A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Kingdom of Lies, #2)

by Stacia Stark

Men. So utterly predictable with their insistence on diminishing women to girls in an attempt to belittle us.

And if she ever learned just how close she was to having the Bloodthirsty Prince wrapped around her finger, she would likely laugh until she was breathless.

“You can tell yourself whatever makes it easiest for you to hate me, wildcat. But it was real. All of it.”

Nothing hardened a woman like betrayal from a man she’d trusted. And then men had the audacity to call us cold.

“Hate me, rage against me, refuse to admit what you feel. But don’t you dare treat me like a stranger.”

“But that doesn’t mean I won’t wish for you with every fucking breath for the rest of my life.”

“Don’t cry. Gods, don’t cry.” She sniffed, glowering up at me. “Why? Are my feelings too much for you?” “No. Because I want to gut anyone who made you cry. And I don’t want to have to impale myself on my own sword.” Her mouth curved into a reluctant smile. “You’re not as amusing as you think you are.”

“I’ve gone my whole life feeling like I’m holding my breath. Like my lungs are burning. Like I’m desperately fighting for each gasp of air. But when you’re around, I can…breathe. And I’m furious at you, because when that ends…when we’re forced apart, I don’t know how I’ll take a full breath without you.”

“Dangerous waters are my favorite.” Next to Lorian, Marth rolled his eyes. “The most dangerous waters that man has experienced were in his bathtub.”

“I’m afraid,” I admitted. His huge hand cupped my cheek. “I know. It’s how you act despite your fear that counts.”