Page 136 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I’m the one trying to stay away. I’m the one drawing lines and holding boundaries.

He’s the bad guy.

I’m the victim, the captive held in place by his glowing silver stare.

Tension crackles between us, the same way it did in the dark alley outside the market square.

And in the captain’s cabin aboard the ship.

The way it always does when I hold Rian’s gaze for too long.

I should look away.

I should break whatever spell he’s been weaving around me since the moment our eyes first met.

But Gods save me, I don’t.

Rian’s molten stare holds me fast.

And in the stillness, I understand the truth I’ve been fighting since the beginning⁠—

Whatever this is, resistance was doomed from the start.

The invisible rope that’s been pulling me to Rian, the one I’ve fought against since the beginning, tightens.

Reels me in.

On my next breath, every shred of resistance drains from my body. It happens fast, too fast for Rian to notice.

Not until my hands shoot out and fist his tunic.

His eyes flare black with dangerous promise, shadows that shouldn’t exist rushing forward before bleeding back to silver as I yank him toward me and lunge at the same time.

Thunder echoes through the world as our mouths collide.

25

The kiss is consuming, overwhelming. Something ancient inside me recognizes Rian and surges awake, answering this pull without hesitation.

I’ve fought against this at every turn—every glance, every touch, every beat of my racing heart.

But I don’t have the strength to keep fighting anymore.

This is the moment everything breaks.

The moment I stop pretending Rian is my enemy.

At least, not only my enemy.

Rian’s palms rest on my waist, searing my skin through my gown. The pads of his fingers press in. I tighten my grip on his tunic and draw closer.

My stomach presses flat to his torso. My breasts brush my wrists. There is no space left between us, and I don’t want there to be.

I slide my hands up over his shoulders, anchoring myself there, holding firm as I tilt my head and deepen the kiss.

Need coils tight inside me.

I am ravenous.