Page 121 of The Call of Crimson
“There’s more,” I state grimly.
“There is.”
“Shit.”
He only chuckles, completely unbothered. “Keep thinking on it. That clever mind will get there eventually.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“You get used to it.” He shrugs, his lips lifting at the corners. “Now, enjoy your library time. I have things to attend to for the autumn equinox ball.”
He’s barely gone two minutes before I feel Aurelius' presence, looming, watching. I sensed him lingering in the hall even while Ayden was here.
Now, he crosses the threshold without hesitation.
“Here to help me research?” I ask dryly.
“Oh, yes,” he says, voice dark and bitter. “I’ve learned quite a bit already.”
I quirk a brow. “Oh? And what wisdom have you gathered today?”
He strides toward me, doors slamming shut behind him with a wave of his hand. The lock clicks.
The air shifts, the space between us charged and electric.
“I learned that despite my numerous warnings, despite every reassurance I gave you, you still seem to think you’re not mine. ”
I open my mouth to snap back, but he barrels forward.
“I learned you’ve made a little deal with Ayden.” His voice drips venom. “That involves you kissing him when you lose.”
“Oh yeah?” I taunt, my blood still high from earlier.
“Yeah, Princess. I’ve learned plenty.” His jaw ticks. “I’ve also learned that I’m not a patient male, and right now, I can’t decide if I want to bend you over this table and remind you what the end of my patience looks like… or track down that arrogant prince and cut his tongue out.”
His threat lands like a punch to my gut.
“Be impatient all you want.” There’s bite to my voice as I relay the harsh reality of our situation. “It won’t change the fact that I’m not yours. The deals I make with my fiancé are none of your concern.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Aurelius growls. “The beast that lives within me demands I erase every trace of him on you. This isn’t want anymore, Princess. It’s need.”
His fingers tangle in my hair, yanking my head back until I’m forced to look at him.
His eyes are barely brown, black swallowing the irises, flecked only by burning crimson.
“Ineedyou right now, little demon. I’m done fucking waiting.”
As hard as I fight it, I can’t keep the moan from slipping through my lips as he uses the grip on my hair to drive my back into a table.
His lips claim mine in a kiss that’s anything but gentle. It’s savage and filled with every angry emotion that’s festered between us.
“I’m so fucking angry right now,” I hiss against his lips, “and I don’t even know why.”
His mouth moves down my throat, alternating between sharp bites and soothing kisses.
My mind screams that we need to stop, but my body refuses to listen. It’s taking what it wants, what I’ve been denying it.
“Good,” he snarls. “Now you know how I fucking feel.”
