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.

With Caspen, her desire was primal and raw, visceral, consuming her like a hungry animal. With Leo, it was slower—a glowing coal that smoldered deep within her chest.

“The heart is a curious thing, Temperance,” Kronos said carefully. “It cannot be reasoned with.” “What do you mean?” “We cannot choose who we love. Our hearts choose for us.”

“Temperance. You must be careful. Basilisks are free with their bodies but not with their hearts. It is a dangerous thing to love two people. You need to prepare yourself.”

“It does not matter what you did wrong, Temperance. It is how you choose to fix it that defines who you are.”

“I’ve been in all sorts of positions, Tem. And I especially enjoyed the dangerous ones.”

“It means if I were to die, Apollo would be given the option to court you first, before anyone else. He would be expected to marry you in my stead.”

“It is not possible to take someone who wishes to stay.”

“How can you always think the best of me?” “Because you are the best of me,” he said simply.

Caspen. You can’t hurt her. She’s the queen. Caspen turned to her, looking straight into her eyes. 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.”

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

“It would be an honor to die by your hand, Temperance.” “It would be a privilege to kill you.”

“You underestimate my flirtation abilities, Tem. I could charm the clothes off a tree.”

“Why is he looking at us like that?” Gabriel asked. “Like what?” “Like he wants to fuck you, then me, then both of us at the same time?”

“You could’ve told me you were drinking from a cum fountain, Tem.”

Everything about it felt right…but something about it felt final.

“There is always a winner and a loser. The cycle cannot be broken.”

He smelled incredible. Like summer and cigars and deep, dusty libraries. It was impossible to ignore—impossible to resist.

Let me take care of you.

He had dimples, Tem realized. They were cute.

“No matter what your heart decides, know that you are worth fighting for.” She stared up at him. In another world, they would kiss.

“Most likely it never will be. But I do not need easy. I do not want easy.” He tilted her head up to his, whispering the rest against her lips. “I just want you.” Then he kissed her.

He was her first love. He always would be.

Because I knew what was to come.

“I am saying that you are the love of my life. But I am done accommodating the love of yours.”

Your love for him must be stronger than your desire to hurt him. It is as simple as that.

“Who was that man kissing Tem?” she heard him ask Gabriel as Damon ushered them away. “That’s Apollo,” Gabriel replied. “Caspen’s brother.” “His brother?”

Caspen was her sun. Caspen was everything.

“I was your first love, Tem,” Caspen whispered. “He will be your last.”

How long have you loved me? Far longer than you have loved me.

And thus began their life together.

You love shamelessly. It is a stunning quality, and it is one I envy.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to love you. I only hope I was worthy of your love in return.

You’re in the whiskey I drink, the books I read, the stars I see. You’re a part of me.