Page 124 of Tempest

Tempest strolls past me and makes himself comfortable on his window seat, sipping his whiskey. He watches me over the rim, unblinking and consuming.

Like he wants to eat me.

Maybe he does.

I clear my throat. “I think Professor Morgan’s developed too much of an interest in Clover.”

His lips freeze against his glass. “You think?”

“I know.”

Tempest’s gaze swings to the floor, contemplative.

“What’s worse, Clover likes him, too.”

His eyes snap back to mine. When he doesn’t move an inch, or a muscle, or even twitch in anger, I ask, “Aren’t you going to do something about it? I didn’t want to come here, but I couldn’t figure out another way to keep them separated. I’m scared he’ll introduce her to this world.”

“I’ll take care of it.” Tempest rises. I note how his fingers clutching the glass have turned white. “Not to worry, princess. I’ll make sure she doesn’t suffer the consequences of this life like you have.”

I take it for the backward compliment it is. “Thank you. I’ll see myself out.”

He catches my hand as I turn, his cold fingers squeezing like he’s trying to pump my blood into his. “Have I made you suffer, Ardyn?”

Without turning back to him, I lower my head and close my eyes. “Unbelievably so.”

“I apologize for that. I really do. Answer one question for me.”

It’s not a request.

“If you hadn’t seen what you did or considered what I’m capable of, would you still have allowed me to do this?”

Confused, I turn my head to him. “Do what?”

He whips me toward him, my chest crashing against his. Gasping, my forehead nearly hits his nose.

Tempest twists my arm around my back, holding it firm, and tilts my chin up with the other. “You weren’t supposed to be so all-consuming, princess. You saw what I am, and my next logical step is to get rid of you.”

My heart thuds in my ears, but I meet his stare. “Then why didn’t you?”

He angles his head. “Probably for the same reasons you’re not disgusted by me.”

“I am.”

Tempest’s mouth lifts in a cunning smile. “If I’m so vile, why is your pussy drooling for me right now?”

My lips fall into an O. I push at his chest with my free hand. “Bastard. I’m as dry as this dead witch’s room.”

Tempest’s brow quirks, impressed with my insult.

It only spurs me on. “If I’m disgusted by any part of you, it’s your sheer arrogance—”

He unzips my jacket, pulling the collar down until both my arms are pinned against my back.

“Tempest—what do you think you’re doing?”

Tempest looks me over, pausing at the V of my shirt and licking his lips. “My innocent Red Riding Hood, you should not have come back to grandma’s house.”

A thrill shoots through my center. I staunch that unacceptable response as fast as it comes.

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