“I don't like seeing you with other women either,” I whispered.
Drostan froze—searching my face—and then slowly lowered his lips to mine. I kissed him back passionately; working his heart as I tried to keep mine safe. I know it was cruel to foster love without offering any in return, but Drostan had been far more cruel to me. I was using the only weapons I had left; those I was born with. Drostan eased out of our kiss and stared down at me.
“Sweet Goddess,” he whispered. “Is this what it's like?”
“What?”
“Love,” he said the word as if he'd never said it before. “Is this churning mix of anxiety and elation—this irrational fear and sublime happiness—love?”
“I don't know,” I said softly as I stroked his cheek. “But I think I want it to be. Why don't we just follow our bliss—do what makes us happy—and not worry about what it is? It doesn't matter what we call it; we both know there's more between us now than we started with.”
“You're the most fascinating woman I've ever met,” he said with simple honesty. “No guile, no ulterior motives; you just say what you mean and be done with it.”
“It's easier that way; don't you think?” I smiled at him.
“I do,” he murmured as he slipped slowly into me. “And right now, this is my happiness; this is my bliss.” Drostan began a sensual grind. “I can't believe it, but I'm content to simply join with you. No chains, no magic, and no other fairies; just you and I coming together.”
“What a coincidence”—I smirked as I angled my hips up to meet his—“this is my bliss too.”
Drostan smiled brilliantly before he lowered his mouth to my breast. As he sucked eagerly and continued to bring us closer and closer to our orgasms—our drug of choice—I held his head to me and smiled viciously.
Chapter Forty-One
Drostan and I were out riding; and by that, I mean that I was draped over his lap, with him in the saddle, as he thrust up into me; just like that day he had kidnapped me in Conall's body. It was one of our favorite pastimes. The horse did most of the work for us; we just had to hold on and enjoy the ride.
Although lately, it had become more difficult; what with all my layers of clothing. Gone were the slutty outfits. Ever since Drostan had sort-of declared his love for me, he'd had more refined clothes made for me. I wore gowns similar to the ones I'd seen on Queen Tana. On top of that, Drostan treated me with more respect, and his stunned court followed suit. I was becoming more consort than concubine at last.
We were slowing down after experiencing an amazing orgasm together when we were surrounded by Cu-sidhe. I had grown familiar with the different fairy races, but I knew for a fact that these men were Cu-sidhe because I had slept with five of them.
Drostan's horse reared, and it took a few moments for him to calm the beast. As he did so, I gaped at Caleb, Jack, Ethan, Rath, and Ruin. They nodded to me but their expressions were solemn, and their hands were shifted into massive paws with long, deadly claws.
“You are interrupting an intimate moment with my consort,” Drostan growled.
I was so shocked by the appearance of my Cu-sidhe ex-lovers that I barely registered Drostan labeling me as his consort.
“Our apologies, Your Majesty,” Caleb's voice was low and harsh; nothing like I'd known it to be. “But if you will dismount, we will be able to handle this in a more civilized manner.”
“Handle what?” Drostan snapped.
“You have been neglecting your people, King Drostan, and we have had enough of it,” Caleb announced. “You will rectify the matter, or we shall finish what the Lady Riley once interrupted.”
“What I interrupted?” I frowned as I clung to Drostan's shoulders.
“The assassination attempt,” Drostan murmured to me.
“That was you guys?” I asked in horror.
“We were desperate.” Caleb sighed.
“We tried to keep you safe and out of his reach, Riley,” Ruin said. “But you ran away from us.”
“I heard you talking about Trenton,” I hissed.
The five Cu-sidhe I'd been with grimaced at each other guiltily.
“See?” Caleb huffed. “If we had treated her honorably, she might be safe.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Drostan asked in a dangerous tone.
