Throne of Secrets (Prince of Sin, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

“North tower” was our code for issues relating to ice dragons and all things north of Merciless Reach, including my hunters. Jackson was here for his debriefing. Any lingering arousal from my nightmare vanished. I grabbed my shirt from the chair I’d tossed it on, stepped into my boots, then flashed Cassie/Callie a wicked grin. “A pleasure, as always.” There was only a slight furrow between her brows. One I doubted even Val picked up on. I swept from the room before she could reveal one of my most closely guarded secrets. I had a reputation to uphold, and if she blurted out the truth, everything I’d cultivated over the last few years would be ruined.

“Miss Saint Lucent published another gossip column about you this morning.” “Did she at least wax poetic on how handsome I am?” Without breaking her stride, Val flashed an incredulous look my way. We both knew there was no way in any of the hells that Adriana Saint Lucent would write something nice about me. “Among other colorful terms, she called you an overconfident, ruthless rake.” My lips twitched. “At last. An acknowledgment of my finer qualities.”

If you wished to gaze upon my splendor, the coin you paid the magic leech was unnecessarily excessive, though unsurprising, given your sin. “Witch. And don’t sass me. You know why you’re here.” The attack. “No, the masquerade I invited you to. Of course I’m talking about the attack. Wrath is still recovering, and you better pray to your scaled gods that he doesn’t demand retribution.” Your brother’s temper does not concern me. My mouth curved wickedly, showing a hint of teeth. It was not something dragons appreciated. Showing your teeth was akin to drawing a sword. “When he skins you alive and sews your hide into pretty boots for his wife, you might feel differently.” At least you think they’ll be pretty.

“It’s much more than an envelope, Miss Saint Lucent,” Mr. Gray gritted out. “Until further notice, you’re off the gossip rags.”

“On what grounds am I being let go?” “Why else? Your rivalry with the prince.” “It’s a few unflattering gossip columns; they’re hardly serious enough to create a rivalry, sir.” “Perhaps not to you, but His Highness is threatening to burn us to the ground.” Mr. Gray wrenched open the letter and pointed a meaty finger at the House Gluttony crest. I glared at the serpentine dragon winding itself around the stem of the chalice overflowing with grapes, its jeweled eyes slitted from overindulging. “His Highness alleges your egregiously false reports are tarnishing not only his reputation, but his House of Sin, and demands immediate action be taken, or else he’ll hold the paper liable. We can’t afford to keep our doors open if the prince makes good on his threats. I warned you to stop antagonizing him.” It was surprising that Axton at least knew the word egregious. Too bad the damned prince was ruining my life once again, it seemed.

“Where is the lie? He did fail at playing coy and, in my opinion, Gluttony is the least clever of the seven princes.” Ryleigh coughed into her fist, but I was too annoyed to glance her way. “Gluttony doesn’t have Wrath’s mind for war or strategy, or Envy’s cunning for games, or Pride’s exceptional focus. All he does is indulge his sin by raking and ravishing. Those are hardly qualities to boast about.” “No one’s perfect, darling,” a deep voice interrupted from behind me. “But your opinion is personal, not factual.”

“If I may speak plainly—” He snorted. “As if you’ve ever held your tongue. Don’t start now, darling.” I drew in a deep breath, ignoring his antagonistic term of endearment. “As I was saying, you’ve yet to prove me wrong in any of my assumptions. I do not believe you succeeded in playing coy. Please educate me on how that’s fiction.” I crossed my arms, waiting. A muscle in the prince’s jaw ticked but he remained quiet. Victory had never felt more satisfying. I ought to have quit while I was ahead, but I couldn’t stop myself from twisting the knife a bit deeper. “It sounds as if the true issue is that I’ve struck a nerve, Your Highness. Though I can’t say I’m surprised. The male ego is one of the most fragile things in the universe. One teeny, tiny hit and it shatters like glass. Maybe it’s not my fiction, but the truth you abhor. I doubt anyone tells you how they actually feel. In any aspect relating to your public or… private life.” The devil-may-care smile didn’t falter, but the glint in his eyes darkened to something dangerous. He’d certainly understood the subtle jab at his lovemaking. Gabriel Axton, Prince Gluttony, was well and truly annoyed now. At least that was one emotion we grudgingly shared. And to think it was often said that enemies couldn’t find commonality.

