Page 169 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

“Dumb ones,” Ciara says. She shoots me a wink that makes me giggle.

Behind us, Kellan and Kamden are lost in conversation about tactical moves and weapons. They spent the afternoon sparring with each other. They’ve been training for over two weeks, and already, you can see the differences in style from the Fae and Elven.

Trysten grumbles under his breath from the other side of Ryker about Clara, making Ry nod in agreement. Boys.

Finn leads us through the corridors of his estate, pointing out different rooms as we go. It’s much larger than I thought initially. It expands deep into the forest, allowing each family here to have large rooms all under the same roof.

When we are brought to our wing, I can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Overhead, the stars twinkle through the glass. Tate and Kamden take the first two rooms, Ciara next, followed by Trysten and Kellan, closest to us. Clara has a room across from us, but it is no longer connected.

Finn told me earlier that each room was soundproof, as if that was a necessity. I had nearly died from embarrassment.

He leaves us to get settled, and Clara spins, taking her new room in. I can see the awe in her eyes before she nods. “Not bad,” she says. “I think I like it better than the cave. And there are mermaids. Finn said I could swim with them tomorrow.”

Ryker’s jaw clenches as he nods.

I kneel before her. “Do you need anything? Do you want to see our room?”

Clara shakes her head, yawning. “I want to sleep so I’m not tired for tomorrow.” She turns for her wardrobe, opening it to find it packed with dresses, gowns, and more clothes than a little girl needs. “Mermaids,” she says wistfully.

We wish her goodnight before closing the door and heading to our room. Ryker whistles low when he takes in our luxurious space. The two levels are illuminated by soft candles and lanterns placed throughout.

The first floor has a seating area with velvet green sofas and wood furniture atop thick rugs. Glass cylinders four feet tall are placed throughout with more of those light bugs. Plants and greenery fill the space. Beyond is a balcony that opens to the waterfall.

Ryker opens the doors before taking my hand and leading me upstairs. I refused to tell him what the room looked like, wanting to surprise him. I watch as he takes it all in. The second level is encased in glass, woven between pale stone trees that reach into a vast dome, revealing the night sky.

At the center of the room, on a platform, is a luxurious bed of soft sheets and blankets that are buttery soft. Beyond the arch to the right is a bathroom with a tub that opens to the waterfall. To the left, a private study.

“Do you like it?” I ask even though I can feel his sense of awe and freedom through our Bond.

Ryker’s gaze falls on me. In a moment, those sapphire eyes swirl and deepen. He takes a step closer. “Ready to tell me what you were thinking?” he asks, the sound so much like a caress against my skin. “I can’t stop thinking about it.”

My cheeks burn as I bite down on my lip. I can’t tell him. Well, I can…I know he wouldn’t judge, but the things I was thinking…

Desire floods my body like a switch being flipped. I know he can scent my desire because he takes another step closer.

He chuckles, the sound teasing my sensitive flesh. He hasn’t even touched me, and I feel like I could fall apart. We have so many things to discuss, to think about, but…

His palm wraps around my waist as he tugs me closer. He drags his nose up my cheek and into my hair, inhaling. “Tell me, love.”

I shake my head, already moving to peel away his shirt. My back arches, and a moan fills the room when his mouth moves to my neck.

“It all started when I was doing this,” he murmurs against my flesh.

I can’t breathe. I ache for him in ways I’ve never thought about. Instantly, I drop to my knees, yanking at the buttons of his pants and peeling them down like they’re on fire. His fingers hook under my chin, bringing my gaze back to his.

“Do you want me to fuck you, Soraea?”

I swallow, then nod.

“Do you want me to fuck your mouth first?”

I nod again, my eyes falling closed. I’m embarrassed. I can’t look at him any longer.

He curses, then grabs a fistful of my hair. The throbbing between my legs intensifies. “You keep trying to hide that hunger, Aenai. Let me see it. Let me burn in it.”

My eyes fly open, letting him see all of me. Letting him see how completely unhinged I feel. There's a hunger within that intensifies every moment. I need him. All of him.

Whatever he sees, he doesn’t run from it. His gaze softens for a moment, long enough to flood me with acceptance and joy and his matching desire, then it’s gone. I’m left with the commanding, possessive prince who curls his mouth into a smirk with that adorable dimple.