Smoke & Fire (Smoke & Fire, #1)

“There’s nothing to see.” Soon they would understand that. He and Rhi belonged together. They were perfect.

And she wanted him. She’d declared that when she kissed him. The Kings were just envious because she was finally getting over the jackass King who’d allowed her to get away.

Now that Rhi had him, she didn’t need a Dragon King. That made Henry smile. He would be all she ever needed, just as she was all he’d ever wanted.

Henry turned on his heel. It didn’t even faze him that Guy was standing behind him. Henry rammed his shoulder into Guy’s as he passed.

Yes, very soon Rhi was going to be his.





CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

“We’ve got a problem,” Rhys whispered in her ear.

Rhi blew out a long breath as she felt her watcher move from her side to the corner. She’d hoped the Kings would be able to talk some sense into Henry, but the human was in love with her.

Except it wasn’t real love. It was an imitation of the real thing, something a Fae forged within a mortal because the humans had no defense.

“I know. I’m going to talk to him,” she said.

Rhys gave her a look that said it was going to take much more than talk with Henry.

Esther chose that moment to clear her throat. Rhi faced the human and studied the straight back, impassive face, and confidence of Esther North. If the mortal thought she knew what was going on, Rhi was about to blow her mind.

“Oh. Are you ready?” Rhi asked in a sickly sweet voice, a smile on her face.

Esther’s smug expression intensified. “Henry is one of the best at what he does. If he couldn’t get anything out of me, neither can you.”

Rhi looked at her nails, admiring the black polish that covered her entire nail. From nail tip and fading toward her cuticles was an orange glitter polish called Orange You Fantastic. It went wonderfully with her sweater and shoes.

There was nothing like matching all over. Including the orange and black lace bra and panties she wore. Rhi never felt sexier—or more put together—than when she matched.

“I’m definitely what you mortals call a girly-girl,” Rhi said as she lowered her hand to her side and smiled once more at Esther.

She could feel her watcher’s grin as well. If only she knew what he actually looked like.

Rhi’s smile grew when Esther allowed a momentary lapse of uncertainty to creep into her hazel eyes.

“I do like my clothes and getting my nails done. I go often,” Rhi said matter-of-factly.

Rhys grunted and crossed his arms over his chest. “Nearly every day.”

Rhi threw him a wink. Then she focused on Esther. “The thing is, Henry is very good at what he does. So good that he was able to stop some very bad people within MI5. I helped as well. But that doesn’t change the fact you’re his little sister. It’s part of who is he that he wants to protect you. He can’t do that and interrogate you. Which is why we’re here.”

Esther lifted her chin. “I’m not going to tell you anything.”

With a snap of his fingers, Rhys removed the magic Con had used to mask the cavern.

Esther blinked and took in the stone floor and walls, the torches lighting the area, and the dragons etched into the granite.

“Dreagan,” Rhi said with a nod. “From the moment I first saw this place thousands of years ago, I felt the magic of it. It’s a special place, and not just because the Dragon Kings call it home. It’s unique because of the magic that flows through the ground and water and air. All the world used to feel like this, but now only Dreagan and a few distinct places manage to hold such magic.”

“What did you give me?” Esther demanded.

Rhi held out a hand and another chair appeared. She dragged it to Esther and set it directly in front of her. Then Rhi sat. She looked Esther in the eye and said, “You’ve been given no drug or herbs. The room was cloaked in magic so you wouldn’t know where you were. You’ve not been restrained because you can’t leave this cavern unless Con is with you.”

Esther jumped up and made a dash for the doorway. Rhi sat back and crossed one leg over the other, exchanging a look with Rhys. A heartbeat later, Esther let out a strangled cry as she was thrown backward at the doorway.

“Come resume your seat,” Rhi said. “It’s time we began our questioning.”

It took a moment for Esther to get to her feet and make her way back to the chair. She sat and pulled off the wig. Then she ran her fingers through her brown hair.

Rhi then said, “You’ve chosen your side in this war, and sadly, you’ve chosen poorly.”

“Anyone on the opposing side would say that.”

“True,” Rhi said with a shrug. “However, I’m speaking the truth. It’s a certainty because I choose to be a part of this. I’ve seen both sides, Esther. You’ve only gotten a portion of the reality.”

Some of Esther’s confidence returned. “And what is the truth?”

“I prefer that we discuss who you’re working for first. Once I get all the information we need, then I’ll tell you all that you want to know.”

“No.”