Page 282 of Axis of Fire

“Easy,” Airis whispered.

Judging by his tone, the bastard was smiling.

His right hand covered mine—

Steady.

Confident.

Impossibly gentle.

“What do I have to do to make you stop being afraid?”

His whisper brushed against my ear.

For a split second, I almost thought his lips had grazed it too—

Teasing both me and the traitorous thing beating inside my chest.

Then I felt his thighs tighten ever so slightly against mine while his other hand covered my left.

He took control.

Somehow, I still couldn’t breathe.

Even though the fear had already begun to fade.

“I’m going to teach you how to control it.”

Maybe I should ask him to teach me how to control my feelings instead.

He seemed to have perfect control over his own.

“Did you suddenly forget how to speak?” he whispered again,

Either intentionally or accidentally brushing my ear once more.

I swallowed quietly.

“I’m afraid every thought in my head right now would get me expelled from Isthmond.”

The bastard actually laughed.

The sound sent goosebumps racing across my skin.

“Then maybe we should argue near the Beckbill more often,” he murmured.

“That way I can always sit you on it and bully you into silence.”

“You know, Airis,” I muttered, “you should thank every saint alive that I’m wearing this damned bracelet and can’t set your ass on fire right now.”

His laughter washed over me again—

Warm.

Velvety.

Dangerously addictive.