Page 117 of Thief of Hearts

“I know someone who is a raven.”

“You . . . know someone who is a raven.”

“Only some of the time. He’s a shape-shifter. Although I don’t know if I’m supposed to tell you that.” Was Rokh’s situation still a secret? I couldn’t remember. “He and his wife just announced that they’re having their first two children.”

“Like . . . eggs in a nest?”

“No, not like eggs in a . . . Actually, I don’t know.”

“You know some very interesting people,” he said with a laugh.

“I do. Including the king of thieves.”

He stood suddenly, almost knocking his chair over. He rushed to me and whispered, “The other spy.”

It felt wrong that I was almost giddy this was happening.

Oh no, you have to kiss the ridiculously handsome man. Whatever shall you do?

I again told imaginary Lia to be quiet.

“Right. So should we . . .” I pointed at the bed.

“Not yet.” He spun me around and moved my hair to over my right shoulder. He leaned in and started to press soft kisses along the back of my neck, and I’d never realized what a sensitive spot that was for me. I shuddered and knew that he felt it because of the sound he made in the back of his throat.

“So responsive.” He murmured the words on my skin, sending new tremors. My breathing became uneven and I was finding it difficult to remain standing. He kissed the spot where my shoulder and neck met, and then his hands moved around me to untie my belt.

I reached up so that I could run my fingers along the back of his scalp. Now it was his turn to shudder.

The belt came off, landing on the floor, and then he moved my arms so that my tunic could follow.

I heard his choked groan the moment he realized I wasn’t wearing a breast band. His fingers trailed down my naked spine, exploring each bump.

“Did you do this deliberately?” he asked.

“No. It was bothering me earlier so I took it off.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t just to make me wild?”

“That’s . . . an added bonus.” I couldn’t say whether I’d done it deliberately. I hadn’t intended to, but it was possible I’d done it without even realizing.

Because I had known the second spy was coming tonight.

“Do you like that he’s watching us? Are you putting on a show for him?”

I couldn’t have been because again Zain blocked the spy’s view so that he couldn’t see me.

“No, not for him. I like that you’re watching me. I’m doing this for you.”

When I began to turn, his hands went to my hips. “Not yet. Anticipation is one of the best parts.”

He ran his hands down my legs, on the outside, kneeling behind me. “Ever since you put these on, I have thought of nothing but taking them off you. They outline your perfect legs so well . . .”

His hands moved up and began at the top of my pants, tugging them down.

“If I take this off, will I discover that you’re not wearing your undergarment, either?”

“I suppose you’ll have to find out.”