Page 102 of Kingdom of Shadows and Wings

His grin returns in full force, revealing both dimples. “Pretty sure you meant to say charming, or?—”

“Whatever.”

Theo’s laughter follows me as I twirl around and head in the direction Thorne went.

When I reach a sharp bend in the cliff along the coast, I lose track of the footprints. Did he go a different way? Or go for a swim? I scan the area with no luck.

Frustration zips through me. He could be anywhere.

Maybe it’s just as well. I don’t even know what I planned to say if I found him.

Sighing, I give my surroundings one last cursory glance before pivoting. I might as well go back to the dorm and get some rest. After everything that’s happened, my body is starting to crash. I should climb into my bed?—

An arm snakes around my waist and hauls me backward. I go rigid, inhaling a deep breath. Before I can scream, a hand clamps over my mouth, and I’m plunged into semidarkness.

The temperature is cooler in this small space. Moisture shines on the rock walls. I’m in some sort of…cavern…tucked away into the side of the cliff.

Panic squeezes my heart like a fist.

Think. You’ve got to think.

I lift my foot, then kick back with as much force as I can in this position. My boot connects with flesh.

My attacker grunts, dropping the hand from my mouth and loosening the arm around my waist. “What the hells, Duchess?”

Panic changes to confusion and quickly morphs into outrage. I whirl and find myself eye level with Sterling Thorne’s chest.

He steps back, wincing as he leans down and rubs his shin. “Was that really necessary?”

“Was yanking me into a,” I wave in a circular motion, “cave really necessary?”

“When you’re standing out there looking like a lost puppy, yes. I’d say it was.” He straightens and crosses his arms. “What were you doing out there, anyway?”

Lost puppy?

I inhale through my nose in a futile attempt to tame my growing ire. Because honestly. What was I doing out here? Give me a break. “I was looking for you, jackass.”

Thorne scoffs. “Why? So I can finish what he started?”

My eyes narrow. “If you didn’t have your head up your ass, you’d know Theo’s just a friend.”

His lip curls. “Forgive me. I didn’t realize he was such a close…friend.”

“He kissed me, not the other way around. It didn’t mean anything. But you know what? I don’t need to explain myself to you. Not after your little speech earlier today.” I clench my jaw against the storm raging inside me and pivot to leave.

Turbulent emotions flash across his features. He searches my face, a silent war in those beautiful brown eyes.

I’m not sure which side wins. I only know that his jaw tightens with resolve and, a moment later, his mouth crashes into mine.

Chapter Thirty-Five

When our mouths first collide, shock holds me captive, molding me into a frozen doll. With a single lick of his tongue along the seam of my lips, he brings me back to life.

Heat. Desire. Need. All three course through my veins and ignite my blood like dragonfire. I part my lips, moaning as his tongue strokes mine in a kiss equal parts seductive and dominant.

Closer. I need him closer.

Pushing up on my toes, I wind my arms around his neck. He grabs my loosened braid, tugging my head back for just the right angle to ravish my mouth. I love the taste of him. His scent. The way he takes command. How every plunge of his tongue shoots another bolt of lust between my thighs.

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