Page 334 of Axis of Fire

Tracing the line of my neck.

Slowly.

As though he was giving me time to change my mind.

But I didn't.

If anything, I moved closer.

Held on tighter.

My fingers found his shoulders and tightened around them as a wave of warmth swept through me.

Uneven.

Breath-stealing.

“With you, keeping my distance is impossible...” he breathed against my skin.

I closed my eyes.

Because otherwise—

I wouldn't have survived it.

The world began to blur again.

His hands.

His fingers.

His breath.

His closeness.

Too much.

Too fast.

And at that exact moment—

Click.

My eyes flew open.

Another click.

The cold metal disappeared from around my wrists.

The bracelets slid free, striking the wooden railing with a soft metallic chime.

And that sound—

brought us both back to reality.

We froze.

Chapter 34