Crown of Betrayal (Wicked Kingdoms Book 2)

by Graceley Knox

  I huff and sit on a chaise. “That half-breed bitseach attacked me at dinner! Me, the queen!” I smooth a hand down my skirts, removing the wrinkles, and glare at the Trickster. “I thought you were going to take care of that striapach. What is taking so long?”

  The Trickster chuckles. “A bitch and a whore? That’s quite an endorsement coming from you… your highness.” The Trickster leans back again and laces his fingers together over his stomach. “Besides, if you want it to work and work well, these things take time.”

  I scowl at him. “I don’t have time. I want it done now.”

  “You have nothing but time. You’re Fae.” The Trickster retorts.

  I wave a hand. “I want this done before the end of the week, or I’ll take matters into my own hands and call you an oath breaker, Trickster. Not even you can escape the Sluagh.”

  The Trickster keeps his smile. He nods. “Yes, Queen Odaine. I’ll see what can be done.”

  “Don’t see what can be done. Do it.” With a wave of my hand I dismiss him and call for a servant.

  Without another word, the Trickster disappears, plans forming, and pieces of the puzzle falling into place.

  CHAPTER

  FOURTEEN

  My body shakes with each deep breath in and each puff of air out. I stand and watch Dare. I wait for him to say something. To tell me I was wrong to stand up for myself. My hands clench and unclench with tension.

  Dare takes three steps forward, advancing while I retreat, until we’re hidden in an alcove. His ribbed abdomen presses against my stomach and our chests heave. My breasts are smashed against his pecs, my heart thundering. I stare up into his face, searching for answers. A raw look of need replaces the thin line of his lips, and the creases on his forehead disappear.

  “I have nothing to say.” Dare lowers his head and whispers the words against the sensitive skin of my neck.

  A frisson of arousal shivers down my spine and I slant my head to give him better access.

  “I can’t think around you, Ever. All I can do is feel.” His hand traces up my hip and the dip in my waist. “It’s all I can do to control the need.” His lips brush my neck, feather soft and warm.

  “The n-need?” I let my eyelids flutter closed while he enchants me with his words. My body temperature increases with each touch of his skin against. A few notches more with each press of his flesh against mine.

  “Mmhmm. The need to touch you.” He kisses up my neck with butterfly soft kisses. His rough hands push under the fabric of my top and the callouses on his palms rub against my smooth skin. “The need to hold you in my arms.” Another kiss against my jaw. “The need to protect you.” His hand contracts on my hip at the word protect and a rush of moisture soaks my pussy.

  I tilt my head back and moan. His kisses continue until he places one at the corner of my mouth.

  “The need to consume you.” His breath tickles my lips before he presses his lips into mine. He tunnels a hand into my simple up-do and takes my mouth hostage.

  Our tongues tangle and chase each other. Excitement runs through my body like the wild hounds of the underworld. My need for him is untamed, unapologetic and unsurpassed. His hand brushes across my hip and to my back, then dips into my pants. His rough hand clutches the soft flesh of my ass. With one tug, every inch of his hard length is pressed into my lower stomach. I hike a leg up to his hip and tilt my hips into him.

  With each touch, each press of our bodies, another wave of desire spirals through my nerve endings, lighting them up like fireflies at dusk. My breath comes in pants and I wait. I wait for the feeling of guilt to creep in like it always does every time we touch.

  It doesn’t.

  I’m consumed by the need to sate my hunger for this man. This goblin that can send shivers of want straight to my sex with a simple look and twist me up in knots with a passing touch.

  I rip my mouth from his and draw in a much-needed breath. “Dare.” I rock my hips against his length and his hand clenches on my ass. His grip is hard enough to leave a hand print and the thought sends a thrill through me, straight to my pulsing clit.

  He moves my hips against his and presses kisses across my cheek to my ear. “Say my name again.”

  I whimper against his neck as a rush of wetness dampens my panties. The fabric sticks to my bare flesh. “Dare.” I wiggle against him. “I need.”