“Perhaps you ought to think about joining House Envy,” he said, far too casually. He was baiting me. I knew it. The office of nosy reporters who drew in a sharp breath knew it. And yet… “Why would I do that?” I asked. As if my question granted him permission to cross the room, the prince was suddenly before me, his lips almost touching the shell of my ear as he leaned in and dropped his voice. “You’re clearly jealous, Miss Saint Lucent. If you’d like to visit my bed, say the word. I’d hate to leave you in such a distressed state when I can indulge your obvious desire.” A fresh wave of annoyance crashed through me. Each time he opened his mouth, the prince only proved my assumptions of him being a self-absorbed ass correct. He stepped back, turning his attention to Mr. Gray before I could do something foolish like step on his boot. Or drop him to his knees. “Keep Miss Saint Lucent on staff—I imagine she’d do well with any subject aside from gossip. Perhaps an advice column since she has so many opinions to share.” He paused for a moment, immediately putting me on edge. “Romance might be her strong suit.” I quickly wiped any horror from my expression, my pulse ticking faster as my editor flashed a look of interest my way, his bushy brows raised in thought. An advice column on romance was the worst thing I could imagine writing each week.

Writing scandal sheets was one thing, but helping someone through an emotional crisis was entirely different. One wrong bit of advice could destroy someone else’s happiness.

“Unless you tell me to stop, I’m going to worship your body, my lady.” It was already his to do as he pleased with from the kiss alone. And he damned well knew it. “Saints curse me. If you stop, I’ll kill you.” I breathed as his mouth moved along the column of my throat, both devouring and savoring me at once. Goose bumps rose where his stubble passed over my soft skin, and I yearned to feel more of it in other sensitive areas. His clever fingers dipped between the chains holding the side of my gown together, his bare skin on mine sending another heady rush through my veins. “I’m no highborn lady, though.” “Perhaps not in title. But tonight, you’re mine.”

“Each House of Sin could challenge—” “It won’t be as impactful as a competition with higher stakes,” Envy interrupted. “Each Prince of Sin will choose one participant to compete for your throne.” “Except I’m not interested in finding a consort.” “Perhaps not, but you’ll adhere to the rules of the pact and do what’s best for the realm,” Envy said. He had me there. “Strike a bargain with one of the participants if you must,” he said, reading my resolve to play whatever role I needed to in order to keep my circle safe. “Give them enough coin to break off the engagement after the stories die down in the press. Find someone who cares more about fame than true love.” “Exactly. The relationship doesn’t have to last,” Lust added, “but a competition for your heart will create the kind of realm-wide distraction we need to figure out if the ice dragon attack truly was one of its kind or if there’s a bigger threat at stake.”

“Miss Saint Lucent,” I said, mindful of my tone. Best not to poke the viper. Yet. “Always interesting to see you.” “If only that were true.” I raised a brow; it was true or else I wouldn’t have been able to say it. Those were semantics for another day. Now I wanted to get this over with and jump off a mountain to clear my thoughts of my mystery lover.

Arrogant. Royal. Hoarfrost demon. I hoped his bollocks were attacked by fleas. He was nothing like the stranger at the Seven Sins. The stupid, wonderful masked male I couldn’t stop thinking about while my real world came crashing down around me.

Sometimes not saying a word was the most hurtful action.

“I didn’t think you’d come.” “A proper gentleman ensures a lady always comes first.” My lips curved. Clever, ridiculous male. “That line is old and tired.” “Thankfully I am not.”

