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

by Lindsay Straube

“You hold the stars in your hands,” her mother had always said, rubbing Tem’s fingers between hers. “Just like your father.”

“Like I said, it will connect us. I can make it…pulse.” “Pulse?” He smiled, and she melted. “When it pulses, you will know I am thinking of you.”

“I hate that you have this much power over me.” To her surprise, he laughed. “What’s so funny?” His grin only widened. “Of the two of us, I am not the one with the power, Tem.”

Vera wrinkled her nose, clearly wishing for more of a reaction. “He requested me first, after all. Obviously, he was eager to see me.” “Or eager to get it over with,” Tem snapped back.

Please fuck both of them… at the same time.

“I’m your future wife. And I deserve to be treated as such.”

His shoulders slumped as his eyes dropped to the floor. It was a long moment before he spoke, and when he did, his voice was hoarse. “Am I to share you?”

Oh my sweet soft boy. You hide behind the mask of an asshole. Please…

“This is not just a necklace,” he said softly. “Then what is it?” Caspen paused, his fingers stroking the charm. “It is…a gesture of intent.” Tem frowned. “Intent to what?” His eyes found hers. “To marry you.”

Tem was still trying to process the fact that Caspen had proposed to her. She thought back to when he’d given her the necklace; it was the morning after he’d touched her for the very first time. He’d made her come, and she’d done the same for him. Afterward, they’d shared their first meal together. Tem remembered how electrifying their connection had been that night, how exhilarating and significant it had felt to bring each other to orgasm. That night had meant a lot to her. Only now did she realize it had meant even more to Caspen.

OH THEY BOTH PRINCES. FUCK BOTH THE PRINCES!!!!!

Tem could only imagine what Maximus was thinking. To watch his son favor the town pariah was surely cause for fury. The king would not take kindly to Leo’s insolence. It would strain their already fragile relationship and put Tem straight in Maximus’s crosshairs—somewhere she had no desire to be. But these were worries for another time.

Maximus looked once again at Tem. “Is this what drew you away? The chicken girl?” Tem opened her mouth, but Leo was already defending her. “Her name is Temperance. You might want to learn it, considering she’s going to be my wife.” “I will take away your title before I let you choose her.” “And crown Lilly king? That’s rather progressive of you. I didn’t realize you’d changed your stance on women in leadership. Mother would be so proud.”

I love this sassy prince because 🤭

“Are you planning to kill me?”

Lol girl I’d think the same 😂😂

Leo’s cock was the perfect extension of him—long and proud and regal, yet another embodiment of his unchecked ego. Tem understood why he conducted himself the way he did, why he felt the need to answer to no one, why he moved through the world with such careless arrogance. She felt an undeniable surge of power with her fingers wrapped around his shaft. It was a privilege Tem couldn’t have comprehended before this very moment and one she didn’t intend on wasting.

Girl nobody give a fuck about you. I’m surprised you’re still here tbh.

You owe more than an apology bitch.

Caspen I was on your side fuckwad but now you’re pissing me off.

“I would have to have sex with your father?”

AYOOOO

There was no way she could do this, no way she could mount a father the same way she mounted his son. Tem had always known how the basilisks valued sex. But this was so far beyond the scope of sanity that she was having a hard time processing it.

I will do the ritual.

BITCH WTF

Okay that makes more sense on why she’s a pariah…. But like will this hurt chances with the prince???? Because I’m still leaning team Leo

“Be careful how you speak to me,”

Yes queen

A moment later, he was on his knees, and for the second time, Tem knew what it was to have a prince kneel before her.

I understand this sentiment. And honestly team Leo 🥹

Omg I have never wanted a slow burn to end like this one. Please please please I love this fictional man so much.

Girl the way this man yearned 🤭

“I’m afraid we will not be continuing with our courtship.” Vera’s mouth fell open. So did Tem’s. “Excuse me?” she scoffed, her hateful gaze flashing to Tem. “Are you telling me you’re choosing her?” “Yes,” Leo said. “I am.”

“I want to watch you kiss.”

As you should

Leo propped himself up on his elbow. “My name is Leo. Anyone who’s had my cock down their throat ought to call me that.”