Page 72 of The Call of Crimson
His amber eyes darken immediately, a sinful glint flashing there.
“Careful, love,” he purrs. “That’s beginning to sound like consent.”
I roll my eyes. “What will it take for you to return my clothing?”
Ayden crosses the room, stopping inches from me. He tucks a loose curl behind my ear, tipping my face up to meet his. Calloused fingers lightly brush my bottom lip as he says, “Kiss me.”
One kiss.
I could survive one kiss to get my belongings back.
I lean into him, our lips nearly brushing, his breath dusting across my mouth. At the last second, I turn my head and press a chaste kiss to his cheek.
He chuckles low in his throat. “Nice try, but not happening.”
“You didn’t specify where.”
“Yet, I’m the one making the rules, and I say it wasn’t good enough.”
“You’re an ass,” I grumble, pushing away from him.
“If you would just give me a fighting chance, you would see I am so much more.”
“I don’t give chances to people who don’t give me choices.”
“We aren’t afforded those choices, Breyla.” His face tightens slightly. “We’re royalty. With the crown comes obligations. We all make sacrifices.”
“What sacrifices have you made, Ayden?” My tone is venomous, eyes hardening into a glare. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like I’ve sacrificed plenty, but you get a wife and throne out of the deal.”
“I’ve sacrificed more than you know,” he whispers, something pained flickering through his eyes.
Feeling uncomfortable, I change topics. “Give me another deal.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I want a real chance.”
“I don’t know how!” I snap, frustration boiling over. “Letting people in isn’t easy for me.”
“You let Aurelius in,” he counters.
“I didn’tletAurelius do anything,” I retort. “He shoved his way in and took what he wanted. And look where that got me. Ayden, I’ve only ever cared for two males like that, and they both betrayed me in the end.”
He studies me, quiet for a moment. “Yet you still care for him.”
“ I-I don’t know what I feel for him,” the lie rolls smoothly off my tongue.
Truthfully, I felt a lot of things for him—lust, betrayal, anger, confusion, and longing. I just wasn’t sure which feeling was winning.
Ayden steps closer, his fingers once again finding my jaw.
“We would be so good together, Princess. I love how your mind works. I believe you’ll make a formidable partner, and an even greater queen. You weren’t just chosen to broker peace. You were chosen because you areworthyof standing beside me.”
He lifts my chin, holding my gaze with devastating intensity. “I asked about you. I studied you in battle and watched you lead. I chose you for your passion, your bravery, your brilliance.”
He leans closer, his breath brushing my skin. “And every night,” he murmurs, his voice dark and silky, “I would worship you. I would make pleasure a religion—and you, my goddess.”