  Dare pulls his mouth back from kissing up the shell of my ear and tips my chin up. I blink my eyes open and stare up at him. He levels me with his heated gaze and licks his lips. “I know what you need, Ever.”

  The leg holding me up gives out and Dare catches me. He guides my other leg around his hips and I cradle his erection between my shaking thighs. He cranes his neck and looks behind us. I blink a few times and realize where we are. Reality starts to creep in and I tense, the liquid relaxation no longer flowing through my bones.

  “Oh no you don’t.” Moving swiftly, Dare steps back and two steps to the left. A latch clicks and a lock tumbles and we’re in an empty bedroom.

  I look behind me and take in our surroundings. “Dare…”

  He silences me with his mouth and walks to the bed. He cradles my head in his hand and lays me down on the soft blankets on top of the bed. He licks inside my mouth, his tongue toying with mine until it follows his back into his mouth. He nips at my lower lip then laves the sting with his tongue and I’m with him. I’m in a haze of desire for more of his touch.

  I push against his chest and our mouths separate. Lines form on Dare’s brow until I reach up and remove my shirt. Cool air kisses my bare skin and I shiver.

  Dare slides his hands up my body to frame my covered breasts. “Iontach.” I furrow my brow and he utters another word, this time in a language I understand. “Magnificent.” He pulls back and I tighten my legs around his hips so he won’t leave me. He pulls his own shirt off and reveals his wide chest. Every muscle is defined, and there are more than a few scars from battles fought and won, but it’s perfection that you’d expect to see from a famous sculpture.

  I reach for him and he catches my hand in his. He holds my hand in his larger one and places a gentle kiss in my palm. My legs loosen their grip on his hips and I melt into the bed beneath him.

  “Come here.” My lips barely move to form the words but he hears me.

  He shakes his head. “Not yet, little álainn.” He thumbs my nipples through my bra and I arch my chest for more. He reaches both hands back and forces me to unwrap my legs from around him. I feel an ache at the loss of his body between my thighs and move my legs restlessly. “Stay still.” Dare squints his eyes in concentration and from one second to the next I go from wearing pants, panties, and a bra to nothing at all.

  I turn wide eyes to Dare and my mouth drops open. “How’d you do that?” My nipples pebble as a cool draft of air caresses them.

  Dare winks and drags his hands up my inner thighs. My thighs part until I’m spread open before him. “Magic, little álainn. Magic.” He inhales a breath and shudders. “Rain and vanilla. Your scent taunts me every time we touch.” Dare traces a finger over my mound before dipping a finger into my wet folds. His finger tantalizes my aching center.

  “Dare.” His name is forced out of me with a huff as his finger pushes past my folds to my entrance. He circles just the tip of his finger there. His gaze is focused on what he’s doing and I watch him observe my body’s reaction to his touch.

  His mouth parts slightly and his eyes dilate when he pushes a finger into my wet depths. His rough finger spreads me open and my walls part around the intrusion. His knuckles press against me; his finger is as deep as he can get it. He drags his finger back inch by inch and my lips part around a moan. When just the tip of his finger remains, he pushes a second finger in with the first. Once again, he drags them back. Finally, he adds a third finger and pushes in. Before dragging his fingers back, he bends just the tips so they drag across that nerve filled spot only he can find.

  My body lurches off the
bed and I grip his thigh under my own. Pressure fills me and pleasure whips through my pussy. “Dare. Fuck. Yes!”

  He drags his fingers over that spot again and watches me. His lips twist into a satisfied smirk.

  I throw my head back. “Mm hmm. Fucking, yes.” My nails dig into his thigh while my own tremble.

  He thrusts his fingers into me with more force behind each movement and I can’t stand it. Every inch of me needs him inside of me. My pussy is throbbing with need. I look down to his hand thrusting in and out of me, his fingers soaked with my desire.

  I look up and we lock gazes. “I need your cock inside me. Now.”

  He chuckles low and I swear I can feel the vibration through his fingers still deep inside my cunt. He swipes his thumb over the swollen bundle of nerves at the top of my slit and I stop breathing for a moment. He does it again. My chest feels constricted, like I can’t draw in enough air. Like I forgot how to breathe and can only take the rapture Dare gives me.

