Page 110 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

Then I change the subject. “Congratulations on winning yesterday.”

His grin widens. “You saw the contest?”

“I did.” I sip more of the bubbly liquid, and my head lightens. “Your performance was impressive.”

He puffs out his chest. “Thank you.”

“Why aren’t you competing today?”

“Competitors only need to win one of the contests to qualify for the final event at week’s end. Now that I’ve secured my place, I get to enjoy the festivities.” Warm eyes trail over me.

My skin pebbles under the toga’s smooth fabric.

And there’s no mistaking how the dark marks on my arms writhe with annoyance.

I grind my teeth together.

This is absurd.

Rian gets to traipse around Virendrell with Iris and his cadre while I’m left behind. And the marks binding me to him have the nerve to be bothered when a male talks to me?

It’s…infuriating.

I want to rebel against it.

Leto continues to admire me, eyes traveling over my hair and the braid hanging over my shoulder.

The bubbly drink gives me confidence. I rotate and prop my hip against the railing. Leto turns to do the same.

“Do you think you’ll win the final contest?” I ask.

“I know I will.”

“What is the prize if you win?” My gaze dips over the broad expanse of his chest, lowering to take in his tapered waist and thick thighs.

Leto shrugs. “Anything I want.”

I blink and meet his stare. “Anything?”

“Well…anything within reason.” His smile turns into a smirk. “Though, there aren’t many limits.”

The alcohol dulls my thoughts. Otherwise, his words would alarm me more than they are.

My gaze drops once more, and a pang of loneliness hits me.

Is that why I’m pulled to Rian?

Is it loneliness?

Can the insatiable desire to run my hands through the Shadow Prince’s dark hair be appeased by something as simple as losing myself in intimacy with another? Even for a short while?

I bite my lip and stare at Leto. He’s shorter than the Fae, but sturdy. Strong. I wonder how many ridges are carved into his torso.

One of my hands rises into the air.

Leto’s eyes flash.

He shifts forward.