Page 64 of The Call of Crimson
“Call me stupid again,” I drawl, “and I’ll really show you.”
“Noted,” he grunts as he storms off, dragging a reluctantly amused Ayden with him.
I laugh, watching them disappear down the hall.
“Well, that’s certainly one way to spar with Darian,” Rowina says, rounding the corner into the library.
“I didn’t see you there, Princess.”
“I certainly took notice of you,Princess,”she replies, her tone both flirtatious and irritated.
“Don’t like me calling you Princess?” I tease.
“I don’t like anyone calling me that.”
“That makes two of us.”
Rowina grins. “Unless you’re moaning it when I’m between your thighs.”
My cheeks flame, eyes going wide as her words paint a licentious picture in my mind.
“Don’t worry.” She winks. “I won’t tell my brother about that arousal filling your veins right now.”
“He already knows,” Aurelius says from the library doorway.
Rowina rolls her eyes and flips open a book, mumbling, “I meant the other brother.”
“And that’s barely arousal,” Aurelius adds smoothly. “It’s more like… intrigue.”
“How would you know?” Rowina retorts. “Are you suddenly an Empath as well?”
“No, Rowina,” Aurelius chuckles. “I just know the princess’ body better than anyone.”
“Knew. You knew my body better than anyone,” I spit. “You lost that privilege, my lord.”
“On that note,” Rowina chirps, clapping her book shut. “I’ll be finding something to read on the other side of the library. Behave, you two.”
She vanishes between the stacks, leaving me alone with the storm brewing behind Aurelius' black eyes.
The library door clicks shut behind him.
In three strides, he’s in front of me, crowding me back against a heavy oak table, his hands braced on either side of me.
“Iknowyour body, little demon,” he whispers. “No one will ever make it sing the way I do. And if you think my brother can stop me from reminding you of that… you are mistaken.”
“It’s not Ayden keeping you from my heart,” I reply, meeting his gaze. “It’s your own lies and betrayal.”
“Tell me how to earn your forgiveness,” he breathes.
His words tempt me, something deep within me begging me to let him in. I could survive without his body.
I don’t think I can survive without his soul.
“Even if I forgive you.” My voice cracks. “It’s my trust I don’t know how to give you.”
“It wouldn’t have made a difference,” he says, voice rough with regret.
“What wouldn’t?”
