Page 81 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Because you don’t have his ego.”

I snorted. “Really?”

“Let me rephrase that,” he said. “You don’t want to beworshipped.”

“You’re right about that, and also wrong.”

“You don’t want to be worshipped by anyone but me.”

“Exactly.”

He kissed my temple and then settled beside me. “Are yousure you’re ready to go in front of the people tomorrow?”

“I am.” My stomach tumbled a bit. “I mean, I’m nervous aboutit. I’ve never done anything like it. But I am ready.”

“Okay.” His fingers slid back down my arm. “I just don’twant you to feel overwhelmed.”

“I know.” His consideration reminded me of something. “Ididn’t get a chance to thank you.”

“For what?”

I smiled. “For starting the meeting when I couldn’t.”

“You don’t need to thank me for that.”

“Yes, I do,” I insisted. “You stopped me from looking moreunprepared than necessary.”

“Liessa,” Ash began.

“I’m being serious.” I placed my hands on his chest, feelinghis cold skin beneath his shirt. “Look, I’m not being too hard on myself. Ipanicked a little, which I’m sure you picked up on.”

Ash raised a brow.

“You jumped in without making it a big deal,” I continued.“And that gave me time to find my footing.”

“I get what you’re saying, but I only did what I needed todo for you,” he replied, tucking the hair that had fallen forward behind myear. “I only did what I should do. That is never something you need to thank mefor.”

My lips pursed. “I’m still going to thank you when you dothings you ‘should’ have done.”

“Figured,” he stated blandly.

“Perhaps instead of vocalizing my thanks, I could show you?”I suggested.

Eather brightened in his eyes. “As long as you’re stillusing your mouth, I’ll have no complaints.”

A small, shocked giggle snuck free. “Pervert.”

“Been called worse.”

Laughing, I clasped his cheeks and kissed him. His coolbreath mingled with mine, creating an intoxicating blend. A rush of desiresurged, sending a current of pulsing pleasure through me that seemed to travelfrom my mouth to every inch of my body.

“How much time do you think we have before supper?” I asked.

“Not nearly long enough to do what I want.” The smokyarousal in his voice caused muscles low in my stomach to curl. “Which is tostrip you down and fuck you on this table.”

My entire body flushed at the prospect. “That’s too bad.”

“Yes.” His lips coasted over mine.

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