Kingdom of Villains

by Ella Fields

His giant hands swallowed them, and my neck cricked as I tilted it back. Our eyes met, his wild and searching. Then to my horror and complete surprise, so did our lips. I’d never been kissed, but I’d imagined that when it happened, it would be clumsy and wet. At least at first. I’d also imagined it would have been Regin. I’d have never imagined this. Him. This burning that froze every part of me, that rendered me incapable of feeling anything outside of the gentle press of his soft lips against mine. They parted, just slightly, as his mouth slid over my own, breath rushing from him and flooding my skin and lips. He was smoke and ice, an intoxicating combination that shouldn’t exist.

“Before a little patch of wild sunshine intervened, thus ruining all of your murderous plans.”

“I’ve wanted you since the start, I need you in ways I never expected to, and I’ve fallen too deep to regret a damned thing.” My lips pressed, then brushed her skin with every word. “Hate me as much as you need, but you’ll have to do so with me. Everything, all of you, forever with me.”

“No.” I pulled his nose to mine, my confession searing. “But I do love you.” Colvin tensed and reared back. “You made me fall in love with you, dragon, so please”—I sniffed, smiling up at him—“spend more time making sure you live and less being an archaic, possessive beast.”