Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

by Rebecca Yarros

“Fascinating. You look all frail and breakable, but you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?”

I hate how beautiful he is, how lethal his abilities make him as he strides toward me, shadows curling around his footsteps.

“Did I see her outnumbered and already wounded? Did I think her bravery was as admirable as it was fucking reckless?” He turns that stare on me, and I feel the impact all the way to my toes.

He tastes like churam and mint, like everything I’m not supposed to want and yet can’t help needing, and I kiss him back with everything I have, sucking on his lower lip and scraping my teeth over him.

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

“You never considered that it was you I couldn’t stay away from?”

“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.”

“Bet it would be even more awkward if I kissed you now, huh?” Yes, please. “The next time we kiss had better not be just to piss off Dain.” The next time had better only be because we want it. “Next time, huh?” His gaze lowers to my mouth again.

The caress of his mouth and the strokes of his wicked tongue steal every logical thought, and my world narrows to this kiss, this minute, this man. Mine. In this moment, Xaden Riorson is mine.

“Fuck me, this hair,” he says, then hovers his mouth over mine. “And this mouth. All I ever want to do is kiss you, even when you piss me off.” “So kiss me.”

“Look at you. You’re fucking beautiful, Violet. Let go for me.”

“You’re going to be the death of me, Violet.”

“Tell me you’re all right.” He’s already moving, thank gods. “I’m perfect.” Better than perfect. Power blazes beneath my skin again, buzzing in wordless, frenzied demand. “You feel so fucking good.”

“You’re almost there. Fuck, you feel so damn good around me. I’m never going to get enough of this, enough of you.” “I love you.”

“You’re mine, Violet.” I lift my chin. “Only if you’re mine.” “I’ve been yours for longer than you could ever imagine.”