Page 140 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

The blue in his irises flares. His fingertips dig into my back.

I brace myself for him to draw away.

But his head lowers.

I tangle my fingers in his hair, rising on my toes to meet his lips halfway.

“Unless your decision this morning has changed, brother,”—Draven’s hard voice cuts through the night—“I strongly suggest you rethink your next move.”

The moment shatters like a hammer striking a looking glass.

I drop to my heels and slide my hands from Rian’s neck and rest them on his chest.

Heat rises in my cheeks as I peek to the side and confirm Draven stands at the opening of the alley, within the shadowed curtain concealing us from passing revelers.

Rian’s muscles ripple under my palms.

I look back at the rigid male and bite the inside of my cheek. His jaw is tight, eyes flat. He stares at Draven, and like many times before, I get the sense they’re having a silent conversation.

I drop my arms and move to step out of his arms.

Rian’s hold remains firm.

To Draven, he says, “I know what I’m doing.”

“I don’t think you do.” There’s no judgment in the words.

Draven’s features are hard, but there is wariness in his gaze. Even concern.

The sight effectively douses my desire.

I clear my throat and give a tiny push against Rian’s chest. The thrum of his heartbeat makes my own flutter, but I don’t allow myself to succumb to the feeling. Not again.

Rian’s eyes shift to me. His lips part but then press together. His brow furrows, and conflicting wants and desires swirl in his stunning eyes, mirrored by the frenetic slithering and snapping of the shadows at his back.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, pushing against him once more, and I use his earlier words against him. “This is probably for the best.”

His lips turn down, but when I push again, he finally drops the hand holding me against him.

I shuffle back, aware of how weak my legs still are from the rampage of lust that coursed through my veins.

I stop a foot from Draven, surprised to find an expression I’d almost describe as apologetic covering his features.

I clear my throat. “I suppose this is goodbye, Draven.”

His eyes dart to Rian before he replies, “I suppose it is.”

“Thank you for attempting to teach me to fight.”

Do I imagine it, or do his lips twitch?

“Continue to practice with your sister, and you will be a formidable foe in no time.”

That is, by far, the kindest thing the surly Fae has ever said to me.

My lips curl into a soft smile. “I will.”

I move closer to the shadowy wall separating me from the road. I reach out. Shadows curl around my wrist, snaking up my arm and around my torso.