Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
What if he decided to strike? I mean, could I change his mind? Probably. If he gave me a chance. But. I couldn’t, shouldn’t, shrug this off. She who did not deserve a “the” in front of her name would do whatever it took to get me out of the way. She’d wanted this man for centuries.
I’d had an enemy before I was even born, and I hadn’t known it.
“This,” Viktor said, motioning to a series of trenches filled with spikes that soldiers were currently covering with dense brush, “is where we—”
“Wait,” I interjected, wrenching my fingers from his. “Normally I would be beyond curious about your war hobby, but I find I’m a little too perturbed right now.”
Frowning, he faced me. “What’s the problem?”
He did not just ask me that. “You! Obviously. If you think I’ll betray and kill you, why did you save my life by endangering your own?”
He shrugged, as if the topic were no big deal. “Never cut what can be untied.”
Great. Wonderful. “That’s a profound truth, sure, but it’s hardly reassuring. You can change your mind and decide to make the cut at any moment, ending my life.”
“Ja. But only because the same can be said of anyone, anywhere, about anything.”
Argh! “Are you asking me to trust you or to suspect everyone else of plotting my harm?”
“Both.” A white lock fell over his brow, and a corner of his mouth curled up. “Perhaps this will reassure you. I find I…like having you around. You taste delicious.”
Double argh! He just had to go and mention my other conundrum. The hottest kiss of my life.
How could I have locked lips with a man who considered killing me on the daily? Who might chose another woman, as Benjamin had.
I admit, I wasn’t the easiest person to hang with. Or the safest. My wealth of internal bottles hadn’t shattered yet, but I now believed detonation was only a matter of time. Those cracks…
His men halted their work to watch us with unabashed interest. My cheeks heated. But end the conversation? No.
“While the sentiment is appreciated,” I said, “I need a stronger assurance of my long-term safety. I refuse to date someone plotting my death. It’s a quirk of mine. Cut Valkara from your life. Don’t speak to her ever again.”
If Viktor didn’t convince me that my welfare mattered to him, I might have to rethink Malachi’s offer. Which constituted a betrayal, didn’t it? I gulped. Maybe I’d present an un-pass-upable bargain to Bodi. Help me save my sister, and I’ll return to my old life, leaving Viktor in my dust. That should delight the prince.
My ribs squeezed, but I didn’t back down.
Viktor scowled. “She is a necessary part of my existence. But I can promise you that you won’t like what happens if you run from me again, drágá.”
And back to square one we go. Disappointment and anger engulfed me. “Keep making threats, and I’m guaranteed to run. I’d be a fool not to.”
He stepped closer, erasing my personal space. Bending, putting his nose level with mine, he grated, “You are arguing with a berserker king. I’d say you are already a fool.”
We remained just like that, close, so close, breathing in the other’s panting breaths. His intoxicating scent did its thing. Thoughts fragmented and blurred until a single urge lingered: Get another kiss.
What was wrong with me? How could I crave the male who hobnobbed with my greatest enemy?
Although… A teeny tiny sliver of hope flickered. As his firebrand, I wielded a considerable amount of influence. The most powerful ability any person could possess, in fact: the chance to change his heart, the only way to permanently change his mind.
If I took the time and applied myself, I could win him over. Make him see Valkara as his enemy too. She might be necessary to his existence, but I was, too. More so!
Calm him during a temper—check.
Wake him from a supernaturally induced sleep—check.
Snatch his allegiance from a supervillainess who whispered evil commands into his head—checkmate?
Of course, there was a good chance I was only deluding myself, rationalizing to obtain something a part of me had always desperately desired.
Viktor’s patience reached its limit. “Roland, tell Clover what I do to prisoners who attempt to escape,” he commanded without looking away from me.
“You disembowel them, Majesty.”
“Wow. Another threat. What a shocking development I never saw coming.” I notched my chin. “You need to get new material, baby. I’m only attracted to men who bring their A game.”
Low growls rumbled in the king’s chest. “You are only attracted to me.” He lowered his head, putting his narrowed gaze level with mine. “Say it. Say I am only attracted to you, Tor.”
“Agree to cut Valkara from your life.”
“Viktor?” Bodi called, distress dripping from his voice.
Still, the king didn’t attention his attention from me. “Whatever it is can wait. I’m in the middle of reminding my captive how big, strong, and scary I am.”