“My friendship with the Talbots is based on survival,” I say. “I think many can say the same. Don’t you agree?”
She nods, eyes fixed on my lips.
“So, you can trust me, Noblewoman,” I say gently. “As much as you can trust any Caetra to guard your secrets.”
She meets my gaze.
Caetras are the most trustworthy of the folk. It’s the reason why noblemen and even Ezkai Generals seek out their company.
“My family’s personal relationship to the Talbots is complicated,” she says with a sigh. I continue gently caressing her shoulder and neck while she speaks. “You see, my dear husband made a bad business deal. One that cost us greatly. He went into business with the Talbots not knowing…the full picture of their business. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“You mean your husband didn’t know the Talbots were Caligos?”
Surprise flickers in her gaze. She nods, relieved. I just scored extra trust points.
“Now they have their claws in our family’s business and won’t let go,” she says, and shakes her head. “Reizei Talbot has dirt on everyone. And so, my husband and I, we must suffer in silence.”
Even noble fae are not above being slaves.
It’s a comfort of sorts.
“Unfortunate,” I say, empathetically. “I’m sorry to hear that. Your reasons for not liking the family are justified.”
“Indeed, Mr. Kregger.” She falls silent for a moment, lost in thought. Then she blinks and faces me. “I don’t want to dampen the mood by talking about business troubles. It’s beyond boring. Not when I have such company at my side.”
I smirk. My finger runs down her shoulder and arm until I take the hand that bears the large diamond and bring it close to my lips.
“The company is divine,” I murmur. She blushes. “But I must ask, Noblewoman. Does your husband approve? Or will I have him chasing me into my grave if he finds out?”
She laughs, and it’s the sound of wind chimes.
“If my husband wasn’t occupied with some important matters in our country home, he’d be here right now.” She inches closer to me. Over my lips, she whispers, “Watching us and enjoying himself very much.”
Before I know it, her soft lips are on mine.
A hot wave of desire washes over me. My hands find her waist, the naked skin soft to the touch of my callused fingers.
She moves closer to me, her breasts pressing into my chest, further stirring the desire.
Carefully, I part her lips with my tongue. Gently, I brush the very tip over her upper lip, teasing.
A soft moan escapes her, and she opens for me. In a blink, she’s in my lap, our mouths sliding from one kiss to the next one.
I’m drawing in the softness of her skin, the warmth of hot spring water. In the smell of earth and freshly cut grass, the ripened cherries bursting above our heads. The wetness of her rosy lips as they claim me.
I’m a thirsty man, looking to quench the never-ending thirst. A man looking for salvation.
For tonight, she’s my savior.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
JAX
Buttoning up my silk shirt, I rush through the dimly lit corridors of Uringi’s estate.
I’m still out of breath, my cheeks hot from the hot spring and Noblewoman Genji’s touch.
She proved to be a great tour guide. And an even better distraction.
