Page 105 of Axis of Fire

Unless they hurt the people I love.

Silence followed.

A silence so heavy it felt endless.

Then suddenly, Airis pulled the dagger away from my throat completely.

He still didn’t move back.

Instead, he pressed me more firmly into the mattress.

Securely.

But without hurting me.

His face lowered closer and closer to mine until it felt like our lips were seconds from touching—

until I was certain he was about to kiss me—

and then he turned away at the last moment.

“I hope I won’t regret this, Fireling.”

I couldn’t breathe.

He played with my emotions effortlessly, never allowing me to relax for even a second.

Terrifying me one moment—

making my body crave him the next.

And like a complete, inexperienced fool, I reacted every single time.

Clearing my throat, I tried to force confidence into my voice.

“I’d appreciate it if we continued this conversation in a different setting... or position.”

He pulled away from my ear and looked directly into my eyes.

That infuriating smirk appeared on his lips again.

“And what positions would you prefer for our conversation?” he murmured, his voice almost purring.

Quietly, I drew a deeper breath into my lungs.

I desperately needed air.

“All the ones where our bodies aren’t touching.”

“Is that really what you want?” he asked in a low whisper, slowly twirling one of my curls around his finger.

“Yes,” I lied.

And he pulled away.

A second later, he was already back on his side of the bed.

Only then did it feel as though I had relearned how to breathe.