Clutching Julien’s shoulders, his neck, Whisper drags him closer. Everywhere he touches Julien, he leaves traces of drying blood—but all Whisper cares about is Julien’s lips sliding against his. He forgets to breathe until he gasps into Julien’s mouth. Julien’s kiss unravels him and weaves his heart into something new. Footsteps pause on the stairs. “Your Highness, we’ve secured the rest of the hostages,” Nadine calls out. “What do you—oh, for fuck’s sake. I’ll report when you’re done.”
