Page 104 of The Blade in the Ashes
I knew a man like that. A beautiful, towering man with copper hair, fine clothes, and a dangerous smirk. He didn't need to brag to take a woman's breath away.
I pushed forward, lifting my chin as I did. His own head dipped in turn, aiming to kiss me only for his lips to land on my cheek as I twisted to whisper in his ear. “Prove it.”
He chuckled softly, guiding me so that my back pressed against the window. His body pushed against mine, the heat and stench of him taking over all of my senses, but I didn't bother to push him away.
“The name is Lorence, love. And you are?”
“Miralynn.” The lie came easily.
“Well, Miralynn,” his hand dipped to trace the line of skirt where I had tied it to expose my thigh. “Should we go upstairs so I can regale you with tales of my accomplishments?"
The sound of a blade piercing the wooden lining of the window above our heads sent us careening apart. Before I knew it, Nikolai had pressed himself in front of me, his broad shoulders almost blocking the view of my informant. Although from what I could see of the man his face was turning a rather unfortunate shade of purple.
“What do you think you're doing?” Lorence spewed.
Nikolai shrugged, effortlessly relaxed even as the other man reached for the weapon on his hip.
“Stopping you from slobbering on my—”
“Sister!” I quickly interrupted, exasperation dripping from my voice as I shoved him away. “A sister who neither wants nor needs you here.”
Lorence took a slow step back, his hand still lingering on the hilt of his dagger as his brow furrowed and he looked at the two of us.
Two people who very clearly didnotlook like siblings.
“Adopted siblings,” Nikolai growled under his breath in explanation, even as his attention locked on mine. “I tire of this place.”
“I don't!”
Nikolai reached for me, grasping hold of my hand and ripping me away. I stumbled after him, both of us leaving Lorence fuming by the window. With a growl I tore my hand from his, earning a stare of pure rage.
“We'releaving,” he insisted.
“Wait here!” I took a step backwards. “And give me one minute to salvage what you just ruined.”
I ran back to Lorence, not waiting for Nikolai to protest again. He stared after me, chest rising and falling in irritation before he turned on his heels and stormed out of the brothel.
“Your brother is an ass,” Lorence commented when I was at his side once more.
I inclined my head in agreement, running my hands over his chest. “Yes, but my father won't let me out of the house without him. He's usually not such a spoil sport.”
Lorence caught my wrists. “So, are we going upstairs or not?”
His flirtation had faded, replaced with anger and impatience. He was no longer intrigued with the mysterious woman who wanted more than this room could offer.
“I have to go,” I confessed.
He pulled my arms from around his neck, but I latched on harder pulling him to me and pressing my mouth into his.
I gave him everything he needed. I pressed into him, let my tongue dance against his, released a breathy kind of sigh that had him hardening against me. He needed a taste of success to continue this game with me. So, I gave it to him and I prayed to the Gods that Nikolai stayed outside while I did.
“I would like to see you again,” I told him. “I would like you to prove it to me.”
Lorence's gaze lingered on my mouth as indecision wavered in his eyes. The women he'd left behind started calling for him, promising to offer himeverything I was refusing, but I kept my fingers in his hair and my breasts pressed tightly against his chest.
Just take the bait. Just take it. Take it. Take—
“There's a party tomorrow. The estate to the west of town. I think you'll find it's filled with the kind of men you're looking for.”
