by Autumn Dawn
"Technically, I'm not a princess."
"No problem. We can still make our fortune. We'll just set up a table in the marketplace and fleece passing shoppers at poker."
Wiley laughed. “You didn't do so good when you played Keilor. Seems to me you spent more time losing and paying with kisses."
Jasmine flushed and looked around guiltily, as if their guards hadn't already heard every word. “Shh! Besides, that whole kissing thing was his idea."
"You liked it."
"Did not!"
Wiley just looked at her.
Jasmine's color deepened. “Besides, I'm sure he's some kind of womanizer. Just look at the guy. He's got trouble written all over him."
"Sometimes that's the best kind of man,” Wiley purred, enjoying herself.
Jasmine changed tactics. “Yeah? Is that why you like Jayems so much?"
That instantly sobered her. “You don't know what you're talking about."
It was Jas’ turn to look superior, and she looked relieved to do it. “That's good to know. It means I can stop carrying around that heavy fire extinguisher whenever you two get together. Though what you see in...” She put her hand on Wiley's arm when she saw her expression. “Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't know ... I'll shut up."
"Thanks.” Wiley's throat ached. She didn't want to talk about Jayems anymore.
Jasmine looked around for a moment, as if searching for something. Her gaze landed on a low stone wall. “Oh, look! Betcha I can walk on it longer than you.” She boosted herself up on it, ignoring the odd looks sent her way. She gave Wiley a wicked grin. “Don't be shy, now."
Wiley laughed at the idea. If Jas wasn't in her typical dreamy mode, she'd be the one nervous about the attention she was getting. Still, she was trying to make her feel better, so Wiley swung up. “Don't blame me when you break a leg."
"Contrary to popular opinion, I do have some athletic ability. Balance is one of my highlights."
"Oh, yeah? Look, there's Keilor!” Wiley pointed, then instantly regretted her teasing as Jasmine's head whipped up. She tipped and would have fallen if Piper hadn't quickly reached out and steadied her.
"Th—thanks,” Jasmine stammered, unnerved by her close encounter, either with the sidewalk or the Haunt. She gave Wiley an evil look. “Brat."
Wiley shrugged, thumbs tipped out, in apology.
With a snort of disgust, Jasmine stomped on along the wall's edge. As it happened, the wall went right across from the armory. Ignoring Piper's offered hand, Jasmine jumped down, landing rather heavily. As Wiley alighted next to her, she offered a small smile. “You're going to have to get over this man-shy thing you have.” It wasn't that. She knew what Jas was really afraid of, but if Jas wanted to bluff it out, she would let her. Wiley herself wasn't all that comfortable around the Haunt yet.
Jas looked at her dead on. “I'm no coward, Wi."
Affection and pride made Wiley smile. “No, you're not. Come on. Let's see if we can find something pointy to annoy the guys with.” She followed Piper into the armory, still smiling.
Chapter 13
Jasmine was poisoned that night.
Jasmine had taken one drink of Wiley's wine and stiffened. The glass had shattered in her hand, and moments later she'd been screaming, doubled up on the floor. Keilor and Fallon had worked frantically to help her, and somebody had called the medics. Jayems had dragged Wiley back from the scene, calming her frantic struggles with gentle force. Even now, after they knew that it had been Jasmine's dessert that was poisoned and not the wine, Wiley couldn't shake the feeling that she was responsible. Jasmine wouldn't even be here if it weren't for her.
Wiley sat in the hospital waiting room, scared to death that she was about to lose her best friend. They'd been having a family dinner. Things had been a little strained, what with Keilor and Jasmine trying to ignore each other and her mother trying to monopolize Wiley's attention, but they'd almost finished up with no major problems. That was, until Jasmine snatched a taste of Wiley's wine.
Whimpering silently, Wiley put her face in her hands, then ran them through her hair. Jayems was there, lending silent support as Keilor and Fallon quietly argued who could have been responsible.
The medic finally came out and gave his report. It was grim. He mentioned possible brain damage and internal injuries to her organs. They wouldn't know more until she woke up, and the recovery was bound to be slow.
