Gratuitous Wine

Run, do not walk, to read The Bridge Kingdom, because now that the final book is done I can say this is a 'it will become your Roman Empire' level fantasy series that will alter your brain chemistry in the best possible way time and time again.

Morally conflicted characters, found family, strong women (both good and evil), insane politics, phenomenal world building, humour, angst, regret... the list goes on.

Part 2 of An Alternate Beginning

It's about four months later than planned, but I am thrilled to finally be posting this story. What started as a sex work au for kinktober snowballed into a whole chaotic story that I couldn't not write.

“You seem to find your pockets light on these days,” Garrick began, ignoring the still raised and still unimpressed eyebrow Xaden was continuing to point his way. “And I have a way to fix that.”

The sigh Xaden let out at the other man's words made Garrick break out in a shit eating grin, and Xaden contemplated obscuring Garrick's entire head with shadows.

But just as Xaden imagined how much satisfaction he’d get out of doing so, Garrick removed a pack of cards from a pocket on his uniform, followed with a pile of coins.

“No.” Xaden's one word reply conveyed everything it needed to.

“I’ll loan you a float, you can keep your winnings after that.”

"And what makes you think I want to spend out time gambling with you?”

“Not like we hve anything better to do. If this is anything like other visits to midlands posts we won’t be doing shit, gotta pass the time somehow.” Garrick’s grin was back. “Aaaand I’m sure you could find something - or someone - to do with the money.”

As she walked past his hiding spot, Xaden and his shadows slipped behind her. Smoothly and quietly he reached with a dagger, and pounced.

It all happened in a moment. As Xaden’s hand reached around her neck, she heard him. With her spinning in his grip, it took everything in him to not cut her throat by accident. Summoning his shadows he just had to go for it. Pinning her arms and legs in place, and a shadow over her mouth for good measure, Xaden sheathed his daggers and held his empty hands out with the palms up to show he wasn't a threat to her.

Not that she believed him.

“Relax, I just want to talk.” He said.

"Tell me you want me.” Xaden whispered into her wetness.

Violet merely huffed and dug her nails into his hair.

“Come on beautiful, just three little words,” he pushed his fingers deep inside her, curling them up to push against the front wall of her, “I know you’re thinking them.”

“Asshole,” she ground out around clenched teeth.

He merely hummed against her clit. He could wait for her as long as she thought she could hold out.

“Ugh- fine… I want you to keep fucking licking me until I come, and you make my tolerating your presence here worth it.” The words flew out of her mouth in a hurried torrent.