I opened my mouth before slamming it shut again. I crossed my legs, squeezing my thighs. My eyes were, in fact,noton him anymore. They’d gone to where he pointed. Then dipped lower.
By thestars. My thoughts were in utter shambles now.
Tassarion made a feral, guttural sound in the back of his throat that spiked a rush of heat in my blood. He floated over to me, crossing over Bones, who was curiously looking between us. Tassarion braced me on either side with his arms. He leaned forward until he was so close I saw the lightest touches of silver in his steel-blue eyes.
“The beach, my bride. Will you come with me or not?”
His eyes flashed. I squeezed my thighs tighter.
“Yes, Celèstian,” I breathed. “I will go.”
“Mmm,” Tassarion rumbled. Then he leaned in, bringing his nose to my cheek. He brushed my skin before taking a deep breath. He lowered his face to my neck, and I saw stars. My skin hummed as blackfire exploded through my veins.
“Good.” A lingering kiss on my neck.
Holyrot.
“I look forward to seeing you wet.” I squealed, choking on a gasp. Tassarion’s scent overwhelmed my senses. His hot breath on my neck sent shivers down my spine. “Nahomie Emélie Everthorn.”
I remained pinned beneath him, breathless with my hearts pounding. Tassarion’s smoldering gaze rose to mine. He brushed a thumb over my lips. The king slowly pulled away. As he pushed to stand, he grabbed my thighs and yanked me to him, hauling me off the couch. I yelped, leaping into his arms. He held me securely, looking into my eyes.
I wrapped my legs around his waist, letting my wings drag on the floor. A grin crawled onto Tassarion’s face, spreading wide until it reached from ear to ear. Stars. He was a vision.
And he wasmine.
The thought landed like boulders in my gut. Realization dawned. This was more than just attraction. More than need. It was intimacy. It was...
Oh stars.
“I’m ready to rest by the sea with my wife.”
My wife.
I shuddered, my toes curling at the way the words rolled off his tongue.
“That’s my cue. I’m off.”
Bones shoved to all fours, shook out his fur, and stretched out his long spine. The cinderwolf didn’t give us a second glance before he raced to the doors of the lair and took off down the halls of Everthorn Manor. I laughed, eyes on Tassarion.
“Nothing would please me more, love.”
His eyes flashed. His throat bobbed. He squeezed my bottom, pulling me closer.
“Good.” He tilted his head. His eyes lazily prowled down my silken gown. “But this won’t do.”
Still holding me in his arms, Tassarion snapped his fingers.
I went from wearing my twigown to...
“Where’s the rest of it?”
I blushed, looking down at the swimwear I now wore.
The pieces of fabric covered almost nothing, exposing so much of my skin.
“You won’t need it.”
Tassarion’s eyes grew molten.
