Page 185 of Between Two Kings

Tem took the compliment with a smile. Nothing about basilisk culture came naturally to her; she actively felt like a failure every single day. But this, at least, she was good at. She opened her eyes and looked down to see the object fully formed. It was an astonishing thing: a gleaming, opaque ring resting in the middle of her palm. Tem lifted it so that it caught the dim light of the grotto. She turned it slowly, watching it shimmer as if it had its own light source. Tem got the feeling that even if the cave were pitch dark, it would glow.

Her gaze fell to Apollo. His eyes were wide, staring at the ring in awe, its glint reflected endlessly in his pupils. Tem had never seen him so eager—not even earlier, when she’d been on her knees before him. Was this how Caspen had felt when he’d made the claw for her? Tem remembered how he’d looked when she’d inserted it for the first time. It wasn’t unlike the way Apollo was looking now: eager to the point of voracity.

She shifted closer.

The moment she did so, Apollo’s breath hitched. Tem felt a thrill of anticipation as she placed the ring around the head of his cock and slid it slowly up his shaft. It was a perfect fit, just as she knew it would be. Sharp possessiveness coursed through her as Apollo let out a low, euphoric groan. His pleasure was evident: his already-hard cock hardened even further, straining against the confines of the ring. Tem flushed at the sight. She wasn’t even doing anything yet, and he was already at her mercy.

You can make it tighter, if you wish.

Is that what you want me to do?

Apollo didn’t answer. Now he was the one resisting. But Tem wouldn’t let him get away with it. Why should she be the only vulnerable one? Why should Tem bare herself to Apollo when he refused to do the same for her?

An infinitesimal amount of power shifted back to Tem as she said, Tell me to.

A muscle twitched in Apollo’s jaw. Make it tighter, Temperance.

She made it tighter.

It wasn’t difficult to do; all it took was a simple intention in her mind and Tem watched as the ring drew taut around the base of his cock. Apollo’s hands gripped her hips so hard that it hurt.

Why not take it one step further?

Tem knew there was one more thing she could do to push him over the edge. She concentrated on the ring, focusing on her connection to it before sending Apollo a pulse just like the ones Caspen sent her. Apollo’s reaction was immediate. A shudder passed through him, and he groaned. Where did you learn to do that?

Caspen taught me.

Kora.

Almost against his will, Apollo leaned forward and kissed her neck. The moment he made contact, Tem bit her lip in order to hold back a moan. Immediately, he berated her.

Stop that.

Stop what?

Hiding your pleasure.

But it was her instinct to hide from Apollo. She didn’t want him to see her pleasure. Perhaps she thought he didn’t deserve to see her that way—or perhaps she was embarrassed, somehow, that he was capable of calling such pleasure forth. Whatever the reason, Tem hid from him.

I can’t help it.

Yes, you can. You are resisting me.

That, at least, was true. Tem was resisting him, although resistance was rapidly proving futile.

Let me take care of you.

Tem couldn’t imagine Apollo taking care of her in any way, shape, or form. I doubt you’re capable of that.

I assure you, I am.

Still, she resisted.

Your reservation is endearing.

And your arrogance is infuriating.

Do not pretend you do not like it.