Free Ever Night by Gena Showalter

but I cannot trust you without the marital bond.” Nails raked down his back, hard, and he nearly hissed in pain. And pleasure. He’d endure Rose’s torturing over any other woman’s caressing. The little wildcat. “When you yourself refuse to wed any of your women? Besides, Greer, I’m not the one who attacks without provocation.”
    Those nails began to pet him. Again, he wanted to smile.
    Greer ran his tongue over his teeth. “I have other offers, you know. Other kingdoms eager for an alliance.”
    â€œYet you came to me first. I’m moved, really, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give you what you crave.”
    A growl. “The Western and Southern kingdoms despise you for your strength, yet they have not risen against you. Yet. But they will. Mark my word, they will. There is already talk.”
    He reached back a second time—he couldn’t
not
touch her—and traced his fingers along the waist of Rose’s pants. Felt her belly quiver. Cut off his possessive grunt of approval. “They fear my strength as much as they hate it. They will not attack.”
    â€œThey will when I agree to help them defeat you. Which I
will
do if you refuse this opportunity.”
    He stiffened. “I don’t like threats.”
    â€œAnd I don’t like issuing them. But I want this alliance, more than anything.”
    The man’s desperation relaxed him. He resumed his exploration of Rose’s pants, twisting the button, moving the zipper. His finger glided over her panties, and she gasped. Her nails dug into him once more, but not to hurt. To urge him on. “And what’s in this for you, hmm?” Had that breathless tone been his?
    Greer sighed. “I’m old. I’m tired of all the fighting. I want to ensure my kingdom is properly cared for when I’m gone.”
    Truth or a lie, Vasili didn’t know. But the sentiment he understood. He wanted his kingdom safe, as well—but he wouldn’t be backed into a corner. “I could kill you and place a new king on your throne. One who will adore me. What think you of
that
plan?”
    â€œI like it,” Rose whispered. She arched against him, a command to attend her. He did. He cupped her between her legs, rubbing. Even with the thin cotton barrier, he could feel her moisture, her need for him, and he reacted. His cock, which had never truly deflated, grew and hardened.
    He fought the urge to whip around, press himself against her, drop to his knees, taste her again, to have her, here, now, in front of everyone, or drag her away without a word to his guests. He needed her, wanted her, had to have her, and the wait was impossible. But he didn’t allow himself to do any of that. He would be patient, take care of territory business like a good boy—no matter the cost to his sanity—and
then
himself.
    â€œYou need a new plan,” Greer said. “Before I die, I’ll either have joined with you or defeated you. That, I swear.”
    Vasili stilled, the vow ringing in his ears. If he failed to wed one of the princesses, Greer would ensure their minor skirmishes became full-blown battles. That was what he was truly saying. People would die. Lands would be burned. Was one life—Rose’s life—worth that? These people trusted him. Needed him. Relied on him.
    â€œI need time,” he gritted out.
    Greer nodded, as if that were the answer he’d expected. “Do not take too long. But meanwhile. Girls.” He waved them closer. “Tell King Vasili all about yourselves so that he might know you better.”
    â€œWait, what?” Rose suddenly demanded, pulling from his touch entirely. “Did you just say you needed time? To decide among them?”
    He wanted to howl.
    â€œIsn’t that just a party in a box?” she gritted out. “I’m outta here.”
    â€œNo! You—”
    â€œI’ll do it,” Jasha said, cutting him