The tears came afresh at the medic's report. Fallon swore softly and Jayems put a supporting arm around her. She leaned into him and he kissed her hair. Poor Jasmine.
There was nothing more they could do there that night, so Jayems led her home, promising to let her spend all day with Jasmine tomorrow. Tonight, the medics were still working on her.
Wiley made it to their room and then collapsed on the couch. “I'm going to go back tonight, even if all I do is watch Jasmine sleeping. She needs to have someone with her."
Jayems smiled and looked down, kissed her hand. “Keilor will be with her all night."
She frowned at him. “It's hardly going to cheer her up if she wakes up and sees him."
"She might surprise you. You'd have to take a sword to Keilor to make him leave her tonight. He feels responsible."
"Why? She wouldn't even be here tonight if it weren't for me,” she said in self-reproach.
He shook his head and brushed the hair away from her face. “You would have followed her, if things had been reversed. Keilor is head of security here. Among other things, he feels he should have kept her safe. How can he feel he's doing his job if someone is poisoned at the very table he's sitting at?"
"It's not his fault!"
"I'm just telling you how he thinks. I've known him long enough to know."
She gave a little shuddering sigh. “Why couldn't it have been me? I probably could have recovered from something like this."
He shook his head. “Don't be so eager to court death, sweetheart. You both have enemies. It's nothing you did to earn them. We just have to do a better job of protecting you. That's our responsibility."
She looked at him with wounded, vulnerable eyes. “It's not."
He couldn't help it. He kissed her, swearing with his kiss what he couldn't express with his voice. She needed him, and there was an age old comfort he could offer that neither of them would argue against.
She folded against him, needing the touch, craving the contact with his body. She was hesitant at first, afraid. He could hurt her right now.
As if he knew it, he slid her gently to the couch, his touch still comforting even as it explored her body, gently passed over her breast. The contact made her gasp, made her clutch at him as fire spiked through her. Oh, yes. She needed this. She knew where lovemaking could take her. It was making love with him that worried her.
He'd already stepped up the aid and comfort, though, and she was fast forgetting her worries. The man had his hand under her skirt, on the inside of her thigh. He didn't touch the obvious place, though. Instead he caressed her hips slowly, traced her lower belly, massaged her thighs. Only when she made a desperate sound and parted her legs did he place a hand over her patch. The hand remained still.
Wiley whimpered and tugged at his wrist. He started to pull away.
"No! Please, right there.” She shuddered and tried to shift his fingers. His hand moved and his thumb caressed the inside of her thigh.
"Are you sure?” he asked in a husky voice. “I won't ask again, sweetheart. I won't let you change your mind."
She pulled him down for a kiss.
Satisfied with her answer, he shed his restraint. His fingers slid home, and she lost track of time. The man was magic, and he was everywhere. She'd never known it was possible to be undressed without her awareness, but suddenly she realized that she was naked. Jayems had lost his shirt, one leg was between hers, riding against her as he slid down and tasted her breasts like a prisoner on his last meal. Or maybe his first real meal since being released. His hot, open mouth moved
down her body, shocking her into sudden realization. She grabbed his head. “Wait! I ... I've never done that."
"Good.” He actually growled as he shook his head free and deliberately lowered his mouth.
She could not lie still. Sucking in air, she gasped in pleasure, the sounds coming from her mouth getting louder and louder until she was shouting, a prisoner pinned between his hot, slick mouth and the couch.
Finally he slid up and ripped open his fly. He fell over her and looked her in the eye. “I told you I wouldn't ask again.” He slid inside.
She arched up and dug her nails into his back. It was so tight, and he was huge. It hurt, and a hell of a lot at that, but he worked his way in, kissing her neck, running his tongue over her ears, massaging her thighs and breasts. The look on his face was mindless, but it was obvious he knew what he was doing. Desire built and built inside her, though he was barely moving. Just the thought of him there, of what he was about to do ... she threw back her head and screamed in climax.
