Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

Are you going to die a scribe? Or live as a rider?”

The guys are mostly shirtless because they think shirts give their opponent something to grab onto. Personally, I’m not arguing with their logic, just enjoying the view…respectfully, of course,

“Nope. Defenseless women have never been my type. We’re done for today.”

“I should have killed him slower.” “I’m fine.” I’m not. His focus snaps back to my eyes. “Never lie to me.”

“It doesn’t matter to me as long as you’re both consenting, and trust me, you’re in no condition to consent.”

I want him. Only him. Here. Now. Anywhere. Whenever.

“I thought you said kissing me was a mistake.” I don’t care if the entire quadrant is watching if that means he’ll kiss me again.

“When exactly did you decide not to ruin me?” “Maybe it was when I saw Oren holding a knife to your throat,” he says. “Or maybe it was when I realized the bruises on your neck were fingerprints and wanted to kill them all over again just so I could do it slowly. Maybe it was the first time I recklessly kissed you or when I realized I’m fucked because I can’t stop thinking about doing more than just kissing you.”

“If I get my hands on you, really, honestly get my hands on you, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.” He would. I know it in my soul. That’s why I trust him with my body.

There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”

I’m in love with Xaden.

Trust me, she wasn’t looking at me, and even if she were…” He pauses, his hand slipping to cradle the back of my head as he holds us steady despite the gusting wind. “Gods help me, I’m only looking at you.”

“There’s only you, Violence. Is that what you needed to hear?” I nod. “Even when I’m not with you, there’s only you.

There’s nothing about this man that scares me anymore, except the magnitude of my feelings for him.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” His voice lowers. “If not, I’m a fool, because you are magnificently beautiful.”

“I fucking need you, Violet. Right now. And I don’t need anyone, so I’m not quite sure how to handle this feeling, but I’m giving it my best. And if you don’t want this tonight, that’s fine, but I’m going to need you to walk out that door right now, because if you don’t, I’m going to have you naked on your back in the next two minutes.”

“You’re mine, Violet.” I lift my chin. “Only if you’re mine.”

I would rather lose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself over and over, then I’ll do it. You gave me your heart, and I’m keeping it.”