Page 39 of A Court of Ravens
Felicity steps into Tí Joe Watty’s like she owns the place, and every head in the pub turns. She’s not even trying, and still, she’s magnetic. That sundress clings to her curves just enough to make my thoughts go straight to sin. Hell, even my stallion stops pacing in my head to take notice.
I push back my chair, watching as she strides toward me with all the confidence of a woman who knows exactly what she’s doing. I have no doubt half the bastards in this place are already wondering what it’d take to get burned.
She stops in front of me, head tilted, lips curving in that slow, wicked way that makes my blood burn. “See something you like?”
I stand, letting my gaze drag over her, slow and deliberate. “Aye, love.” My voice dips lower now that she’s close enough to hear it. “You’re a fucking vision. Walking temptation.”
She smiles, and it’s so sexy and a little evil that I actually shudder.Fuck.“Flattery already? I thought you’d at least wait until after the first drink.”
I pull out her chair because I might as well commit to thiscourting nonsenseTomas keeps going on about. She raises a brow but doesn’t argue, sinking into the seat with an effortless grace.
“Oh, so you do know how to behave in public.” she teases. “Look at you, all refined.”
I lean in far enough to catch the scent of her. “Let’s not get carried away. I’m just softening you up for later, but you keep taunting me like that? It’s taking every ounce of restraint not to bend you over this table.”
She laughs, the sound curling through me like a goddamn spell. “Mmmm…What if I want to skip to the good part?”
Gods, this woman is torture.“That’s a dangerous game to play with me,a stór. You might not be able to walk out of here if we do.”
Then she shrugs off her sweater, draping it across the back of the chair, and I swear the pub gets quieter. The neckline of her dress dips low, teasing just enough to make me want to drag her out of here and back to my bed. My gaze flicks to the men around us. A few steal appreciative glances. It takes everything I have not to bare my teeth at them like a vampirish dark fae from the Crimson Court.
She belongs to us, my stallion growls, his voice dark and possessive. For once, I don’t argue.
Felicity doesn’t fidget. She doesn’t shrink. She meets my stare head-on, her lips curving in a way that’s almostchallenging. “You gonna keep looking, or do you plan on feeding me first?”
I chuckle. “Oh, I plan on feeding you, love. Question is—” I lean in, dropping my voice just for her, “—are you ready for what’s on the menu?”
Her smirk doesn’t waver. “Starving.”
“Aye, I can’t imagine what worked up such an appetite, Shadow Witch,” I tease, letting my voice dip enough to make herfeelit.
She tilts her head, dragging a single finger down my arm. “I’m sure you have theories, but I’ll let you wonder.”
Fecking hell, I love this woman.
I drag my gaze over her, slow and deliberate. “I’d rather hear you say it. Preferably in that sweet little voice you use when you’re begging.”
Her lips part, her tongue running briefly over her bottom lip before she leans in enough to make me insane. “Aww, did thatlittlevoice do things to you? Poor thing.”
Shite.I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re enjoying this, but you’re terrified, aren’t you?”
But just as I think she’s about to hit me with another sharp retort, her fingers drift to the chain around her neck, toying with the pendant like she’s trying to ground herself. The shift is subtle, but I catch it—the way her breath hitches, the flicker of hesitation in her eyes.
Not the kind of nerves that come with danger. I’m pretty sure she knows how to handle that. No, this is something else.
She exhales, straightening her spine like she’s bracing for battle. “I’m shit at this,” she admits. “Dating. Whatever the fuck this is. It’s been a long time since I’ve even tried.”
I blink. My voice is gentler but still laced with that teasing edge. “If it makes you feel better, this is uncharted territory for me too.”
She tilts her head, studying me like she’s trying to decide if I’m lying, not knowing I can’t without spectacularly uncomfortable consequences and the bond would probably give me away. “Really?”
I grin. “Aye, being on a date with a beautiful woman like you isn’t something I usually do.”
Her eyes widen. “I don’t believe that.”
A frown tugs at my lips. Felicity has no idea how she’s gotten under my skin, how every little smile makes me feel like I’ve won something precious. “You think I make a habit of wining and dining women?”
She shrugs, giving me a once-over. “You’re not exactly hard on the eyes. I’d be shocked if you weren’t in high demand. I’m sure women throw themselves at you.”
