A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles, #1)

by Amanda Bouchet

“I conquered a kingdom and found a treasure.” His voice turns gravelly, low. “I won’t let you go. Not now. Not ever.”

“Oh, no!” I cry. “We mustn’t kill by accident. Only on purpose.”

His arms tighten, locking me against his chest. “I’ll protect you.”

He stuffs the rope into his saddlebag, drags me onto his lap, and then plants his mouth on mine.

“I never know what to expect with you. Worldly cynicism or blushing innocence. It’s enough to drive a man insane.”

“Daughter of my heart.” “Poseidon!” I almost weep from joy. “You are brave, but foolish.”

Griffin glares at me like he wants to throttle me. Instead, he hauls me up against his chest and kisses me.

“Griffin is ten years older than I am. All my life, I’ve seen women watch him, want him.” She presses the ribbon into my hand. “He looks at you the way they look at him.”

Heartbreakingly gentle, he brushes messy hair back from my face. “I thought you hated me.”

“You’re bright like a star. You shine for me now, but the sky turns. Where will you shine tomorrow? Or the day after? I won’t let you go, not without a fight that would make Gods tremble.”