...“How much do you know about Velosian magic?”

He quirked an eyebrow. “Enough. I know it is supposed to be used for good, and helping someone increases the magician’s power. Hurting someone decreases it.” He frowned. “I never understood how Bruno became so powerful when his actions were so evil.”

She sighed. “He knew how to manipulate the magic. He took care of his followers, whatever it took to make them happy, no matter who was hurt in the process. Prostitutes for the guards and soldiers, generous pay. Those who do not possess magic are easily pleased. A little kindness, a little largesse can go a long way. And I understand he kept his mistresses quite happy in bed.”

“Mistresses?”

“The more the merrier or so they say.”

His gaze grew more intent. “You intrigue me, my lady mage. But you have not said how I can help you.”

“My magic is low,” she said. There was one way to increase it quickly, if she dared. “You could let me make love to you.”

A slow smile curved his full lips, causing her heart to beat faster. “That, my dear, will be my pleasure.”

Slowly, Tova pushed the furs off, exposing her body, and beckoned Kane. He moved toward the bed, never taking his gaze from hers, much like a predator stalking its prey. She shivered under his gaze, but whether from cold or anticipation, she could not say. He lowered himself to the bed of furs, but refrained from touching her.

Kneeling in front of him, she reached out to touch his face, tracing the strong plane of his jaw with one hand, the dark stubble prickling her fingertips. When she brushed her thumb over his lower lip, he opened his mouth and touched the tip of his tongue to her flesh.

Moving her hands to the back of his head, she tangled her fingers in his long, silky hair and leaned in to kiss the corner of his mouth. He turned his head slightly, capturing her lips with his own. His arms circled her waist and pulled her close, until her breasts were pressed against his firm chest. She opened her mouth to his searching tongue. His scent surrounded her—smoky, musky, utterly masculine. A spark of magic stirred at the base of her spine, winding upward with the red haze of desire. She let her hands travel over his strong shoulders and chest to the bulge between his legs, reveling in the touch and taste of him, the sense of leashed power and masculine need.

With a groan, he broke off the kiss and buried his face against her neck. “I want you, Tova.”

She laughed, as her power inched higher. “Whatever you want, my lord. Tonight I am yours.”

He eased her down onto the bed. His hands roved over her body as he took one nipple in his mouth. His tongue teased the turgid peak, sending bursts of pleasure to her core. She sighed in ecstasy. He turned his attention to the other breast, while his hand delved between her legs. She opened her legs, giving him entrance.

He inserted one leg between hers, his wool breeches scratching her skin. She reached down to try to push them off. “Why are you still wearing those?”

Laughing, he sat up and removed his hose and breeches, as she admired his anatomy. His buttocks were firm and his legs long and muscular, covered with a light coating of black hair. When he was naked, she saw his cock was as impressive as the rest of him, long and fully erect. What a beautiful man he was, and for the moment, he was all hers.

She sat up and reached for him, taking his cock in her hands. A shiver passed through him. She kept her touch light and teasing, running her fingers down the sides of his shaft with one hand while cupping his sac with the other.

“If you keep that up, it will all be over very soon,” he warned.

She looked up into his amber eyes, heavy lidded with desire. “Is this what you want? What will please you most?”

He pushed her down on the bed and followed. “Being inside you.”