A Touch of Poison (Shadows of the Tenebris Court, #2)

by Clare Sager

The problem was, I now found myself understanding how he felt.

“So, what? I have to touch you every day in order to stay alive?” My words dissolved into laughter, because it was the most incredibly fucking ridiculous sentence I’d said in my entire life.

I wasn’t meant to want her. I wasn’t meant to be this wrapped up in her, in the sight of her, the springtime scent of her, or the way she made me think of the crisp cleanness of fresh sheets or a new page. But I was. Good fucking gods, I was.

Perhaps he was the one who’d not only left gowns in the armoire but two drawers full of gloves in varying designs to coordinate with different outfits.

Despite the sting when I gave her that first touch of the day, I would gladly lick the stuff from her fingers and beg her for more. Fuck antidotes. Fuck everything else.

But this fresh start between us was young and delicate, and I owed her much more than the apology I’d given last night. Actions over words. If I could get her queen to grant her a divorce…

Why bother living for tomorrow if not for things that feed our souls?”

I’m the only person here, and you can’t poison me.” Too late for that. She’d seeped under my skin months ago.

“Circles have no beginning or end. Like the Celestial and Tellurian Serpents biting each other’s tails in their mating dance, they stand for eternity. We give them as a token of love everlasting. As a mark of belonging.”

“They just happened to be baking a batch of various delicious pastries? Total coincidence.” His mouth twisted to one side. “You know I can’t say yes to that. Fine. I requested them so you’d have something pleasant to wake up to. Happy?”

“Katherine.” My heart was in my throat, finally able to spill what it needed me to say. “I kneel for no one, but here I am on my knees for you. I am sorry.”

I swear I’ll never do anything like that to you again. I swear on everything that I am.” I placed a hand over my heart, shadows pooling around me as I pressed my other hand to the floor at her feet. “I swear it on my magic.”

“If you’re about to mention her marital status, Faolán, we’re going to have a problem. Should I not care if she dies because she’s married to someone else?”

“Did you get anything from him before I arrived?”

“Your fire isn’t just for me.” His teeth bared in a vicious smile. “I look forward to seeing it destroy them all.”

“You told me where you stood, and I need to respect that.” “No, you don’t. Shouldn’t. In fact, I’m begging you not to.”

“I was planning to wait until that man was out of the way, but… I can’t wait—not anymore. Not when I’ve been waiting a lifetime for you.”

I want to worship you as you deserve to be worshipped. Adore you as you deserve to be adored. Love you as you deserve to be loved.”

“At your feet, all rules kneel. I’m no hero, Katherine, but, please, let me be your villain.”

I could bump Sepher out the way—fight him for the spot—and make this into our wedding instead.

“Well, you’re no longer married, and I’d say the cat’s somewhat out of the bag when it comes to the fact you’re important to me. Please, divine one. Or will you make me beg?”