Kiss of the Basilisk (Split or Swallow, #1)

by Lindsay Straube

This book is for anyone who has ever wanted more.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN

The Split or Swallow series is unlike anything you’ve ever read before, and you may not read anything like it ever again. Say goodbye to the person you were before this book. And once you’ve read it, hand it to your friend so they can read it too.

i think im ready????

Vera giggled cruelly at the look on Tem’s face. “Oh, Tem,” she whimpered, her condescending tone unbearable. “Don’t worry. You’ll learn tomorrow night. That’s what the basilisk is for.” Everyone knew what the basilisk was for.

WHAT

He turned to her. “Would you do me a favor, Tem?” His gray eyes were awfully close. For the first time, Tem realized they were flecked with green. “Depends on the favor.” “Kiss me.” “You’re drunk.” “And you’re glorious. Kiss me.”

im yelling

“Protecting you is only the beginning of what I want to do.”

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

He wanted her in a way that was possessive, irreversible, and guaranteed to result in consequences if he didn’t have her. He wanted her more than life itself because a life without her wasn’t one he cared to live.

Realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. His tongue had split.

oh my god

“Temptation? Is that what I am?” His grip tightened on her shoulders. “Temptation, salvation, heaven, hell—you are everything, Tem. You are my undoing. You are beyond comprehension. There are no sufficient words to describe you, either in my language or yours.” His hands moved to her face, cupping her jaw. “My compass points to you. I could not change direction even if I wanted to.”

“Knowing you has been the single most torturous experience of my life.”

“I will not survive you,” he said, his voice a guttural whisper. “Do you even want to?” He didn’t answer.

im dying

“Tem,” he whispered. The entire world went silent. Tem could hear nothing but her own heartbeat, which pounded like thunder in her chest. “I know my time with you is somewhat borrowed,” Leo said quietly. “And I know that I will never have all of you. But, Tem.” He paused, looking her right in the eye. “It is without ego that I say your presence in my life has changed me immeasurably. You are headstrong. And stubborn. And infuriatingly difficult to please.” She smiled at that one. Leo continued. “You are also courageous. And irresistible. And you invariably make me a better person, even when I struggle to return the favor. In short, you are too good for me. But I’m asking for you anyway.” Tears were coming. She didn’t bother holding them back. “I am greedy when it comes to you, Tem. I want every moment you’re willing to give me. Even if our marriage offers me nothing but the opportunity to humble myself before you, it would be worth it to spend what’s left of my life in your presence.” He opened the box. “Would you do me the honor of being my queen?”

There were far worse things, Tem realized, than to be loved by two people.

This scene is NOT CANON, meaning it does not occur within the plot of the book you just read. It is a scene inspired by the movie Challengers starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. It was written on a thirteen-hour plane ride back from Venice, Italy, after the author had consumed at least nine glasses of free cabernet sauvignon.

oh lets go