Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

“Try not to look too thrilled, or I might think you like me.” “Count your blessings. My liking you would be a dangerous thing.” I snorted. “Why? Would you ruin me for all other demon princes?” “Something close.”

I wanted to crack his soul open and read him like a book, discovering the deepest secrets and stories of how he came to be.

“Have I ever told you your anger is like my own personal aphrodisiac?”

“You said you wouldn’t.” “Wouldn’t what?” The rumble of his voice vibrated in my chest. It was oddly comforting. I pressed my cheek against his heart, listening to it beat faster. Or maybe that was wishful thinking. His bare skin blazed against mine. Almost painfully so. “Take care of me. You said you wouldn’t...”

“Tell me you hate me, that I am your worst enemy. Better yet, tell me you don’t want to kiss me.”

“You may destroy me yet.” “Sooner rather than later if you don’t stop talking and kiss me again.” “Demanding, angelic creature.”

“You are not his intended, Emilia.” The world beneath me tilted. Wrath’s gaze was steady enough to keep both my knees and the realm from quaking. “You are mine.”

“Every villain thinks themselves the hero. And vice versa. In truth, there’s a little villain and hero in each of us. Depending on the circumstances.”