The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(5)
Rayner shrugged. “What’s wrong with smiling? Or pretty boys?”
“Nothing is wrong with either. Smiling is fine, in moderation. There are times I wonder if Khalon has lost his senses.”
“It’s called being in love, Adira.” Had his dear friend ever been in love? He couldn’t recall her ever speaking of it, much less displaying any signs of amorous affection toward male or female Soldati, or anyone else for that matter. No, wait, there had been that one time during the Soldati Summer Solstice Festival, where Rayner had spotted Adira tucked behind one of the tents kissing a stunning Soldati warrior with silky dark skin and the most incredible gold-green eyes he’d ever seen. What was her name? Fiorentina.
Adira’s eyebrows shot up near her hairline. “Are you telling me you’re in love?”
Rayner puckered his lips as if to kiss her. “Why? Would it make you jealous?”
“Not even if you were the last Soldati in the realm.” She narrowed her steel-gray eyes at him. “Are you?”
“The last Soldati in the realm?”
Her exasperated sigh was music to his ears. “You exhaust me.”
“Did Fiorentina exhaust you?” He waggled his eyebrows, and the scandalous expression that crossed her face was too much. Rayner threw his head back and laughed. Teasing Adira was always such fun. Not nearly as fun as aggravating the hell out of Khalon, but still quite fun.
“You’re an insufferable bastard.”
“Is that a yes?”
Her noise of disgust was admirable, but the twinkle in her usually hard eyes gave her away. Like Khalon and Ezra, Rayner had known Adira since childhood. As hard as she might try to hide it from him, her eyes could not conceal the truth. It would seem the beautiful Fiorentina did a good deal more than exhaust Adira.
They entered Khalon’s study, and Rayner winked at Riley when the prince waved cheerfully at him from his regal seat beside Khalon, who was busy shuffling through several letters. Rayner had grown fond of the young prince from the moment they’d met. Riley was exactly what Khalon needed. He was high-spirited, kindhearted, and more often than not, had a big boyish smile on his face. Most importantly, he was as stubborn and strong-willed as Khalon. Riley had no qualms about speaking his mind, and he wasn’t about to put up with nonsense from anyone, not even the king of the Soldati. As for Khalon, he wouldn’t have it any other way. He was madly in love with Riley, and although at times Riley drove Khalon mad, he’d confessed to Rayner how he wouldn’t change one hair on the man. Riley brought a lightness to Khalon’s heart that Rayner feared his friend had lost some time ago. The two were perfectly suited for each other, despite their less than amicable beginning.
Toka entered from the side door, a silver tray in his delicate hands, and Rayner once again found himself captivated. Foxlings were stunning creatures. Toka’s large amber eyes were rimmed in black kohl, and his silky hair was a fiery red, falling over his brow and at times his eyes. He was often brushing it aside. His heart-shaped face suited his sweetness, and his plump lips called to Rayner. How he relished kissing those lips. Like most foxlings, Toka possessed delicate features. He was sinewy, graceful, and agile. His beauty—in Rayner’s opinion—was unrivaled. He was kind, gentle, and playful. Toka’s smile stole Rayner’s breath away. Rayner’s thoughts went to earlier that morning when Toka had writhed with want against him, how his lips parted as he gasped Rayner’s name.
As if sensing his thoughts, Toka’s cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink. His eyes met Rayner’s, and he smiled shyly before turning to place the tray on Khalon’s desk. Rayner followed Toka’s movements, enjoying the way the cream-colored embroidered tunic shifted against his slender frame. The leather belt accentuated his slim waist, and the gold long-sleeved shirt underneath his tunic stretched over the defined muscles of his arms. The tunic fell just above his knees, his bare legs smooth and silky to the touch. The leather straps of his sandals crisscrossed up his shapely calves. Rayner itched to divest Toka of his clothes and run his hands over all that smooth bronze-colored skin. Toka arranged the tea set on Khalon’s desk, followed by the plates of treats—a new addition to afternoon tea, thanks to Riley and his sweet tooth.
Riley picked up one of the cookies and took a bite, then released a low moan that caught Khalon’s attention in the most endearing way. Khalon turned his face to Riley, fire burning in his eyes for his prince. With a chuckle, Riley held the remaining cookie up to Khalon’s lips, and Rayner held back a smile as Khalon opened his mouth, allowing Riley to place the cookie on his tongue. He chewed it happily. Riley leaned in to kiss Khalon’s cheek, laughing when Khalon turned his head and stole a kiss from Riley’s lips instead.
Adira whispered in Rayner’s ear. “If they start gazing into each other’s eyes, I may be sick all over your boots.”
Rayner chuckled. Khalon waved at them to sit, and Rayner occupied the cushioned wingback chair to the right of Khalon’s desk as Adira took a seat in the chair across the room. Where was Ezra? He was usually the first in attendance when Khalon summoned them, unless he was completely immersed in a book and hadn’t even heard Khalon’s roar. Wouldn’t be the first time.
Toka approached Rayner with a cup, his back to Khalon and the others. With his bottom lip between his teeth, he handed Rayner his tea.
“Thank you.” Rayner’s fingers brushed a caress over Toka’s hand before he took the teacup from him. He loved the subtle intake of breath he caused. Rayner winked at him, chuckling when Toka released a small huff and walked off to carry on with his duties. The mere sight of him was enough to make Rayner hot under the collar. It was only fair of him to share that heat with Toka.