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“Doesn’t everyone enjoy getting close to the flames, the risk of being burned?” he asks.
“I forget humans are ridiculous creatures, constantly covering up the things they crave most as if it will decrease their depravities.”
He straightens and leans over the table. “So, you’re reading the books in your room?” “I am. Did you put them there?” “No.” My smile falters. “But I ordered it done,” he adds with a smirk. “You are entitled to some pleasure.” Warmth washes through me. He’s not the cold-hearted beast he pretends to be, and this kind version of Ever, the thoughtful one I see a little more of each day, is a greater danger to me than the fierce huntsman I first met. Because I think I like him. A lot. I just wish I understood him better.
Aer, to whom my powers are bound, wishes only to punish and control me.” “Why? What did you do to make her hate you?” “Just like the first Black Blood prince, I will never love her.”
“In that case, maybe you’d better summon the pretty courtier who was hanging off you in the onyx courtyard yesterday.” Well, damn, it didn’t come out the way I intended—like a joke.
“You know, the one with the three eyes and six arms? Ask her to come and finish the game. She’d be speedier and altogether more pleasing company, I’m sure.” Now I’m sounding even meaner. And, worse, jealous. His lips quirk. “I’d rather play with you.”
currents on his dark shirt, his necklace finally snagging my attention. “I quite like your pendant. What is it?” I squint and lean closer. He holds it out, and my heart pounds faster. “A dragonfly.” “It’s beautiful. If I win, I’ll have that, thanks.”
“Fine. It will suit you well and match the carved brooch the elves gave you. And if I should win this game, I will ask two things of you.”
“That’s not very fair.” I sit back, still smiling. “Why two?” “Be at ease. The first thing I want, will be for me. And the second thing I will ask you to give me, will actually be for your own benefit.”
“When the game is over, I will tell you. You must trust I won’t ask for something you’re not willing to give.”
“Stop smiling at me like I’m a fish on a hook.” He laughs.
“Fine. Be boring and keep it a secret. What’s the other thing you want then? The thing that’s strangely and worryingly just for you?” His heated stare warms me all the way down to my toes, and something deep inside shifts. “One kiss.”
“This kiss will not be stolen. It must be given freely. Will you keep your bargain and do this?” “You seriously want me to kiss you?” “Yes.”
“Promise you won’t eat me?” A bright color flashes over his irises. He slips his necklace off, holds the dragonfly out. “To sweeten the deal—take this—it’s yours.”
I smile, and reach for it. He whisks his palm to his chest. “For it to be a gift, I must put it on you myself.” He pushes off the chair, about to stand.
“I get to do this my way, remember? You promised. So stay put.” Before I can change my mind, I climb into his lap. When my hands frame his face, his eyes are wide and glowing blue like a sunlit sea.
“Your eyes turn bright blue sometimes. Why is that?”
“Answer me, Ever. I know you can’t lie.” Those bright-blue eyes lift. “So now I’m Ever, am I?” “Don’t try to change the subject. What makes your eyes change color?” He huffs a hard breath. “Strong emotions.”
“So are you telling me that’s what you feel right now, anger?”
