Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“You and I have different definitions of the word ‘enjoy.’” He gestures to the books scattered on my floor. “Not really.” I scan the page quickly and flip to the next. “I think spending the day tangled up in that bed together would be enjoyable, but since you drew your line, here I am with boring, sexless books.” “Say those three little words, and I’ll have you naked in seconds.” He looks at me with so much heat that I do a double take when I glance up, my breath catching. “I want you.” All day. Every day. “Those are not the three words I need.” He slides into my mind like a caress. “And why aren’t your shields up?” “Well, those are the words you get without full disclosure.” I rip my gaze away. “And it’s just us in here.” “Hmmm.” He gives me a look I can’t decipher. “I’ll be right back.” “You don’t really smell,” I whisper, loath to let him out of my sight for even a second. “Get any closer, and you’ll take that back.” He leaves, and I do my best to concentrate on the book in front of me and not the thought that he’s about to be naked down the hall. All I have to do is be honest with him about how I feel, and I can have him. His body, at least. But isn’t that all I really had before? Ironic that it’s my truthfulness that can put me out of my own misery when it’s his candor I crave. I guess in that way, we’re alike, both wanting more than the other person is willing to risk. A few minutes later, he walks back in and the room feels instantly smaller, or maybe it’s the jump ...