Page 69 of King of the Unsightly

I raised my hands up as the fire warmed my fingertips. “Yourglamourhas always been lackluster so it’s nice to see you’re at least good for something, if not for protection, then as a portable heater.” I perked up a brow in Kaschel’s direction.

Kaschel lifted his gaze from the fire, and his alluring eyes danced wildly with the flames, staring into me.

“Are you trying to bait me, little flea? I can assure you, I’m good for more than mere parlor tricks and heat.” Kaschel dipped his head to the side and smirked.

Kaschel’s toned body and bare chest glistened from the rising flames. And I wouldn’t deny myself any longer the chance to take in his exquisite build.

Checking him out wasn’t asin. I could indulge in his beauty a little.

“I find that hard to believe considering your bad track record. I did save you after all.” Oh my god. What was I doing? We could be attacked at any moment, yet my mouth wanted to move on its own and see how far I could press him.

Kaschel suddenly crouched in front of me, and I jerked backward, making him smile more.

His face dimmed as he faced away from the flames. “Are you wishing to find out how useful I can be? Honestly, it would be a pity if you were all bark and no biteagain.”

I tilted my head and laughed as Kaschel studied my features. He searched for something in my eyes, but I doubted he would find what he was looking for.

“I don’t think I’m the one who’s been all talk.” Yeah, I was unhinged, but did I care at this point in my life?

No.

Was I tempting the devil?

Absolutely.

Would I hate myself once I came to my senses?

Of course.

But ... I loved to gamble even with what little odds I had of winning, so fuck it.

If Kaschel thought he could keep toying with me ... He was dead wrong.

One kiss. One kiss and I would be over it. And my thoughts of him would cease to exist.

Before Kaschel retorted, I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him close.

He lost his footing and fell into me, his knee between my thighs and his hands at my side, dangerously near my hips.

Briefly shocked, Kaschel inclined his head, and I matched his movement, parting my lips.

And I kissed him. I mean, I fucking kissed him.

I leaned into his body, amazed at how mine curved perfectly into his. He let out an unstable moan as our tongues met, and I pressed my lips hardest against his like I’d starve without them.

Kaschel flinched, and I panicked from his hesitancy.

Rejection wasn’t something I could handle.Not right now.

I pulled away, but Kaschel squeezed his hand on my lower back and pulled me in. “Did I say you could move?” he growled and stole the distance between us, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip.

“I shouldn’t have ...” I trailed off as I put my hand to his chest, hoping to gather enough time to clear my thoughts.

But I was thawing from his firm grip—hot and embarrassed—I tried to retreat farther away before his shameless stare depleted all my worries.

I had no fucking clue what possessed me.

“Don’t,” Kaschel whispered and kissed me like he’d go feral if I left his side.

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