her teeth at these charming mages.

Amaya snorted and patted his chest. “Would the two of you like to join us for dinner?”

“I appreciate the offer, your Highness, but my mates are expecting me home. But I look forward to hosting the two of you at our home,” Nathanial said.

‘I’m going to shower. Meet you back up for dinner in a few?’

Levi nodded and kissed her temple, watching her leave. He turned back to the Lathams. “Was there anything else you needed?”

Nathanial shook his head. “Like I said, we were just checking in.”

“I appreciate it,” he said, and meant it.

Dealing with the Lathams was much easier than his experience with Lucian. He escorted the men from the boat and came back up in time to watch the staff set dinner out. His shoulders relaxed as he breathed in the briny scent of the sea. This had been a good idea.

Amaya returning to the deck caught his attention, looking beautiful in a simple, cobalt floral maxi dress. It whipped around her body with the lazy sea breeze. He held out his elbow, kissing her forehead as she joined their arms together. He pulled out her chair, but instead of waiting on her to sit, he sat first and pulled her into his lap.

“I told Tracy that we would bring her out on the yacht the next time we came,” she informed him.

“That should be fun,” he murmured, nuzzling into her neck.

She snorted. “Thank you for allowing her to stay with us.”

“You don’t have to thank me for taking care of your family. What’s important to you, is important to me.”

Even if it meant he had to allow her Uncle Paul to still live in the world. It was her mother’s plea that had stayed hishand this time. Amaya had been resigned to her uncle’s fate, but he couldn’t ignore the request from his mother-in-law. His mate had gone no contact with the male, and as far as Levi knew, the family was keeping him out of trouble.

She kissed him, placing light, teasing pecks all over his face. “Still. Thank you, King.”

She turned as the staff set their plates on the table. He knew from the smirk on her face that she was finna say something smart.

“I know you didn’t catch this one.” She pointed at the grilled fish.

“I got something better you can do with that smart ass mouth,” he grumbled.

Her smile widened and she cupped his cheeks. “You so nasty, King.”

Still, she shuffled from his lap, her knees hitting the deck in front of him a moment later. His chest rumbled in hunger as she freed his dick from his shorts. Levi closed his eyes, ready to savor the warmth of his mate’s mouth.

Through everything they’d been through, he wouldn’t trade a second with Amaya. All the responsibility on his shoulders was a lot, but the ability to take this break…this time with his mate made every sacrifice worth it.

It was good to be king.