Page 14 of Chosen By the Fae King

“Every second in your presence, you try my patience. Perhaps I should teach you a lesson.”

I bared my teeth. Rage boiled in my veins at his arrogance and I wrenched away from his grasp.

“The only way you'll have me,” I threatened, fingers tight around the hilt of the dagger I'd stolen back, “is over my dead body.”

“Clever little minx.” Nox’s praise came after he glanced down at the weapon pressed to his manhood. He made no move to stop me.

My heart pounded as I stared at him down, ready to draw blood if he so much as twitched.

“Touch me again without permission,” I said softly, “and you'll lose more than your pride.”

Nox's jaw clenched, but he didn't retaliate.

“Lower the blade,” he growled, “or you will pay dearly for this insult.”

I pressed the dagger harder. “I wish to bargain.”

Nox's eyes flashed with surprise, but he remained still. After a long moment, he inclined his head.

“I will not harm you,” he said stiffly. “Now remove your dagger and ask me properly for a bargain before I truly lose my patience.”

I hesitated, searching his gaze for any sign of deception. But his expression had shuttered closed, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

Cursing under my breath, I took a wary step away from the king.

“I cannot decide if you're incredibly foolish or incredibly brave,” he pondered aloud.

“Probably both.”

Nox's lips curled. “Sit and tell me what it is you think you want.”

As though nothing had happened, we both sat on the loveseat.

“Sofiya is the last contestant you're meeting today. I don't want you to touch her.”

“Not even to take her hand?” he teased.

“Not even that.”

“Why?”

“She's not like me. Or any of the other females. Her heart is ... too soft for this.”

“I think you misjudge your friend, Aeryn.”

“I've known her most of my life. She's not the type to handle the trials and come out unharmed, and I don't just mean physically. I wouldn't have attempted to trade places with her if she were.”

“And what are you offering in return?”

“In return? I just released your family jewels from harm.”

Nox chuckled. “My jewels, as you say, were never in harm's way.”

With a flick of his wrist, the dagger disappeared from my grip. “Give it back,” I seethed.

“You can have it back once I'm confident you won't use it on me. And don't bother searching my belt. You won't find it there.”

My molars ground. I reached for calm.