“You seemed to be deep in thought,” he said. “What were you looking at so intently?” I settled back on the railing, glancing out across the city. “House Gluttony.” “Ah.” He sounded less than impressed. “Dreaming of taming the prince’s wicked heart by visiting his bed like every other maiden in the realm?” “Hardly.” His attention shifted to me, a smile touching the corners of his lips. “Interesting.” “What is?” “Most fantasize about making the debauched prince fall in love.” “Well, I believe he’s already in love.” “Oh?” His grin grew wider. “Who’s the lucky winner of that prize?” “You haven’t figured that out?” I tsked. “He’s very clearly in love with himself.” I added a touch of humor to my tone to avoid ruining our banter. Gabriel Axton wasn’t going to tarnish my night. “What about you? What do people say of your reputation?” “That I am a ruthless lover, far more exciting in bed than any prince. Even one ruled by sin.” “Oh, gods.” I smiled. “You’re either visiting from House Envy or House Pride, aren’t you?” “I can’t very well tell you my secrets,” he teased back. “Unless of course you share some of yours with me first. Like, perhaps, your name?” My heart raced as I looked him over. He was fishing even though he knew it was against the rules. If he was curious about my real identity, that would be disastrous. “This club is supposed to offer anonymity,” I reminded him. “You’re far too curious for either of our own good. I’d hate to be banished from here.”

“I can hear your heart racing,” he murmured against my ear. “How peculiar. It’s almost like I’m in a club of sin while a masked stranger orders me around a rooftop garden.” “Such a wicked tongue.” “Most aren’t excited by that realization.”

“One day I’ll fuck that pretty mouth.” His lips brushed against mine again, whisper soft and sweet. Such a dramatic juxtaposition to his filthy words. My body responded to that low growl, his wicked promise. A slick heat gathered between my thighs. I wanted him to do all sorts of things to my mouth. “Come all over that perfect tongue.” His free hand rested against my throat, his touch light but possessive.

“What is your issue this morning?” I demanded. “If you’d like to host the competition, by all means. Take up that mantle. You’re clearly succumbing to either envy or wrath, and I don’t have time to entertain you.” “Careful,” Lust said, a low note of warning ringing in his voice. “That’s not an accusation you want to make lightly, Gabriellis, especially when you’ve been lusting after someone you hate for years.” Our gazes clashed and held, like two titans battling it out. Silence fell like a thick blanket of snow. “If you’re referring to Miss Saint Lucent, have the intestinal fortitude to say it.”

“Where’s Pride?” “He sent his regrets, Your Highness.” Silence descended. I counted until the urge to invade my brother’s gilded castle passed. “We called a summit, not high tea. He is aware of that, correct?” Val winced from the drastic drop in temperature but nodded. “He said he has House matters that take precedence.” “What, exactly, does that prick think is more important than ice dragons attacking?” Lust quipped. I blew out a frustrated breath and dismissed Val with a nod. “His missing wife.” “You mean the wife who chose to leave his ass?” Lust folded his arms across his chest. “He needs to take a hint.” “And we need to focus on matters of war, not romance,” I snapped.

“You entering that competition, Ad? Might win yourself a prince.” Donovan waggled his brows in a move meant to be suggestive but unfortunately made him look spasmodic. I offered him a polite smile. I had a masked stranger who was already causing me enough romantic distractions without adding sadism to my list. “I would rather gouge my eyes out with a dull spoon.” “Really? Only a dull spoon?” a familiar irksome voice drawled much too close.

“I like to hear what residents of my circle really think of me. Even the minor few who’d prefer to be maimed rather than wed me.” Much as I would have loved to offer a cutting remark, the continued squeals and giggles surrounding us proved I was alone in my loathing. Even married women and grandmothers were getting swept up in the fantasy of catching Gabriel Axton’s attention. I pressed my lips into a firm line, unable to retort as his fan club grew riotous. The twinkle of amusement in his eyes said he knew I was outnumbered too. “Well. I can see you’re very busy. Enjoy your afternoon of spying and ego stroking.” “Not so fast, Miss Match.” There was no longer any amusement in his tone. “You and I need to have a little discussion.” “I’ll be happy to schedule something in. Have your staff contact the Wicked Daily.” He gave me an incredulous look.

