Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe Read Free Book Online Page B

heart slams in my throat.
    The feel of Xarion’s chest pressing against my back sends tendrils of heat lashing against the walls of my stomach. His hand slides across my bare midsection, the tips of his fingers just snaking beneath the rim of my sash. His other hand roams down, tugging at my skirt. It slips between my legs, grasps my inner-thigh. His thumb caresses the sensitive skin too close to my undergarment seam, and heat blazes—a deep, throbbing ache.
    My breath shudders past my lips.
    Then I’m spinning to face him. His stormy green eyes are desperate, mirroring the yearn panging through my body. He anchors his hips to mine. The feel of his want presses hard against me.
    His head slowly dips closer to mine. My eyes half close, my vision fuzzy. The warmth of his breath steals across my lips.
    He halts.
    “Star!”
    My name comes to me through a cloudy haze, breaking through the warmth engulfing me. “Star—there you are.”
    I blink my eyes open. Lunia hovers near Xarion’s shoulder, her brows raised. “Hey, Lunia.” My voice is not slurred, I swear.
    She laughs, her dark braids sway against her pale shoulders. “You’re already drunk! I knew I should have left earlier.” She glances around. “Where did that masked Greek god run off to?”
    And I notice that Xarion has sneaked away. I look toward the procession starting to form near the gardens and see his cape slip between two guardians. Lunia would have recognized him, so best he left, although I hate the cold chill settling over me in the absence of his warmth.
    I shrug, then take her hand. “Come on. Let’s get ready for the procession.”

 
    Chapter Six

     
    A fter guzzling two full goblets of water, my head feels clearer. I doubt I drank enough of the red drink to completely dull my senses. I’m sure Xarion’s erotic dancing had more to do with it. But I can’t believe I nearly—
    What? Nothing would have happened between us. It was only the spell of the feast cast over us. The lust-driven adrenaline of the dancing and drink fueling impulsive actions and thoughts. I’m thinking too much on it, as always.
    “I don’t know how he managed to slip past me, the sneak,” Lunia says. She shakes her head as she spots Xarion—now unmasked and in his procession finery—seating himself in the litter. “He needs to stop being so stubborn.”
    I smile. “Where are Selene and Helios? I don’t see them.” Glancing around, I search for the royal children. I’m sure Little Delphus has stayed with his nurse in the palace, as he’s too young to attend the feasts and processions.
    Lunia points to where the twins are being ushered to the litter behind Xarion’s. Theirs is larger than his, because it seats more, but Xarion’s has a cabin with gold-leafed poles and a sheer curtain. He’s a pharaoh.
    “This is their first royal outing,” Lunia whispers as we move past the line of guardians to find our places. “And I have to escort them to the palace directly afterward.” Her face pinches into a pout.
    “They’re getting older by the day, Lunia,” I assure her. “And at least you enjoyed the feast earlier.”
    “I did!” She twirls, her blue eyes glowing. “I may have even procured a secret meeting with a Shythe footman for later this evening.” She winks before sauntering toward her spot to guard over the twins.
    I can’t help but roll my eyes as I find my station beside Xarion’s litter. Lunia is the female version of Phoenix, and she may even be worse. As if thinking of him can will him into existence, Phoenix takes his place opposite Lunia. He holds a spear at his side, its base flat against the granite street. Turning his head slightly, he tosses me a knowing smile.
    I laugh and match his smug smile, but am impressed he sobered and escaped his mistresses. I face forward.
    Surprisingly, I realize Lunia didn’t mention the Leymak encounter. She must have heard of it by now, as she’s always in the palace guarding the queen’s