Fae King's Claim (Court of Bones and Ash Book 5) by Layla Harper

Author:Layla Harper [Harper, Layla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-05T16:00:00+00:00

21

Sersha

“No! You son of a spitting eel.” I squint, my vision tottering when I peer too closely at the stone pebbles positioned inside their square grids across the game board.

My five white against his sixteen black.

Blasted orc!

“That was my last dux. Oh, War Master, you will pay dearly for this affront.”

Gauron’s tantalizing lips curl into an amused smile. He has worn the same smirk since it became painfully apparent I have no affinity for rullestein. This game has always vexed me. Confident and relaxed, he watches me with a predator’s eye, his masculine hands draped between meaty thighs, waiting patiently for my next move.

I abhor defeat, but if losing garners me that smile, I may never strive to win again. This carefree state transforms him into a heartbreakingly beautiful male. Even the brutal scar slicing his cheek cannot detract from his looks. Instead, it adds a layer of depth to the hard angles of his face, heightening the effect of his amber eyes and the devastating appeal of that sinful, sinful mouth.

Yes, it is a face worthy of heartbreak, including mine.

Moons above, is it hot in here?

I tug at the tunic’s neckline and slide my pawn forward. Surely the spirits have not risen to my head so soon? If so, this is some powerful stuff, this orc brew. Until now, my magic has never allowed me the liberties so many fae take for granted. Drinking, dancing, kissing . . .

But now?

Now I completely understand inebriety’s appeal to faekind. This sense of levity, this unbridled freedom is . . .

Intoxicating.

“Understand what, female?”

The words rumble around me. I lift my eyes to Gauron. “Hmm? Oh, it is nothing of consequence. I was merely thinking about your . . .” I cock my head. “You have a lovely voice, War Master. All rich and masculine and ator . . .”

I frown and fold my legs. “Authorative? No, that is incorrect. Authoritative?” I pause. The word still does not feel right on my tongue. No matter. I swat my hand in the air like I am shooing flies. Little, tiny, pesky flies. “You get my point.”

He arches a sexy brow in response.

“Perhaps not, then.” I gesture to the board. “Your move.”

His attention does not shift to the game but remains firmly planted on my face. Or is it my mouth claiming his attention?

“I suppose,” I say, licking my lip, “it must be a rare occurrence to have a random fae compliment your voice as you go about your normal routine.”

His eyes track the movement of my tongue. “You are no random fae.”

“Less random, then?”

He snorts.

“I am sure admitting one’s admiration for your voice amid battle would be a surefire way to lose one’s tongue.”

“Can’t have the enemy tracking our location.” His mouth quirks.

“Then remind me to withhold my praise for those big, fine muscles of yours when we next confront some bloodthirsty creature. After all, we have yet to meet those angry, smelly monkeys.”

For reasons unknown to me, I am besieged by a gaggle of giggles.

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