Read Online Stone Rose by Megan Derr - Free Book Online

Culebra said, mouth twisting.
    "It's hard to be afraid of someone who is kind at heart and has never shown an inclination to use his powers, even in circumstances where everyone else would," Midori corrected. "You and I both know there are things far more dangerous than you in the world, highness."
    Culebra gave him a shy smile. "You remind me—well, it's been a long time since anyone like you has crossed my path. I am glad you are here, my lord."
    "Midori, please," Midori said softly. "I do not like being called 'my lord'."
    "Captain suited you better. I am sorry if helping me cost you that address."
    "You had nothing to do with it, highness."
    Culebra smiled. "If I am to use your name, then I insist you use mine."
    "Of course, Culebra," Midori said. He finished his wine and set both their empty glasses aside on a small table for a servant to collect. "What do you say to some fresh air?"
    "Sounds like a fine idea," Culebra replied. "You'll have to guide me; I'm afraid I've lost my bearings in the crowd."
    Midori took the hand he still held to pull Culebra's arm through his own, murmuring, "My pleasure," as he led the way through the throng to the balconies on the opposite side of the ballroom.
    The night was crisp, the sky clear and bright. Though he could not see the ocean from the palace, there was still a faint hint of it in the air, making him briefly homesick. But it was hard to stay that way with Culebra beside him, so pale and beautiful he seemed more like a dream than a reality. Though he was too warm, too solid, to be an illusion, and Midori wondered what level of boldness Culebra would tolerate.
    This was so very different than his useless pining for Nankyokukai, who had never given him more than the same passing glance he gave everyone—until that sailor. Letting go of Nankyokukai had, in the end, been remarkably easy. It had surprised him how easily, when once he had given serious consideration to speaking with the king about a marriage contract.
    He wondered what he was setting himself up for, getting so quickly entangled in Culebra, but he had never been very good at walking away from trouble of any sort, which probably explained why he was so often in it.
    "Are the stairs to my right or left?" Culebra asked.
    "Uh—" It took him a moment to process the question, he was so lost in thoughts of Culebra. "Your right."
    Culebra smiled and said, "Follow me." He didn't give Midori a chance to reply, just slid free of Midori's arm and walked off toward the stairs. Midori stared, then hastened after him, smiling that Culebra moved more smoothly through the dark than he.
    When Culebra abruptly stopped, Midori didn't notice until too late and crashed into him, arms wrapping instinctively in search of balance. "You certainly know your way around. In your position, I think I would keep to my rooms."
    "I doubt that," Culebra said with a husky laugh. "You seem too adventurous and bold to stay put for very long." He turned around in Midori's arms, braced his hands on Midori's chest, and tilted his head up. "Show me how bold you can be."
    Midori went hot at the words, the husky tone, and the unexpectedly brazen behavior. He had expected Culebra to be quiet, demure, even as he knew the man on his ship was drastically different from how Culebra must have been under more ordinary circumstances.
    He was more than happy to meet the challenge, dipping his own head to take Culebra's mouth in a sure kiss, not wasting time with slow, gentle explorations. Culebra clearly approved, to judge by the enthusiasm of his reply as tongue tangled eagerly with Midori's, teeth nipping sharply at his lip before he dove into another kiss. He tasted of wine and something faintly smoky, fingers hot where they were splayed against Midori's chest. Midori cupped the sides of his head, marveling at the softness of his hair, the heat of his mouth.
    He broke away panting, wishing he could see Culebra's face and those pink lips swollen and wet from their