  Dare rubs a tight circle around my clit and my hips buck forward. “Still want my cock inside you?” He strokes my pussy like he owns it. And in this moment, he does.

  “Yes. I want you inside me. Hard and fast. I need to feel you inside me.” My response is pure instinct. No thought required.

  Dare removes his fingers from inside my opening and brings them up to his lips. “Since you’re rushing me, I’ll have to taste your essence this way.” He licks my wetness from his fingers one by one while I watch. His tongue wraps around each digit and my insides tighten in jealousy. I want that tongue on me. On my body.

  I angle forward and wrap my hand around his erect shaft. I pump my hand up and down his length once. Then twice.

  Red stains Dare’s cheeks but he doesn’t stop what he’s doing. Instead he sucks one finger into his mouth and moans. My hand loses its tight grip and I lick my lips.

  “Your taste, little tine.” He pushes against my shoulder and lays me flat on the mattress. His finger leaves his mouth with a pop. “I could feast on you all day and never be satisfied.” His broad body covers mine, his cock lining up with my center.

  I run a hand down his muscled side and grab a hold of his ass. “Taste me later. Inside me now.” My brain is no longer capable of full sentences. It’s focused solely on my pussy and remembering what Dare’s dick feels like inside me.

  Dare notches the wide head of his cock at my entrance and I open my thighs that extra inch more to give him more access to me. He hums his approval before he slams home. Every inch of his thick cock scrapes over the walls of my pussy.

  Spots once again dance in my vision. Dare drives into me with force. He slides an arm under my chest and grips my shoulder. With each thrust he pulls me down to meet him. And each time he hits that bundle of nerves with just the right amount of pleasure to make my hands twitch.

  “Holy fuck.” My body contracts around him and he shelters me. He grounds me while my body flies higher and higher with pleasure. I throw a hand back and tangle in the bedspread for purchase. I’m spread completely open for him, unable to move unless he lets me. But he controls each movement of my body against his. With each stroke, he angles his hips to drag across that spot inside me that sends sparks flying through my body. Each ember landing closer and closer to the fire inside me just waiting to blaze.

  “So tight around me. I love how your pussy fastens around my cock like it doesn’t want to let go.” With his free hand, Dare pinches my pebbled nipple roughly. “Like you can’t get enough of me.”

  The bite of pain shoots a direct flare to my pussy and I quiver around him. “Dare…” The sparks are landing closer and closer to the embers. I can’t find the words to answer him, so I hold onto his shoulders and dig my nails in.

  He crushes his lips to mine in a harsh kiss. His tongue swoops inside of my mouth, the last vestiges of my taste still on his tongue. He nips at my lower lip and smiles wolfishly. “I know.” His thrusts quicken and he pounds into me harder and harder. Each stroke leaves me breathless and helpless to try and stop the volcano inside me from overflowing.

  The combination of his fingers applying steady pressure to my sensitive nipples and his punishing thrusts into my pussy shoot ripples of pleasure through my body until I’m shaking head to toe. “Dare. I’m…”

  “I know. Come for me, little tine.” He angles his hips just a bit more and hits the spot that sets me on fire and flames of pleasure lap at my body and consumes me.

  “Hmm, my gods! Dare, don’t stop.” I buck against him and draw blood where my nails dig into his flesh. I squeeze my legs around his hips but his pace doesn’t slow. Each thrust hits that spot and rubs against my swollen clit, only throwing fuel on the inferno that rages inside of me. I mumble incoherently and Dare’s face falters as I come down from my blissful state.

  Dare grips my chin. “Look at me, little tine. Watch me take my pleasure just as I watched you.” Pounding roughly inside my sheath, he locks his gaze with me as I hold on for the ride. My breath shutters out of me and I watch as his breathing becomes choppy.

  I lean up for a moment and whisper in his ear. “Come for me, Dare.” I lick the shell of his ear and he shudders above me.

  With a few final strokes, he stills above me and groans. “Ever. Mmm. Ever.” His arms shake and he collapses with his upper half to the side of me. Our lower halves still connected while his breathing regulates. After a few moments, he reaches for my hand and smiles.