Dearest, insufferable Miss Saint Lucent, Consider the gown a gift to those who’d otherwise suffer your stench with the spilled oil. It’s most certainly not an apology for ruining your parchment. Or your day. His most charming royal highness, unrepentant rake and rogue, who I assure you has no issue with staying scandalous, Gabriel Axton, Prince Gluttony

“Your sister is going to become a princess,” she declared, cold eyes on me. “I entered Eden’s name earlier this afternoon.” Sophie raised one impertinent brow, daring me to object. It didn’t matter that I had no designs on marrying the prince; it was the cruel way my stepmother glared like I needed to be reminded that I’d failed so spectacularly at winning his heart. As if I’d ever forget that fateful night ten years ago when I’d been made into the laughingstock of the circle by the very prince lavishing our household with gifts. Sophie had been positively livid when I’d come home from the All-Sinners Ball. She’d called me a stain upon our family and refused to find me a suitable match after that. In all honesty, she hadn’t tried very hard before then either. My stepmother held the paper up, jabbing her finger at it. “This is the match of the century. And our family will win his throne.” How foolish of me to think it was supposed to be more about winning his heart. Eden looked at me, her expression a mixture of worry and… hope as she bit her lower lip. After today’s extravagant showing, she had a crush on the prince. Any protestations I might have voiced died in my throat. I would certainly not be entering my name for the silly competition, but if Eden had a chance at true happiness, far from Sophie’s toxic reach, I’d choke down my own feelings for Prince Gluttony. Foul tasting, wretched, and all.

“I want a favor of my choosing at any point in the future. Friends are fickle. Relationships change. I want a sworn oath, right here and now, or you can go home without any venom.”

Dear Miss Match, I’ve had bad judgment in the past, but I’ve just met someone new. How do I trust myself?

“If this is about Axton’s show of gross overindulgence, you ought to know better. He didn’t do it to be kind. He did it for his own gain. Probably to try to charm me so I don’t continue to write about him, or it was some half-assed attempt to distract me.” “Ad—” “There is nothing that male could ever do to change my opinion of him. He is still the same selfish, spoiled rake he’s always been. I cannot wait for him to find a wife to torment. Hopefully she’ll be as disloyal and petty as he is, and they’ll live a long, wretched life of misery together with incredibly dull and boring sex.” I regretted the harshness of my words the second they left my lips. Ryleigh swallowed hard, her attention fixed to some point behind me. I inwardly groaned. I must be cursed by some wicked fan of Axton’s. Magic had to be involved with his uncanny ability to sneak up on me. “Again?” I knew before I turned that the prince would be there. I gathered my courage and swiveled in my seat. And there he was. Quiet rage simmered in his hazel gaze. He’d heard my lovely speech in full, then. I opted to lighten the mood. “Someone ought to place a damned bell on you.” Axton gave me a look filled with such icy malice, chills raced down my spine. He stared for a long, silent moment, then directed his impressive glare at Ryleigh. “You wrote that asinine column about us, correct?” Ryleigh’s eyes widened as she nodded. Axton scoffed, his attention once again landing on me. “Such loyal, unselfish friends you hav...

“You are an absolute nightmare to my sanity.” His voice was a low growl as he kicked the door shut behind us. “Forget picking suitors. I ought to take you over my knee and punish you in front of the whole damned circle later. Really give them something to talk about.”

