Page 46 of Caged By the Lich

She turns, surprise flickering across her face before she schools her features into careful neutrality. "Yes?" she responds, chin tilting up defiantly.

I close the distance between us, backing her against the wall. Not threatening, but ensuring she can't easily escape this conversation. "We need to talk about what happened."

Astrid's eyes dart away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "With the way you left, I'd thought you'd never want to talk about it again."

"Me?" I growl. "You looked stunned when I kissed you. Afraid, even. Why?"

She meets my gaze then, green-gold eyes flashing with frustration. "It wasn't about you. Not everything revolves around you and your ego."

Her words sting, but I push past it. "Then what was it about? Talk to me, Astrid."

She hesitates, conflict clear on her face. "What does it matter?"

I can tell she's trying to push me away. It seems she's struggling with her emotions as much as I am.

I take a calming breath, reaching up to cup her face. "Everything with you matters to me."

"Have you even thought about the consequences?" She pushes. I know she's looking for an out, but she hasn't said she didn't want me. She hasn't told me to quit touching her. And that gives me a bit of hope. "The political ramifications? You're a demon lord, I'm a human. This... whatever this is... it can't happen."

I laugh bitterly. "You think I give a fuck about politics right now? About my title?" I lean in closer, my voice dropping to a fierce whisper. "I'd give it all up for you, Astrid. Everything. Can't you see that?"

Astrid's eyes widen, her mouth falling open in shock. For a moment, she's speechless.

"I... Olvaar, you can't mean that," she finally manages.

"I do," I insist, cupping her face in my hands. "You've changed everything, Astrid. I don't want power or fear if it means losing you."

Astrid's breath hitches, and I see tears gathering in her eyes. "I was afraid," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "Afraid of how right it felt when you kissed me. How much I wanted it."

My heart soars at her words. Without hesitation, I sweep her into my arms, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. This time, there's no hesitation, no fear. Astrid melts against me, her fingers tangling in my hair as she kisses me back with equal fervor.

I deepen the kiss, my hand sliding into Astrid's hair as I press her against the wall. The taste of her is intoxicating, and I can't get enough. My body burns for her, every nerve ending on fire.

Suddenly, I jerk back, reality crashing over me. I search Astrid's face, my heart pounding. "I can't take it if you regret this," I growl, my voice rough with desire and fear. "You have to tell me now."

Astrid shakes her head, her eyes blazing with an intensity that takes my breath away. "I want you, Olvaar," she says fiercely. "I'm afraid of how much I want you. There's a million things we need to figure out, but right now, I don't care." Her fingers slide up my scalp, clutching the hair at the back of my head as she pulls me toward her. "I just want you."

Those words are all I need. I reclaim her mouth, pouring every ounce of pent-up desire into the kiss. It's electric, sparks dancing across my skin wherever we touch. It's intense, stealing my breath and making me want more, like I will never be able to exist again without her right here in my arms like this.

It's perfect

This is the need I've been feeling since the first time I saw her, like she was always meant to be mine. My hands roam her body, memorizing every curve as I lose myself in her. The world fades away until there's nothing but Astrid - her taste, her scent, the soft sounds she makes as I explore her mouth.

I've never felt anything like this before. It's overwhelming, all-consuming, and I never want it to end.

21

ASTRID

Icling to Olvaar, my body pressing against his as our lips meet in a fierce, hungry kiss. His hands grip my waist, lifting me effortlessly. My legs wrap around him, locking at the ankles, drawing us even closer.

He doesn't break the kiss as he carries me, his stride purposeful and sure. I don't even watch where he's going, just wanting to get him alone. All that matters is him, his touch, his scent, his taste.

We crash through a door, and I'm vaguely aware of a dark, sprawling room. One I've never been in. His room.

Our lips part for a moment as he drops me onto a massive bed, the soft fabric cool against my heated skin. But any respite is short-lived. His mouth is on mine again, teeth nipping at my lower lip, hands roaming my body with an urgency that matches my own.

Clothes are a barrier, an annoyance. I tug at his tunic, needing to feel his skin against mine. He growls, a low, primal sound that sends shivers down my spine.

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