Page 108 of Heir of Broken Souls

Grazing my lips down the shell of his ear, I take immense pleasure in watching goosebumps line his tan arms.

“Dragon got your tongue, darling?”

He drops his head back on my shoulder and grins up at the sky. “On the contrary, I like it when you spill a little blood.”

At the dark chuckle rumbling from his chest, I scoff and shove him away. His eyes set their sights on me, ablaze with such heat I suddenly find the energy to spar again.

“How about this?” I drawl, pacing circles around him. “The next to win?—”

“Gets a night in bed with me.”

As much as the thought of that makes my toes curl, I also know that one word from me and he’ll be on his knees in a heartbeat.

I pretend to ponder the idea.

“How about something…dirtier?”

His eyes shine. If I thought they were blazing before, I was so wrong. Now, they’re as bright as a glittering star.

“Name your price, Angel.”

“If I win…you have to take me for a little flight.” I let the last word trail off, allowing it to hang heavy in the air between our heaving chests. It doesn’t take him long to understand the glint in my eyes or the insinuation in my voice.

He clicks his tongue. “That can certainly be arranged.”

“And what do you want if you win?” I ask, quirking my brow.

He swallows thickly before stepping forward, so close I have to tip my head back. “Marry me,” he whispers gutturally.

I cease to exist.

The world slows on its turn.

Time simply stops as I stare at the man who holds my heart in the palm of his hand.

“I’m sorry, d-did you just?—”

“If I win, you have to marry me,” he breathes.

I would think he’s joking but his eyes hold a sense of vulnerability in them, his shoulders rigid, as if he’s…nervous?

My heart resumes its beat, picking up into an erratic thump as my eyes flick back and forth, searching his.

“Is that what you truly want?”

“More than anything in this world,” he says hoarsely.

The sincerity in his voice, the love pouring from his eyes—I cannot deny him.

Licking my suddenly dry lips, I breathe, “We have a deal, Mr. Holloway.”

Knox steps forward so fast a gasp escapes me and his hand cups my jaw, his thumb brushing over my lower lip. “Hopefully when I’m done with you, you’ll be Mrs. Holloway,” he whispers.

Heat blossoms across my cheeks. I’m stunned speechless, and then Knox exhales sharply as he smiles,trulysmiles, his heart written stark across his face. It’s the most radiant smile I’ve ever seen, one that pulls the corner of my own lips upwards, greeting his adorable dimples.

Pure happiness dances across every inch of him as he forces himself to take a step back and lift his sword. “Careful, Angel, I’ve never lost a fight I wanted to win.”

“You want to wineverysparring match.”