Page 93 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)

Like with the dragons, I had to adjust my thinking. “How and who?”

“Whoever it is has to be close by. The spell must have been in the water, meaning someone placed it there while the tub was being filled.

“They might still be nearby then. How do we find them?”

“Not we. You will stay here.”

“This was another assassination attempt. I’m coming with you to help.” I rose and tried to forget my nudity as I snared my shirt from the bed where I’d draped it.

“No, you’re not, or haven’t you noticed yet that you’re the only one being harmed? Maybe it’s not me they’re trying to kill but you.”

“Me? That makes no sense. I’m no one.”

“You are the king’s favorite. Perhaps there are some who worry I won’t get married after all.”

“Are you, or aren’t you? It’s hard to keep track,” I said, irritated.

“I like the idea of ruling both countries. Although I’d prefer to do it without marrying the zariina.”

“It’s the easiest way with the least amount of death.”

“Maybe, but I don’t like it.”

Neither did I, but my reasons weren’t the same as his. “Arranged marriages are quite common.”

“It sounds horrible and wouldn’t be necessary if you changed your mind.”

“I know you heard me when I said I’d get bored being with just one man.”

“Are you sure of that?”

He drew me close, and I didn’t push him away. Didn’t draw a knife either even though we were so close I couldn’t miss.

His lips dipped, and I felt his warm breath on my mouth. “I would go to war if you agreed to be mine.”

“I’m not worth a war.”

“I disagree. I want you, my little Yanna.”

So help me, I wanted him, too. I curled my hand around his nape and put my lips to his as I said, “One night. One night only.”

Rather than reply, he kissed me. His mouth took mine hard, claiming it, slanting over it. My fingers dug into his hair, and I nipped his lower lip. Sucked it until a low sound rumbled from his chest.

His hands cupped the bare flesh of my buttocks, kneading the flesh and drawing me against him, making me feel his desire. Big enough I shivered.

The bed was right there. My back hit the mattress and bounced only once as his body covered mine. I was already naked, and soon he was, too, as I tore his clothes torn off. The hard planes of his body offered friction against mine as we kissed and rubbed. He slid his hand between my legs and teased, dipping into my honey, toying with my sensitive spot until I panted.

“Now.”

My legs parted for him, and I welcomed the hard probe of his shaft. His hard thrusts. I dug my nails into his back as he pumped into me, hitting me deep. Perfectly. So perfectly I came and cried out as I shuddered. Me, who never lost control. I did in that moment, and I clung to him after, basking in a glow unlike any I’d imagined.

He rolled until I lay atop him, our bodies cooling. Intimate and strange. I went to slide off like I always did after sex.

He held me tight. “Where are you going?”

“To wash. I said one night.”

“A night that’s not over yet.”