Page 1 of Desert King

Prologue

Amber

“Don’t do this.”

But he doesn’t listen.

“I-I’m falling in love with him.”

“But you want me.”

I rip my eyes from his. I’m ashamed, embarrassed. At one time, I wanted them both. I was undecided between who I’d choose. But I did choose.

He steps closer. I’m on my knees with my hands tied around my back. His finger traces the curve of my cheek. “Damn, mouse. You became beautiful.”

“Is that what this is about? …felt like you missed your chance with me, and you want to know what he has?”

“By the time I’m done with you, mouse, you’ll forget how his hands feel on you…what he tastes like. I’m going to erase his every touch.”

A shudder rips through me as Edge bends down. His beautiful hazel eyes burn as they roam over my face. The pad of his fingertip skims my cheek. He laughs low in his throat. My nipples peaked under my thin shirt, betraying me. Tarak might have my heart but my body wants them both. Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to deny the desire singing through me.

His lips find the crook of my neck.

A moan escapes me.

“Please. I can’t. Don’t put me in the middle of your war.”

“You’ve been there since day one, babe.” The hairs on his beard scrape against my neck. My stomach clenches. “Smile.” I open my eyes, blinking them quickly after the flash on his phone goes off. “Perfect.”

“He’s going to kill me,” I whisper, feeling my throat close. My eyes are glassy—my dusky nipples, visible beneath my shirt. My cheeks flush with desire. Next to my face is his smirking one. He attaches it to a text and hits send.

My stomach drops.

Tarak will never touch me again if Edge seduces me. I know this deep in the marrow of my bones. He drags me closer against the hard planes of his body.

“What’s it gonna be, little mouse? Him or me?”

“Him. You know that.” I breathe.

“Liar. I saw you first. I kissed you first. Why did you go with him?” He stands suddenly, his balled fist popping right through the drywall.

“You never made a play for me.”

“Is that it? Did you need romance? Hearts and flowers and all that shit? Well, fuck that. I stole you, sugar. You’re my property now.”

Edge walks back over, jerking me to my feet.

“Am I worth a war?”

“I don’t know. But I’m willing to risk finding out,” he grinds out, capturing my lips. I scream against his kiss. It’s of no use. He’s just as unrelenting as the scorching desert sun. And I have a bad feeling I’m about to burn.

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