“Fear not. I still despise the unholy ground you walk upon. I simply wished to apologize.” His gaze narrowed. Whether from my apology or my attempt to hide my reaction, I couldn’t tell. After a lingering moment, his expression shifted to that of an unaffected rake. “Such an honorable young lady,” he purred, knowing full well I couldn’t stand when he used that low, seductive tone on me. And just like that we were back to barely tolerating each other. “Yes, well. Honor is a concept you ought to adhere to once you take a wife. Difficult though that may be for a scoundrel such as yourself.” “The only female in the entire realm who’d be miserable as my wife is you. Isn’t it fortuitous that you and I will never happen?” I flinched. If he’d stabbed me with his House dagger it might have hurt less. Once upon a time, I’d thought he would be perfect for me. Because he’d made me believe in his brand of fairy tale, right before I discovered he was the villain the stories warned us about. I should have known better than to delude myself into thinking a Prince of Sin could ever be reformed into Prince Charming. “It appears we finally agree on one thing. I would never marry you, Your Highness.” “Good. I don’t recall asking and never will.” And that has always been the issue, I thought crossly. I sat back at my desk, promptly giving him my back. It was wildly inappropriate, but I didn’t care. He’d just coldly reminded me why I’d curse him until the end of days.

“When Adriana arrives,” I said, walking toward the cell door, adding a bit of swagger to my stride in preparation for the grand event, “I want eyes on her at all times.”

“What’s got you the most curious?” He scanned me again and I couldn’t help but feel like he was memorizing every detail. “I wonder why you’re here with me.” “Where else should I be?” “Curled up in bed with someone who adores you, who’d never be foolish enough to let you go. Who’d spend his days discovering details that bring you pleasure.” I felt my cheeks warm pleasantly. “You’re quite the flirt.” His mouth twisted into an impish grin. “I also spend an unfortunate amount of time wondering what you look like, the color of your hair, the shade of your eyes. I want to know who you are, what occupies your days.” He paused, as if waiting to see if I would offer any information up. Clever, clever male. I gave him a coy smile of my own. “You’ll need to try much harder to wrangle secrets from me.” “Very well, Lady F.” His playful grin turned downright sinful. “I must confess, I spend the most time thinking about what it’ll feel like to slide that pretty costume off and worship every inch of you. I dream about the silkiness of your skin, the quiver of your thighs. You’ve got me in a viselike grip and I’m eager to return the favor.”

“If you keep looking at me like that, we’ll never make it to a private chamber, Lady F.” I ran my gaze over him again, partly in challenge and partly because I couldn’t stop myself. “Maybe I want you to take me right here. Over the railing.” I don’t know what possessed me to suggest that. Maybe I wanted to take him up on his offer from the other night. Or perhaps I was still thinking about what the prince had said earlier, about taking me over his knee. As much as I hated to admit it, I craved that show of untamed desire. He paused for a moment before his mouth hitched up on one side. “You are full of surprises.”

“I think it’s actually quite sad,” I admitted. “Choosing a potential partner from a name in a bowl.” He snorted. “When you put it that way, it’s rather unromantic, isn’t it?” “Lonely, I imagine.” I was startled by the realization. Normally, I couldn’t give two cares about the prince and his lack of meaningful relationships. But now that my sister was involved, it bothered me. “Bloody hell. We’re a sad pair of sinners tonight.” I smiled at that. “It’s unfortunate, but true.”

“Sit.” “Shall I heel next?” I clapped a hand over my mouth. But it was too late. I’d unleashed the demon. Axton advanced on me, his expression impossible to read as he raked his gaze over me. “Don’t tempt me. I would do unspeakable things for you to obey my every command.”

I glanced down, noting his favorite bits were in the perfect location should my knee suddenly jerk upward. Muscles did spasm on occasion. I had just cause, surely, to get away with it if mine happened to jolt into him. He leaned closer, his gaze full of challenge. “Do it and I promise you’ll be over my knee, Miss Saint Lucent. Though that didn’t feel like such a deterrent to you yesterday, did it?”

“Do not punish my sister for wanting me here to support her.” At the reminder of his hunt to find a wife, he finally straightened, but he didn’t step back. “If you cause any trouble for me, I’ll disqualify your sister from the competition. Have I made myself perfectly clear?” I nodded. “I don’t plan on being here much during the day, nor at night if I can help it. I have work to do.” “Good.” He stepped back. “The less I see you, the better.”

