Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“You’re early,” Xaden says, but the look in his eyes is anything but condemnation. I lift a brow and try to ignore the way my palms itch to touch him. “Is that a complaint?” “No.” He shakes his head slowly. “I just wasn’t expecting you until noon.” “Turns out Tairn flies pretty damned fast when he’s not being held back by a riot.” Gods, why is it so hard to breathe suddenly? The air between us is thick, and my heart thrums as my gaze wanders to his mouth. He’s killed people for me before, so why is him fighting for a weekend pass stripping every ounce of self-control straight out of my bloodstream? “Violet.” Xaden’s voice drops to that low, quiet tone he only ever uses when we’re alone, and usually naked. Very naked. “Hmmm?” Gods, I miss the feel of all his skin against all of mine. “Tell me what’s spinning around that beautiful head of yours.” He moves closer, invading my space without touching me. Fuck, I want him to touch me, even if it’s a bad idea. A really, really bad idea. “Does it hurt?” I lift my fingertip to the corner of my lip where his is split. He shakes his head. “I’ve had worse. It’s what I get for blocking with my shields to concentrate on the fight. Otherwise, I would have felt you. Look at me.” He takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger and gently tilts my head back before searching my eyes. “What are you thinking? Because I can read a lot into the way you’re looking at me, but I’m going to need the words.” I want him. How hard is that to say? My ...