“Yes, it's this one, I think.” I pulled the book forth and showed it to him.
Rath came closer and took the book, then looked me over. “Are you all right? You look flushed.” His stare zeroed in on my neck.
I lifted a hand nervously. Xae had doubtless left a mark. Another one.
“I don't recall you having that earlier,” Rath said.
I pulled my shoulder-length hair forward. “I haven't exactly been trying to show it off.”
Rath came closer. Leaned in. Sniffed me. “He's been here, hasn't he?”
“Who?” I squeaked.
“For fuck's sake,” Rath cursed as he stepped back. “You can play with Xaedren after you've finished with your daily training. Don't waste Master Bri'tar's time. Or mine, for that matter.”
“I'm not trying to waste anyone's time, Rath.”
Rath's face twitched. He bit his lower lip. Then he tossed the book on the floor and grabbed me. I gasped as he took my waist and pulled me into his arms, his lips coming down to cover mine. He used my gasp to slip his tongue through my parted lips and gently tease mine. Desire smacked me in the dick. I tasted honey and mint. I could barely breathe, barely think straight. This was what I'd been wanting for months. Him. Ratharin.
I groaned and wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders, clutching at the muscles on his back. As soon as I responded, Rath went wild, his hands gripping me tightly, as if afraid I'd bolt. His mouth moved over mine mercilessly, his tongue teasing me past any ounce of reason I had left. Then he was kissing his way down my neck, making a furious sound when he coasted over Xae's bite.
“Rath?” I whispered as I finally remembered why this was bad.
“I can't stop myself anymore,” he murmured against my throat. “You taunt me every day with him, forcing me to admit how foolish I've been.” He lifted his head to look at me. “I don't care about the future anymore. I need you now, Ember.”
“Rath . . .” I shook my head. “I can't. I'm with Xae.”
“But you don't care about him. Just tell him it's over. Be with me.”
“I do care about him. How can you think I don't? We've been together for over a month now. I can't just cast Xae aside because you've suddenly realized that you want me bad enough to risk falling in love with me.”
“That's just it. There isn't a risk anymore, Ember,” Rath said, his stare intensifying. “It's done. I'm in love with you. Don't you feel something for me in return?”
“Of course, I do,” I admitted. “I always have. But I won't cast Xae aside for you. He doesn't deserve that.”
“So, I'm just supposed to wait?”
“No. I can't ask you to wait. Especially since I don't know if Xae and I will ever end.”
“Oh, you'll end.” Rath leaned into me again, holding me in place. “He doesn't make you feel what I do.” His hand went to my chest, right over my heart. “He doesn't make your heart raceandache. I'm sure Xaedren's exciting and can fuck like an animal, but he isn't what you need, Ember. I can excite your mind as well as your body.” He bent to bite my earlobe, then whispered in my ear, “I can fuck you viciously, then tenderly. I can make you scream in ecstasy, then sigh in love. Say it, little spark. You love me too.”
“I . . .” My mind spun. This was what I'd wanted for what felt like forever. But somewhere during that wanting, I'd found something else. Someoneelse who had become special to me. “I can't, Rath.” I slid out of his grip. “I don't know what I feel for either of you, but I do know I feel enough for Xaedren to remain faithful to him. He may not be as smart as you or even as powerful, but he's neither a fool nor a weakling. There's more to him than you think, more than I expected. And I like it. All of it. All of him.”
Rath's face fell, his eyes going liquid and wounded. “I see.”
“Rath, I'm sorry.” I lifted my hand, but he stepped back. “I do want you, and I care a lot about you. You're my best friend. But I want him too, and I'm already with him.”
“I understand,” he said stiffly. “I made a huge mistake with you, and that's my fault. I shouldn't have expected or even hoped that you would help me correct it.”
“I wish I could,” I whispered.
“I'm not giving up, Ember. I can't. I'll be here when the wolf disappoints you.” Then he turned and walked away, stepping over the fallen book.
I stared down at it, the dim light catching the gilding so that I could clearly read the title. It seemed to mock me.
Conquering the Storm: An in-depth analysis of Air
I grimaced at it as I picked it up, then headed back to the table.