If we hadn’t had an audience, I would have slowly stroked my hands along her sides, just to see if she’d roll her hips forward, seeking friction against me. Or if she’d lean close and wrap those pretty hands around my neck instead. There was one instance where I might permit that delicious debauchery, and it involved her—I slammed the image away before it devolved.

“When you omit the truth, your eyes narrow right before your jaw tightens. You might want to address that so no one else picks up on it.” “It’s impossible for me to lie. You know that.” She gave me a rueful smile. “Are you certain?” Before I could demand that she clarify, she turned and exited the chamber, leaving me to wonder about our odd exchange. I decided the stress of our situation was to blame and headed down to the dungeons.

SOPHIE WAS SEETHING by the time I was escorted to our chambers. “You see?” she cried the second the butler closed the door. “She’s a walking scandal! Let’s hope the prince overlooks your connection. This couldn’t have gone worse.” If anyone knew how aroused he’d been for someone who wasn’t in the running to become his wife while his actual suitors arrived at the castle, it might be considered worse.

I looked like a Fae princess. My palms suddenly dampened. “It’s a bit much for dinner, isn’t it?” “Not at all. I totally get why Axton chose this for you.” “He chose it for Eden’s image,” I reminded her. “He’s hoping to make her look like a cosseted princess and her family worthy of a royal title if she wins.” “Say what you want, but that gown was designed for you, Adriana. Everything about it is you—the color, the way it looks like your Seven Sins costume.” A bolt of ice flew through my veins, ruining the moment. “Coincidence, I’m sure.” Ryleigh’s gaze ran up and down the dress. “Actually, not the Seven Sins costume. He made you look like a blade. Beautiful, but lethal. People will certainly be talking.” Before I could feign a fever and stay hidden up here until it was time to sneak away to the Seven Sins, Ryleigh spun me toward the door. A bead of trepidation rolled down my spine as I looked myself over once more. If Axton wanted to make me into a weapon, he must be anticipating a battle. But the question remained: was the war between us or was some new skirmish about to begin? “Ready to face the gossips?” Ryleigh asked with a wry smile. We were normally the gossips. I took a deep breath and nodded. “We’ll find out.”

“You’re upset.” “You’re much more astute than I give you credit for, Axton.” His leg brushed against mine as he shifted closer. “Care to enlighten me why?” The wine must have loosened my tongue more than it already was. I faced him, wanting to see his reaction. “You said tonight was only about conversation. And judging by the state of your hair, I’d say that isn’t true.” He was silent for a minute as he held my stare. “Are you jealous?” “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just tired of being correct when it comes to you. My sister deserves someone who will guard her heart, not destroy it carelessly. Not only can’t you keep your word, but this gown is also ridiculous.” I wasn’t sure why I blurted that last part out. But I’d been sitting in the damned dining hall for hours while he’d been entertaining his suitors, and I wanted no part in this. I had much more important things to do with my time than wait around for him to ravish everyone. It was closing in on midnight, and if he prevented me from visiting Carlo to don my disguise before meeting my stranger, I would commit regicide. “Hmm.” Axton leaned closer. “I thought the gown was rather lovely on you.”

“Just to be clear, I didn’t so much as kiss any of the suitors tonight. I was too busy thinking of how distractingly beautiful you are in that gods-forsaken dress to indulge anyone else’s desires.”

