Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“I felt how much you need me.” I shift forward to the edge of the chair—throne—whatever. “You want me over the side of the throne, right? Grasping onto the arm so my nails scar it.” “Fuck.” The table groans under his grip. “I should not have done that.” “Oh, you definitely should have. It was quite possibly the hottest moment of my entire life. You ever want to bring me to my knees or win an argument? That’s a sure bet.” A tight smile curves his mouth at the reference to his words from last year. My toes touch the dais. “You gave me what I fantasize about—” “Please don’t.” The words are forced through gritted teeth. It’s the “please” that stops me in my tracks. “I’m hanging by a thread, so I’m begging you. Please. Don’t.” He hangs his head, and shadows slip across the dais, pushing my clothes toward me. Confused is an understatement, but I stand up and quickly get my clothes back on down to my socks, then pick up my boots. “Do you want to clue me in on why you’re keen on torturing yourself?” He exhales just a shade short of a sigh. “Because I need you to see I’m more than capable of worshipping your body without reciprocation. You’re not a convenient placeholder for me to fuck.” This is about Cat? “I know that.” So much for the afterglow of the world’s longest orgasm. I’m right back to pissed. “But you don’t.” He releases his death grip on the table and points at the throne.