Jayems shook and then pumped into her, driving her deep into the couch. With a roar, he climaxed inside her, joining his seed to hers.
* * * *
She slept hard that night, so deeply that it was well into the morning when she woke. Then she remembered and sat bolt upright. “Jasmine!"
Sore muscles between her thighs made her wince. It was then, as the sheets slid against her naked skin, that she remembered what else had happened that night.
Jayems was already up and dressed. He walked into his bedroom moments after her exclamation. “She's still resting, but we've transferred her to her room. If you'd be willing to eat some breakfast, I'll take you right over.” He leaned over and kissed her good morning. It was a gentle hello, nothing like the flaming kisses of the night before.
She looked down, tugging the sheets around her. There'd never been a morning after for her. She didn't know what to do.
He made a low sound, much like a growl. “Don't tempt me, sweetheart. I'm a newly mated man—I can't see you in my bed and not want you."
Fire licked her cheeks as she scooted around him. Walking was uncomfortable, but she assumed it would heal quickly, maybe in time for that night ... ?
She shivered and got dressed in record time.
* * * *
Jasmine was so pale, but when she finally opened her eyes, they were lucid.
Wiley put a hand to Jas’ brow and found it cool. “How are you doing, Jas?” she asked softly.
While better, Jasmine was still tired. After a short conversation and a visit to the bathroom, she drifted back to sleep. Still worried, but relieved, Wiley let the nurse take over and went back to her room. Seeing Jayems, she said with a smile, “She just went back to sleep, but she's feeling better."
He smiled and slid his hands around her from behind, pulling her close. “I'm relieved. I know how worried you were.” His hands wandered.
She couldn't help a low moan. “What are you doing?"
"Expressing my relief. Appreciating your amazing breasts,” he said as his fingers closed over the right one.
She choked on a laugh. “Amazing, huh?"
"Mmm.” He eased up the back of her skirt and bent her gently over the back of the couch. He made a noise of impatience at the sight of her satin panties. “Why do women wear these things?” He slid them down to her thighs and left them there, nudging her legs apart. Kissing the back of her neck, he slid the dress over her shoulders, kissing skin as he bared it. With her breasts hanging loose over the couch, he took his time teasing them, lifting and pushing them together, gently pinching and rolling the ruby tips.
He bent over and whispered in her ear, “Open yourself for me.” He breathed in her ear and licked the rim.
Matching heat spiraled down between her thighs. Shocked, she whispered, “What?"
With a wicked laugh, he took her hands and guided them back, placing them on either side of her slick opening. Naughtily, he pushed the tips of two of them just inside her.
She gasped and tried to pull away. “Jayems!"
He chuckled and firmed her fingers on either side, making her spread herself. Giving her clit a wicked little tweak that made her squeal—he had to retrieve her hands again—he slowly slid home.
Wiley quaked. The man had spent too much time reading those books. He was killing her.
"Ah, sweet,” he purred, rocking her softly. “I want to lick you so badly, sweetheart, but I can't stop moving inside you."
Unable to focus, she groaned and gripped the couch. A whimpering sound trembled on her lips as he gripped her behind and rotated. She started to pant.
"That's it. Feel me. You know what I'm going to do to you. I'm going to climax inside you, Rih. I'm going to give you my baby."
The climax hit her like a sledgehammer. She went crazy, bucking against the couch, screaming until she thought she would black out. He joined her, driving into her like he'd been shot up with molten lightning.
As she trembled with aftershocks, he slipped a hand under them and pressed. She splintered into another climax, jerking uncontrollably.
She didn't know where he found the energy, but he carried her into the bedroom and shed the rest of their clothes.
The first time must have been a warm up, because he slid into her again, pinning her arms above her head, lacing his fingers with hers. His kiss was wild and tender, restrained yet ardent. He drove her crazy with his kisses, yet made her take it slow even when she begged. His self control drove her wild, and in the end, he joined her.
Even as they lay there, his fingers continued their play between her legs.
