Page 26 of King of Ashes
“No, I am not.”
“Then what? It leaves us at a huge impasse.”
Lifting our interlinked fingers, he places mine on his chest, his eyes softening into a light blue. “You have all the power, Zara.”
“I don’t feel that way when I’m with you,” I confess, driven by honesty.
I wouldn’t say I hide behind a facade. While I keep a certain distance from everyone, the wall crumbles in his vicinity.
“What if I don’t want to return?”
“Kidnapping it is,” he says, with no trace of humor.
“It’s not funny.”
“I wasn’t fucking joking.” He stares intently at the lake as if it holds the answer he seeks.
My heart jolts just as my thighs clench together, the spark of desire making me ache. I’ve been doing business with men, yet no one else came close to making me react this strongly.
“You wouldn’t,” I breathe out.
The corners of his mouth arch up in a wicked tilt. “Don’t try me then.”
The thought is exhilarating—he is so desperate for me, he would kidnap me. Maybe if I think it was forceful, I won’t feel as torn apart, like I am betraying my love by giving in to this madman.
I can’t believe I even entertain that, so I change the topic to distract myself. “How did you find this place?”
“I’ve studied every inch of the grounds on the map. I probably know my way around the perimeter with my eyes closed.”
“Should we test that?” I ask playfully, our moods reflecting each other’s, another uncovered mystery.
He cocks his head and brushes his knuckles down my neck and the valley of my breasts, making my breath hitch. “What do I get in return?”
Damn. Focus, Zara.
“A kiss.”
“Fine.”
I blink, taken aback by his quick reply. “Quite desperate.”
“If forcing you is what it takes to make us happen, so be it. I lack morality for the things I want.” He air quotes forcing as if he’s onto my bullshit.
We walk to the Jeep, and I open the gym bag there. Unzipping it, I rummage through various items until I come up with a blindfold. At this compound, we train all five senses.
The black fabric dangles from my hand, and he gives a sharp nod.
Bending his knees so I can reach him better, I wrap the blindfold around his head.
“I’ll still find you. And you better surrender. But either way, I am getting my kiss.”
“Keep dreaming,” I say smugly, the playfulness thrilling me. I am aware he will do his best, but he won’t win.
I wave my hand in front of him to make sure he can’t peek, but he immediately catches it.
A low growl vibrates in his throat. “Run.”
I sprint off, pushing against the branches, the thick leaves shielding me. My pulse spikes, the adrenaline flooding my body, invigorating me as I push myself to flee so he won’t catch me. I won’t surrender, and I doubt I can win in combat against him.
