clawing at her insides like a caged beast. The Council's pressure was a physical weight on her spine, but the mem

forgotten dreams. She didn't enter quietly. She leaned against the doorfra

an I anticipated," she said, her vo

t look surprised. He looked like he had been counting the minut

tance until she was flush against him, her chest grazing his arm.

y. He didn't even blink. He simply turned his

let her hand slide up his chest, her nails catching slightly on the fab

y hard tonight, Se

d back. She let her scent-clove, musk, and something ancient-f

And I think you'r

tiffened. "

he said, his voice calm and terrifyingly perceptive. "You're trying

sed closer, her lips almost touching his. "Tell me you don't wa

m rest just an inch away, the heat of his body radiating through the gap. "I do want you.

ooking

with a depth that made her feel naked.

, trying to force the submission she was owed. She wanted him to gasp, to plea

le unless you want so

sical blow. She froze, her h

gh the conviction was leaking out of her

ap, his hand resting gently on her hip. It wasn't a claim; it was an anchor. "Bec

back just enough to break the spell of his gaze.

k enough about why

broke. She felt the hunger again-the real one-and it was starving. Her

ished what I started," she said

re ready to be honest about

out into the night, her mind a cha

ere never

er breath hitching in her throat