Page 108 of Split or Swallow

Tem knew he didn’t. But she also knew he had chosen others in the past, and he’d all but confirmed he’d enjoyed them better.

“I think even you can make mistakes,” she whispered.

Caspen sighed.

“If my words do not comfort you, what will?”

Tem had no answer. She couldn’t fathom that Caspen was satisfied with her, regardless of what he said. So instead of saying anything, she kissed him. Soon Tem felt the familiar stirrings within her that wanted more. She pulled Caspen’s hand between her legs.

“Tem,” he murmured against her lips. “I cannot keep saying no to you.”

“Then don’t,” she murmured back, guiding him deeper. “Say yes.”

“Tem,” Caspen said again. But he didn’t stop touching her.

He explored her gently, sliding his first two fingers in and out with slow, soft strokes. When he brushed over her clitoris, it was so tender that she winced. His fingers retreated immediately.

She tried to pull him back, but he placed his palm on her chest, right between her breasts. He pressed down, and Tem felt a coolness pulse through her. When he removed his palm, she was no longer warm. The heat between her legs remained, but she felt suddenly indifferent, as if she no longer wanted to have sex. The sudden change left her breathless.

“What did you just do?” she gasped.

“I took away your desire so you will not crave me anymore.”

Tem stared up at him in horror. It was true; the fiery thirst that had consumed her a second ago was gone.

“Put it back,” she said immediately.

“Tem,” Caspen sighed in exasperation. “If I put it back, you will just keep wanting to—”

“I said, put it back.”

He frowned. She had never used that tone with him before, and it was a surprise to them both.

“I do not understand,” he said slowly. “You told me to take away your pain⁠—”

“That’s different,” Tem cut him off sharply. “Pain is a physical sensation. Desire is an emotion. Emotions are a part of who I am. You can’t manipulate my feelings. It’s an abuse of your power and a betrayal to me. It’s worse than what Jonathan did.”

She grabbed his hand, holding it to her chest.

“So put it back. Right now.”

Tem saw many thoughts swirling behind Caspen’s eyes. But finally she watched as comprehension, then regret, rose slowly to the surface.

“I did not think of it that way,” he said quietly.

He pressed gently against her chest.

Tem felt the pulse again, and with it, her desire returned, as hot and desperate as before. But this time she didn’t act on it. Instead, she threw Caspen’s hand off of her and glared at him, waiting for him to speak. Finally, he did:

“Forgive me, Tem. I only meant to help.”

“I know what you meant to do,” she snapped. “And in doing so, you diminished me. You can’t suppress my feelings when they’re an inconvenience to you. I’ll never trust you if you control me like that again.”

He listened to her in silence.

“Promise me,” Tem said, still looking him straight in the eye.

“I promise.”