The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(9)
At the end of the hall, Rayner saw Luka bid farewell to Toka before exiting through one of the many doors leading down to the servants’ wing. Rayner slipped into the shadows of an alcove that once held a stone tiger statue that had met its demise during a particularly energetic bout of roughhousing between two of Khalon’s cousins on their last visit. Rayner lay in wait, smiling as Toka’s scent grew nearer. He doubted the guards would pay him any mind, but he could hardly pounce on his quarry and deliver the kisses that were sure to follow in front of his king’s Soldati.
Toka approached, and Rayner reached out to snatch his wrist and tug him into the shadows. He clapped a hand over Toka’s mouth to stifle his gasp, then turned to whisper at him.
“Discretion, my little fox.”
“Heavens, Rayner!” Toka hissed through his teeth. He was adorable. “You frightened the life out of me.”
Rayner chuckled at Toka’s flushed cheeks and adorable pout. “Forgive me. I didn’t want anyone to see me.”
Toka searched his gaze, his expression turning concerned. “Are you all right?”
“I need to speak with you about Pavoni.” He placed Toka’s fingers to his lips for a kiss. “You must be cautious around him. Promise me.”
Toka cocked his head, his amber eyes wide. “You’re truly worried.”
“Terrified,” Rayner admitted, realizing it was the truth. When had he fallen into those molten pools of gold? When had Toka come to mean so much to him? They didn’t spend much time in each other’s company. Not nearly as much as Rayner would have liked. The moments they shared were often impromptu and in the shadows. Now Rayner wished he could whisk Toka away from here. “You don’t know Pavoni like I do. He is a spiteful, nefarious creature. If he has the slightest inclination of my feelings for you, there’s no telling what he will do.”
Toka’s shy smile almost undid Rayner. When Toka spoke, his voice was soft. “And what are your feelings for me?”
Rayner lifted Toka’s chin to capture his lips. Hunger flared through Rayner, and he brought Toka up hard against him, one hand at the small of Toka’s back holding him in place, the other cupping the back of Toka’s neck. The taste of him was all-consuming, the heat of his mouth warm and sweet. His scent was heady, as was common with foxlings, but it was a fragrance that was all Toka’s own—a mixture of juniper berries, apple blossoms, and something sugary. His little foxling was like no other.
Toka pressed himself as far into Rayner as he could, releasing barely audible moans as his tongue tangled with Rayner’s. He clutched Rayner’s arms as he eagerly returned every kiss, every nip and suck. Toka moved his hands to Rayner’s shoulders and hopped up. Rayner caught him, securing Toka’s legs around his waist, a low growl rising from his throat as Toka moved his lips to Rayner’s neck, licking, sucking, and nipping at his skin, his fingers slipping into Rayner’s hair and grabbing fistfuls of it. Rayner groaned. He was so damned hard right now.
“Toka,” Rayner gasped, his back hitting the wall behind him. “We shouldn’t…. Not here.”
Toka pulled back, cupping Rayner’s face before kissing him soundly. Rayner’s breath hitched, and he stood panting after Toka hopped down. When had his little fox become so bold? It thrilled Rayner, and he could barely contain his smile as Toka checked the corridor before grabbing Rayner’s hand. He took off with Rayner in tow, and Rayner laughed softly as they ran down the castle corridor. He ignored the amused looks of the servants as they sped by and headed downstairs. His foxling was clever, even in the midst of their lustful haze. Rayner’s presence in the servants’ quarters would not be questioned, and although the servants were notorious gossips, they only gossiped among themselves and were very protective of their own. They would never do anything to hurt Toka.
A couple of foxlings stood chatting outside Toka’s room, and their eyes went wide when they saw Rayner. He put his finger to his lips in request of secrecy and winked at them as Toka opened his chamber door. They blushed and giggled, whispering among themselves. Rayner had no time to comment before Toka grabbed hold of his collar and tugged him into the room. Well now, what was this?
The door closed behind them, and Rayner found himself pushed against it with Toka’s lips all over him. Rayner was quite enjoying Toka’s newfound forwardness.
“I feel as though I’m going mad, as if my body is trying to burn through my skin. I can’t get enough of your taste, the feel of your hands on me…. Rayner,” Toka pleaded, “I need to feel you inside me.”
Even as Toka reached for Rayner’s belt, Rayner couldn’t help but ask, “Are you sure?”
“I have never desired anything more,” Toka replied, breathless.
Rayner nodded, his sentiments matching Toka’s. He swiftly joined Toka in undressing, his heart beating wildly as Toka removed his own belt and tossed it on the floor. He pulled his tunic over his head, followed by his shirt. Rayner stilled at the sight of Toka’s flawless bronze skin. When Toka stood naked before him, Rayner fought the urge to drop to his knees in worship.
“I have never seen a creature more beautiful. You steal the breath from my body.”
Toka’s wicked smile sent a shiver up Rayner’s spine. It would appear his timid little fox wasn’t so timid. He looked up at Rayner through lowered lashes. “There is so much I wish to do to your body, Rayner.” He ran a finger down Rayner’s chest. “But first, I’d like to see the stunning figure you hide beneath all this leather.”