Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

was just a kiss.”

“But yeah. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”

Hard to believe I had that mouth on mine last night, those arms wrapped around me. Forget second thoughts. I just want more.

“Taking over what?” My eyes narrow. “Everything when it comes to you.”

Is it absolutely toxic that I’m attracted to this look on him? Probably. But one look, and my temperature rises.

The ease with which he has me on my back is simultaneously appalling and…ridiculously hot, especially with the weight of his hips settled between my thighs. It takes all my willpower not to reach up and brush the stray lock of hair from his forehead.

“I know how to handle you on top of me,” I challenge quietly. He lowers his mouth to my ear. “You won’t like what happens if you push me.” “Or maybe I will.” I turn just enough that my lips brush the shell of his ear. He jerks up, and the heat in his gaze makes me all too aware of everywhere our bodies connect.

“Disarm me before I test that theory in front of everyone in this gym.” “Interesting. I didn’t take you for an exhibitionist.”

“Keep pushing, and I guess you’ll find out.” His gaze drops to my mouth. “I thought you said kissing me was a mistake.” I don’t care if the entire quadrant is...

There is no stronger bond than that between two mated dragons. It goes beyond the depth of human love or adoration to a primal, undeniable requirement for proximity. One cannot survive without the other.

“Turns out, about three days is their max.” Xaden steps out of the shadows.

“You never considered that it was you I couldn’t stay away from?”

“You have the power to be a pain in the ass, too. Trust me.”

“Is this what she can expect next year?” “Aetos being an asshole?” Xaden asks, leaving his hands loose at his sides. “Probably.”

“You’re not listening.” His voice lowers. “I. Am. Here. Tairn didn’t drag her back to Basgiath. He didn’t break through her shields and pour his emotions into her. He didn’t demand she fly across the fucking kingdom. Your sister is still right here. I’m the one who left my post, my position, and my executive officer in charge of my wing. She’s not missing out on shit.”

There’s so much compassion, so much understanding in his eyes, that when he lets go of my waist, I think he might just let me stay. Then his hands are on my cheeks, sliding back to cup the base of my neck as he brings his mouth to mine.

The kiss is reckless and consuming, and I give it my all, knowing it might be the last one. His tongue licks into my mouth with an urgency I return, angling to take him deeper.

“Leave for me, Violet.”

“I will hate you for this.”

“Maybe it was when I saw Oren holding a knife to your throat,” he says. “Or maybe it was when I realized the bruises on your neck were fingerprints and wanted to kill them all over again just so I could do it slowly. Maybe it was the first time I recklessly kissed you or when I realized I’m fucked because I can’t stop thinking about doing more than just kissing you.”

“Fuck, that stubborn, feisty look always makes me want to kiss you.” Xaden’s expression remains bland, bored even, but his eyes heat as his gaze drops to my mouth.

“And you say this now, where people will see if you actually do.” My breath catches. “When did I ever give you the impression that I give a fuck what people think about me?” A corner of his mouth rises, and now it’s all I can concentrate on, damn him. “I only care what they think about you.”

“The next time we kiss had better not be just to piss off Dain.”

“Next time, huh?”

Tairn roars with the unmistakable sound of pride. “Lightning wielder.”

“You’re most definitely in a relationship,” Rhiannon continues, tugging me off the field. “I just can’t figure out if it’s the opposites-attract partnership that has you two baring claws or the slow, lethal burn of scalding sexual tension.”

“Fuck, that’s hotter than it should be.” He pulls in a deep breath.

“Because I only want you, Xaden.”

Mine. In this moment, Xaden Riorson is mine.

“It’s always a shit day around here. And it’s not taking advantage when I’m asking”—my teeth nip at his lips—“correction, begging you to make my day better.”

“Violet.”

“Tell me to stop,” he whispers, his thumb skimming the hypersensitive skin of my inner thigh. “Don’t stop.” I’ll die if he does. “Fuck, Violet,” he groans, slipping his hand between my thighs.

“Stop being so fucking honorable and fuck me, Xaden.” His eyes flare, and then he kisses me like I’m the air he’s been missing, like his life depends on it, and I think mine just might.

“Oh gods.” That mouth.

“Look at you. You’re fucking beautiful, Violet. Let go for me.”

“You know what you’re saying?”

and the sight of him above me,

“Did I…” “Set the curtains on fire?” He lifts a brow. “Yes.”

“That was…”

“Frighteningly perfect.”

and whatever you do…”

“Don’t fall for me.”

Finding a jar on my nightstand with a handful of spring violets? My heart swells. I’m in so much fucking trouble.

“Should I get the wingleader?” Tairn flat-out laughs in my head.

There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”

Images of…me flood my mind. It’s last night, except I’m somehow seeing it through Xaden’s eyes,

And fuck if I’m not so turned on that I have to shift my weight to ease the ache between my thighs.

“I have a better idea of how to spend our night,”

“Then I guess I’ll ignore the memory of how hot and slick you feel around my cock, and how you cry out for more until all I can think about is how to push every physical limit to be exactly what you need.”

“You want me.” I put my hand on his chest and feel his heart pounding. “And I know that scares you even though I want you just as badly.”