Kingdom of Claw (The Ashen, #2)

by Demi Winters

“Krasavitsa,[*1]” he said, tilting her jaw up with gentle pressure. “Dolgo ya zhdal.[*2]”

“Your fire,” he breathed as their lips broke apart and came back together. “It drives me mad.”

The last thought Silla had before falling into slumber was that even after eighteen winters, she still very much wanted to hold this man’s hand.

“Let me make this clear to you, Silla. There is nothing uncertain in how I want you.”

“I wanted you on Longest Day when you came out in that dress,” he said, voice ragged. “I wanted you when you pushed me across the field on the way to Kraki’s. I wanted you when you killed the vampire deer, when you blackmailed me, even when you tried to steal my gods damned horse. I’ve wanted you since the night you stormed up to me and told me I couldn’t frighten you away. That was it for me, Sunshine.”

If you wish to rest, I will shield you from harm. If you want to fight, I will draw my sword beside you. If you want a hundred chickens, I will build you a hen-fortress.”