Page 23

CHAPTER 23

YVETTE

A week passes and still there’s no sign of danger. But Lucas becomes more cautious, and I can’t help but notice the sudden influx of fae soldiers in Giarrla. I’d witnessed him standing on the balcony of our little room holding a missive the other morning, waiting for a massive black bird to swoop out of the sky and snatch it up, and he later confessed he’d sent word to his army requesting reinforcements.

The presence of the soldiers, hundreds of them, makes me uneasy. It evokes memories of the fae’s occupation in Trevos. The sound of marching boots as the soldiers patrol the streets never fails to put a knot in my stomach, though I don’t admit this to Lucas because I know their presence is necessary. Because if our enemy arrives and creates another blood warning, the soldiers will be needed to drive away the deadly creatures that emerge from the forest.

During the last week, Lucas hasn’t let me out of his sight once. He’s also become more agitated as the days pass. How much longer will we have to wait?

As of this morning, he announced I must remain in our room until our enemy is dealt with. No more trips downstairs to drink ale with the regular faefolk and play darts or cards. No more leisurely strolls through the winding gardens or trips to the bustling marketplace.

A knock sounds on the door, and Lucas answers it. He’d mentioned he was expecting a delivery this morning, though he wouldn’t tell me any details. I’m pleasantly surprised when a tall fae male hands him a stack of books. Lucas passes a few coins to the male before closing the door and fixing the deadbolt in place.

He turns to face me and places the books on a table. He makes a sweeping gesture with his hand, and there’s no mistaking the anxious gleam in his eyes. My heart softens when I realize how anxious he is to impress me, and I shoot him a pleased smile as I approach the stack.

“Oh, Lucas, this is very thoughtful.” I pick up the first book and feel my eyes go wide. It’s a human romance novel, and it’s one I’ve never read before. I flip the pages and my mouth falls open. It’s illustrated . The naughtiest scenes, that is. “Oh my. Lucas. I had no idea such books existed.

“I didn’t either until very recently. I sent a missive to the owner of Giarrla’s largest bookstore and inquired about hunting down some human romance novels. She replied that she’d recently acquired a very rare collection of illustrated romance novels, and I asked her to send a few in hopes that it might keep you occupied.” He sighs and glances around the room. “I know you are starting to feel trapped here, sweetling, and I’m sorry for it. But as you know, I refuse to risk your safety. You’re the most precious thing in the realm to me.” His voice resonates with honesty, and gods how it makes my throat burn.

I set the book aside and walk into his open arms. He kisses the top of my head, and I sink deeper into his embrace, soaking up his comforting summer scent as a warm, fragrant breeze drifts over us. My heart pangs with longing, and my adoration for my new husband grows.

“Thank you for the books, Lucas. It’s a very thoughtful gift.”

“You’re very welcome, sweetling.” He pulls back slightly and stares down at me, his gaze becoming more heated by the second. I step closer and my breath catches when his hardness presses into my stomach. Just as I suspected. Warmth spasms in my center, and though I’m eager to peruse the books, I’m even more eager to spend the morning showing my husband just how much affection I hold for him.

We’ve only known one another for about two weeks. While it could be argued that ours was a marriage of convenience, it’s so much more than that. Not only do I hold him in high regard, but I’m also starting to believe I might love him. I don’t regret our hasty union, and with each passing day, I find myself more drawn to him.

Not only do I crave his touch, but I crave his presence. Always.

I find comfort and peace in the sweet companionship we share, and while I’ve felt trapped in this room a few times recently, his presence has made it entirely bearable. I’ve enjoyed more moments than not, and I cannot imagine ever parting ways with Lucas, the handsome fae prince who’s very much a thief because he’s stolen my heart.

My face flushes when I think about the illustration I just saw when I flipped through the pages of the first book. It was a pencil drawing of a woman on her knees preparing to suck her lover’s appendage. While Lucas and I have shared many amorous activities, we haven’t tried that particular act yet.

“Yvette, sweetling,” he says with a smirk, “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you blush so fervently. Whatever you’re thinking about, it must be very, very naughty.” He growls and presses his hardness more firmly to my stomach.

I glance over my shoulder at the stack of books, and I know the guilt must be showing on my face. He follows my gaze and chuckles. Then he releases me and heads for the stack. He selects the first book and flips the pages until he comes to the very first illustration, the one I can’t stop thinking about.

My face flushes anew when he looks up with a dark, devious gleam in his eyes. My breath falters when he sets the book aside and approaches me with slow, calculated steps. He circles me a few times, and if I didn’t know him very well and trust him fully, that dark fae glimmer in his eyes would probably frighten me.

Finally, he comes to a stop in front of me. He places a finger beneath my chin and draws in a deep breath. I almost gasp. He’s smelling my arousal. He knows just how wet I’m becoming between my thighs. The mere thought of taking him in my mouth is enough to make me achy and unsettled.

He steps back, and I think he’s about to unfasten his pants, but he doesn’t. Instead, he says, “Remove all your clothing, sweetling, and bend over the bed.”