A Court of Sugar and Spice (Wicked Darlings, #1)

by Rebecca F. Kenney

“I make it a habit to always pay attention when a woman speaks to me. It’s the ones who are out of their minds who have the most fascinating and insightful things to say.”

“Listen, I can feel myself hardening again—” Louisa snorts, a sharp burst of hysterical laughter, and nearly drops her candle. The Nutcracker quirks an eyebrow at her. “Never mind,” she chokes. “What were you saying about getting hard?”

I give him a merry smile. “Such a joy to see your frowning face again, Your Irritableness.”

The Prince frowns. “Are you trying to bribe me?” “Why no. I believe it’s called blackmail.”

“So I smell like food?” “No.” Lir eyes me sternly from the shadow of his hood. “You smell like food and sex. And… more.”

“You have depths no one has explored yet,” he whispers. “And I intend to be the first to explore them, if you’ll allow it—as much as we can, anyway. The timing is shit, of course.”

“I ask for no more than I’m willing to give. Which is everything.” I twist so I can look at him better. “You have the gall to ask me for everything, when we’ve barely been acquainted for two weeks?” “The Fae are not slow in matters of love. Once we know our hearts, we act on those feelings.” “And your feelings for me—they are—” “Love. I love you.”

“You wanted me, tempted me,” he whispers. “You have me. Now it’s your decision. Choice is freedom.”

“I suppose if I want leniency, cursing the Prince’s cousin isn’t the way to begin,”