Between Two Kings (Split or Swallow, #2)

by Lindsay Straube

Tem had chosen Caspen. But it wasn’t because she didn’t love Leo. It was because she wanted more for Leo. And in doing so, she had accepted less for herself.

OH SHIT....

To Caspen, his marriage to Tem was the only legitimate union. But not to her.

Okay Tem, maybe i like you now...we will see lol

Look what happens when you do as I say.

Caspen smiled. “It is easy,” he whispered, “to worship you.”

“The heart is a curious thing, Temperance,” Kronos said carefully. “It cannot be reasoned with.”

“We cannot choose who we love. Our hearts choose for us.”

“Why not? If there are snake sex parties happening, I take it as a personal insult that I’m not invited.”

“You are the queen, my love. You are entitled to anyone you want, at any time.”

I have already experienced everything there is to experience, Tem. No one else compares to you.

Deadly little viper.

Adelaide’s smile only widened. “It is not such a bad thing, Temperance,” she murmured. “To have two men fall at your feet.”

You are the only queen I answer to.

Finally, Apollo whispered, “Do not come to me for comfort, Temperance. Come to me when you want me to fuck you the way my brother will not.”

“As each basilisk finishes, they will leave the ouroboros. The ceremony will end once everyone in the ouroboros has climaxed.”

“So you are two things, Tem. You always have been. And you are both of those things fully. Your power is unparalleled.”

“I would do anything you asked, Tem,” he whispered. “Whether I am bound to you or not.”

“A fucking chaperone isn’t going to stop me from wanting you, Tem.”

“I can’t,” he cried. “I can’t just talk to you. Talking is the last fucking thing I want to do with you, Tem.”

“Do you like it when I beg?” Tem shot him a look of utter disdain. “Only if it’s for your life.”

If I ever found myself fortunate enough to be beneath your blade, I would welcome it.”

My brother does not know how lucky he is. Trust me, he knows. Then he does not appreciate it. I would fuck you every day if you were mine. Too bad I’m not yours. Yet. Fuck you. I would like to.

Normal is worthless, Temperance. There is nothing normal about you.

I do not need to coerce her to fuck me. She will come to me, on her knees, begging for it.

“It’s our soon-to-be queen. She’s from one village over. Our queen never would have let this happen.”

“The royals are just the beginning. The snakes are next.”

“Tell me how to fix it,” he murmured. “Please.”

“Are you serious? Someone might see us.” “Let them watch.”

Do not tempt me, Tem. I will rip that dress off right now and fuck you in front of them.

“Your father would be so proud,” Tem said coldly.

“Do you have any idea how precious you are to me?”

“There is nothing in this world that matters to me more than you, Tem. Nothing.”

“Temperance Verus,” he said conspiratorially, “are you inviting me to a sex party?”

“You can expect…everyone to be naked.” “Perfect. I love being naked.” “They’re naked all the time.” “As they should be.” “Gabriel.”

Then Gabriel kissed her.

“Please, Temperance. You are not some weak creature. You don’t do anything you don’t want to do.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you, Tem.” The words were rushed, his entire body was tilted in her direction. “You’re on my mind every moment of the day. I want you all the fucking time. How can that be? How can you take up so much space in my mind?”

“You’re my fucking business, Tem.”

It wasn’t over for them. It never would be.

“Tell me you want me,” Leo murmured, his voice low and rough.

“Tell me, Tem. Say it.” She opened her eyes. His gray ones were boring into hers, his pupils blown wide with desire. “I want you.”

“Stop looking at me like that,” she said out loud. Apollo smiled, flashing his brilliant teeth. “Like what, Temperance?” “Like you want to fuck me.”

You are delicious when you are in denial.

“If I’m going to help you, I would prefer your enthusiastic consent.” “You have it.” “It does not sound like it.” “What else do you want me to say?” “Something romantic would be nice.”

“Are you begging me, Temperance?” “I’m ordering you.” “Even better.”

“Tell me, Tem. Why is my brother’s cum in your pussy?”

“Do you have to look so good when you come here?”

“I’d rather you weren’t in any danger at all, Tem. Immediate or otherwise.”

Leo was hers. They belonged to each other.

He burned for her—craved her as a starving man craved his last meal.

So good for us.