“Did you have trouble with my eldest, Your Highness?” she asked. “Adriana is not blood related, thank the gods for that. She’s entirely too high-strung and opinionated to be an Everhart.” I kept my pace slow, my muscles loose. Inside, annoyance ignited in a blaze, and I didn’t bother to stomp it out. “Disowning someone based on the notion of blood and speaking about it so freely to a stranger is a sin I find far more appalling than a woman who speaks her mind.” Sophie’s mouth snapped shut so loudly, I heard the clack of her teeth. I hid my smile, not quite finished. “In fact, I find it rather odious and boring when former nobles think of themselves too highly. It reeks of pride, and as you’re aware, that isn’t my sin.” We made our way to the terrace stairs, and I paused at the bottom, finally dropping my arm. Sophie’s jaw was so strained from biting her tongue, it gave me a delightful burst of elation. The only one permitted to needle Adriana was me. “Thank you, Your Highness. Good—” “One last bit of advice, Mrs. Everhart.” This time I didn’t mask my expression. I allowed every bit of the demon to shine through as I held her stare. “It would be unwise for you to sell any more information about me or your daughter to the press again. I would hate to disqualify Eden because you’ve been running interference. Do I make myself perfectly clear?” She swallowed hard, then gave me a deep curtsy. “Yes, Your Highness.” “Wonderful. Good night.”

“It’s the fear of being caught,” I admitted. He motioned for me to elaborate. I took a sip of my spiced lager, trying to settle my nerves and consider my thoughts. “I’m not sure what else to say. The idea of someone witnessing such a private act and being so lost to the moment I couldn’t care less if they watched is the fantasy. I like the thrill of it all, the danger.” “You want others to feast on the show.” His voice was low and seductive. “To indulge and overindulge your desires is part of this circle.” I’d never spoken my fantasies out loud before and I wasn’t sure if it was the comfort I felt with the stranger because he made me feel free, or if it was simply the fact that we didn’t know each other that made the confession easy. Still, I felt entirely too vulnerable, sharing so much without learning anything in return. I took another large sip of my drink. “It’s just a fantasy. I’m not certain I’d ever actually do it. I think it’s the danger, the anticipation of possibly being caught, more than someone watching that’s enticing. What are your secret desires?” “To make your fantasies come true.”

“We are newly acquainted. What were your secret desires before we met?” His attention returned to the twinkling city as he considered. I wondered if anyone had ever asked him that before, or if he simply didn’t wish to share anything personal. Snow started falling heavily, though the flakes didn’t touch us where we stood. The roof of the Seven Sins was warded by magic that prevented the elements from disturbing its guests. “You want brutal honesty?” he asked. “Yes. I’d like to know what you’re interested in.” He was silent for another moment as if debating his response. “I want to strip you down, bend you backward over the railing, and eat your pussy until you come all over my face.” I’d been in the midst of taking another sip of my winter ale and nearly choked. He flashed a knowing look my way. “What I desire is to have you shouting so loud that every last guest races to this roof, watching as I hook your legs over my shoulders and feast. I want them to know they’ll never make you come like I will. That your body is mine to pleasure and mine alone.” He grinned over at me. I must have flushed from head to toe. “I want your fingers in my hair as you ride my face, lost in ecstasy. Once you’ve begged for mercy, and once I’m certain you can’t take another moment of pleasure, I want you on your knees, choking on my cock as I ruthlessly fuck it.” I could barely catch my breath after that striking description. Even with a drink in hand, my mouth had gone dry. Gods’ blood, the mal...

“What exactly are you proposing?” I asked. At this he finally hesitated. His fingers tapped a quick beat along the railing. “A mutually beneficial bargain. One we both honor until we’re sated.” “The terms?” “We court secretly unless we’d like to go public. If it ever comes to light, we agree to never reveal the truth of where or how we met, then part ways without any expectations of this lasting beyond a few weeks. We indulge in our fantasies, see each other as often or as little as we like during that time. But we agree to keep our relationship private.”

“By blood and by choice, I bind thee to me, for six weeks hence. My wants are your wants, my desires, your desires. I will not act against your best interests, and you won’t act against mine. In this, we are united. Bound by honor, or death do us part.”

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this.” From the earnest sound of his voice, he made it seem like years, not days.

Patience might be a virtue, but we were in a club of sin.

Gabriel blasted Axton was my masked stranger. And the damned prince had just given me the best two orgasms of my life. There was no justice in the world.