  “What?” I ask softly, a small smile gracing my own lips.

  Dare only smiles wider before pulling my hand up to his lips and pressing a kiss to the palm of my hand.

  And just like that, the last wall protecting my heart from this goblin falls. My mind races and my chest constricts in fear, but Dare smiles again and the tension releases.

  He pulls me against his chest and wraps both arms around me. Before I can open my mouth to ruin the moment, he brushes a kiss over my lips.

  “Sleep, little álainn. Tomorrow we can worry about the rest.”

  I blink a few times and exhale a breath. I snuggle into his chest and let the cocoon of sex and comfort we’ve created in this room surround me and lull me to sleep.

  CHAPTER

  FIFTEEN

  Click, click, click. Scratch, click, scratch.

  The sounds pull me from sleep and I slowly come to. Something unpleasant is in my mouth, and I search my brain for what the hell I ate the night before. Nothing strange that I can think of. I crack one eyelid open and look down. My hair. My hair is in my mouth. Blech. I swat at it until it’s all gone from my mouth and scrunch my nose.

  Scratch, scuff, scratch, scuff.

  What the fuck is that? I turn my head and am met with a bare chest.

  Dare.

  The Queen being a rude whore.

  Sex.

  With Dare.

  The kiss against my palm.

  Each thought flashes across my mind with accompanying images and my body goes lax. Panic doesn’t suffocate me at the thought of Dare and I doing the nasty. I press my lips tightly together at the thought of Queen Odaine. I’ll deal with her later. I watch as Dare’s chest rises and falls in sleep. The scar from his eyebrow to his cheek bone no longer gives him an air of danger, but of vulnerability. I reach over and lightly trace it with the tip of my finger. He stirs and mutters in his sleep before settling. I smile softly.

  Scuff, click, scuff, scratch.

  The noise sounds again and my lips turn down at the edges. One day I will wake up on my own, without sounds or people waking me up. I prop up an elbow and look over Dare’s chest to the door. I look at the crack on the floor for shadows of someone standing there. Nothing. My shoulders tense and I look around the room we’re in. Nothing special. A regular guest room, I’m guessing. Few furnishings, table, chairs, nothing useful. I gaze past the fireplace but stop and come back to it. Fire poker. The perfect weapon. I smile and jump out of bed without making a peep.

  I grab the steel poker and make my way to the door.<
br />
  Scuff, click, scratch.

  I ready my weapon of choice and raise it above my head in one hand. With the other, I reach for the latch. I whip the door open and jump in front of the doorway. A maid passing by shrieks and throws the tray of cups and plates she’s holding in the air. They crash to the floor and shatter into thousands of pieces.

  I sense movement behind me so I turn and brandish my poker only to see Dare standing there naked as the day he was born, ready to fight. I look him up and down and memories from the last night flood my brain.

  Dare clears his throat. “Ever. What is going on?”

  I start and snap out of it. “Nothing. I thought I heard something, but I just scared the poor maid.” I lift one corner of my mouth into a wry smile and wave a hand at the maid trying to clean up the pieces of the table settings. I point at him. “You might want to put some clothes on, though, so she can stop gaping at you.” I raise a brow.

  Dare smiles and places his hands on his hips. “No, I meant why are you naked and scaring the staff?” He raises his own brow.

  I look down and grimace. “Uh. I wasn’t really concerned with semantics when I was trying to protect you from harm while you slept like a babe. You’re welcome, by the way.”

  I hear a scuffle and twist to look behind me. Calum and Calder are now standing there while the maid finishes picking up the mess I caused. I slide my palm over my face. Of course someone I know has to show up at the commotion. Of-fucking-course.

  I wave a hand. “Hey, guys.”

  They both look me up and down, what parts of me they can see, which at this point is my entire back side. Calum grins and takes a second look. Calder slaps his hand over his eyes and tries to give me a shred of privacy.

  Dare growls behind me and speaks in their native tongue faster than I can comprehend. “Ever. Come here.”