Page 87 of The Cost of Blood and Bonds

“Do I affect you, little fox?” I’m teasing her, and I know it, but I’d say just about anything to keep that blush on her face.

She meets my eyes, something shifting in her expression. “Maybe. But I’d wager I affect you more.”

“That sounds like a challenge.” Every part of me is hoping she proves it.

She leans closer. “I’ve seen the way you look at me.”

“And how’s that?”

“Like you’re trying very hard to behave.”

“You have no idea.”

She’s looking at me like she wants to test that. Like she’s wondering what would happen if she pushed just a little harder. If she knew how long I’ve been holding back, she’d know exactly how dangerous that look is. She has no fucking clue what’s waiting on the other side of my restraint.

“If you’re thinking about testing that theory…” I lean in, lips brushing her ear. “I should warn you, I play to win.”

It’s the biggest lie I’ve ever told. I’d let this woman bring me to ruin right here on this dance floor.

Something dangerous sparks in her eyes. She’s about to push back; I can see it⁠—

“Last call!” echoes through the bar.

Her gaze drops to my mouth, lingering long enough to make my pulse jump. When her eyes meet mine again, they’re darker than I’ve ever seen them.

And then Finn is there, slinging an arm around both of us. “All right, you two, let’s go. Some of us need our beauty sleep.”

The spell breaks, and Gemma pulls back. But I’m not ready to let this go. I tug her close and let my lips graze the shell of her ear. “This isn’t over. When we finish this, I promise you—you won’t be able to think straight.”

Her breath hitches, and her fingers tighten on my arm. And fuck, the look she gives me in return is going to keep me up all night.

Chapter 29

Finn

The morning air bites at my cheeks as we mount up outside the inn. Everyone’s moving a little slower today, too much ale and not enough sleep, but there’s a tension in the air, something simmering.

Rye helps Gemma onto her horse. His hand lingers at her waist a beat too long, and she lets him. This thing building between them is getting more reckless. Rye is completely gone, but that’s not even what worries me most. She’s falling too. I see the way she lights up around him even when she’s trying not to. She knows there’s no version of this that ends with him. It’s too dangerous for them. But I don’t know how to protect her from this. I force myself to look away. There’s nothing I can do about it now, not here anyway.

Grier rides ahead, alone. He’s been quiet since we left. He’s in his own head, replaying things he can’t change. I urge my horse forward until I’m beside him.

“How are you holding up?” I ask, keeping my voice light.

He shrugs, noncommittal.

“That good, huh?”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re a terrible liar.” It’s actually impressive how bad he is at it. The man can kill someone sixty different ways but can’t fake a smile to save his life.

Rosie appears beside us like she was summoned.

“Room for one more in this moping session?”

Grier exhales, but I see the pull of a smile.

The three of us ride together for a while. Rosie and I take turns pulling Grier out of his head, with stupid jokes, ridiculous stories, anything to keep him present.