Page 61 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“What about me?”

Viridian only laughs. “I fear you’ll bite my head off if I tell you the truth.”

“Tell me,” I demand, quickly losing my patience.

“You’re rather cute when you’re angry with me.” He laughs and holds up his hands in surrender. The horse continues to trot. “Please, I beg of you, spare my life!”

I turn around and lightly punch his arm. “It’s not funny.”

“I find it amusing.”

“Of course you do.”

“I do.”

“Must you always have the last word?” I ask with a roll of my eyes.

“I must.”

“Why?”

“Because it vexes you,” Viridian quips. I can hear the smile in his voice.

“Because it vexes me?” I echo. “Why must you vex me, Viridian?”

“Because it amuses me.”

“Ah, I see we’ve come full circle now.” The last of my annoyance melts away. Now I’m smiling, too.

“Indeed, we have.”

My smile widens. Viridian grips the reins, tightening his arms around me. With my irritation subsiding, I’m hyper aware of his body next to mine. His muscled chest to my back, his thighs gripping my rear, arms around my waist, hands within reach of my breasts…

I cough, grateful that he can’t see the blush rising to my cheeks.

Viridian shifts in the saddle, and the motion moves his manhood closer to my rear. I arch my back a little in response, subtly pushing myself against him.

He lets out a shallow breath on my neck.

“What are you doing, Little Fawn?”

“Nothing,” I say.

“Oh,” he says, voice low and gravelly, “we both know it’s not nothing.”

I swallow. His voice sends electricity rippling down my skin. Warmth spreads through me, hardening my nipples to attention.

Curse this male.

How can his voice alone be enough to arouse me?

He leans forward, tilting his mouth down to my neck. “Are you teasing me, Little Fawn?”

My lips part for my breath. My words lack their usual bravado. “Me? Tease you? Never.”

Viridian chuckles, a low and seductive sound. “Mmm, I think you are.”

I lick my lips. The warmth of his body and the way it makes me feel has me at a loss for words. His closeness is addicting. All I can think about is him.

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