It was somewhere after the third time and a nap that she woke up, feeling his body lying against hers. His arm was draped possessively over her waist, and she could tell he was awake.
"What did you mean when you said you wanted to give me a baby?” she asked tentatively. Though he'd kept her too busy to pursue it, his words had consumed her.
He yawned and let his hand trail down her thigh, gently stroking. “You want one, don't you?"
"I—I'm not sure right now. I mean, in theory, yes, but now? With you?"
"It's what husbands and wives do.” He rolled her over on her stomach and began to massage her back. “I like the idea. I especially enjoy the practicing part.” He nipped her shoulder playfully.
Happiness made her throat tight. The man was offering her a child. He couldn't have offered her anything more precious. “You ought to be tired."
He just laughed and showed her otherwise.
Chapter 14
Jasmine was weak for some days, and spent most of that time asleep. While Wiley would have preferred spending most of her time with her, she wasn't left in peace. Her mother wanted to spend time with her and she was a stubborn woman.
Wiley came back to her room the day after Jasmine had woken up, in search of her guitar. She was going to play something soothing to help Jas relax. Granted, Jas had just slid into sleep, but she was fretful when she woke up, with little appetite. Wiley had to admit she wouldn't want to eat much, either, if she were forced to live on liquids.
Her mother was waiting for her when she entered the room. She'd ordered tea. It was only when she saw the food that Wiley realized she was hungry.
"Come, join me, daughter. Do you care for honey in your tea?” Rhapsody was already pouring a cup, a look of pleasant determination on her face. “We've barely had a chance to visit in the last few days."
Casting a wistful look at her guitar, the one instrument she'd managed to keep in the suite—Jayems had banned the drums to the music room—Wiley reluctantly joined her. “I've been busy looking after Jasmine."
"So devoted of you. I understand she sleeps most of the time?” Rhapsody took a sip of tea.
"Good thing, too. She feels terrible when she's awake.” Wiley devoured a dainty sandwich in three bites. She restrained herself from burping. The anger she felt for her mother hadn't resided.
"How sad. Keilor visits her often, I hea
r."
Wiley pursed her lips. “Twice is not often."
Calmly buttering her toast point, Rhapsody observed, “For a man such as he? Depend on it, the gesture has been marked. He's always been an unconventional man, but I do hope he realizes what he's doing. Tongues are busy."
Wiley stared at her, hard. “Whose tongues? Why would anyone care?"
Rhapsody set her toast aside, untouched. “Your friend is a Sylph, my dear. The older generation still remembers the destruction they brought. Why, your own father was nearly captured by one, before we crossed over.” Her face contorted for a moment, then resumed its careful mien. “Human is bad enough. Sylph ... well, you have seen the lengths some people are willing to go to eliminate her."
Wiley's hand tightened on her cup. “She's no threat to anyone."
Rhapsody canted her head in acknowledgement of the comment. “As you see it, my dear, but even those of our people who would see you kindly still consider her a danger. The fact that our Lord of the Hunt visits her ... there are whispers she has him in her thrall."
"They're fools, then."
"Very well. How do you propose to influence them?"
Caught off guard, Wiley blinked at her. “What?"
Rhapsody patiently considered her. “You're the daughter of a very old, respected house. If you would learn to use that power and influence, you'd gather support—or at least, tolerance—for your friend. Learn to trade on your social influence, my dear. Gain allies. Only by changing the political climate will you ensure her safety."
Wiley considered. She was making a lot of sense, but ... “I don't know how to do that."
Rhapsody just smiled. “Leave it to me, my dear."
* * * *
Wiley would later remember that smile with misgiving. Sadly, it was not before she'd made another visit to the dressmakers. Somehow, her mother also saddled her with a hairdresser who insisted on grooming Wiley every chance she got. Between her history tutor, her mother's unending discussions of politics, the round of visits, luncheons and shopping excursions her mother convinced her would help both Jasmine's and Jayems’ popularity, Wiley barely had time to breathe, let alone visit Jasmine. To her mother's eternal annoyance, she took the time to check on her friend every day.