Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth, #1)

by Kristen Ciccarelli

Gideon didn’t like the thought of Rune returning to Wintersea alone. Not after a witch tried to kill her. “Let me send soldiers to escort you.” “I appreciate your concern,” said Rune. “But it’s unnecessary.” “You were the target of that spell,” he pressed. “If the witch who cast it comes for you again, you won’t be able to stop her.” “And you will?” asked Verity. Of course I will, Gideon wanted to say. Except he was no match for a powerful witch, and they all knew it. “I’ll be all right,” said Rune. Walking back to Gideon, she pushed herself onto her toes and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for not letting me burn.” He felt Verity’s eyes on him. She made no effort to conceal the fact that she thought him unworthy of Rune. Annoyed by her disdain and overcome by the sudden urge to prove her wrong, Gideon cupped Rune’s neck with both hands and captured her mouth with his, stopping her from leaving. He kissed her slowly, deeply. Claiming her in front of Verity. At least, that’s how it started. As Rune softened, and her hand slid up his chest, he forgot their audience entirely—just as Rune remembered it. She pushed against him, halting the kiss, and stepped out of his reach. “Buttercups are my favorite,” she whispered, breathless and walking backward. “But daisies are also acceptable.” The corner of Gideon’s mouth turned up. “Noted.”