Page 40 of Golden Star

“Yes.” I don’t hesitate. “Anything.”

The world narrows to just the two of us, standing so close that I can smell the frost and pine clinging to his body.

There’s a challenge in his eyes. Something dark and alluring.

Something that intrigues me and scares me at the same time.

Before I can comprehend what’s happening, he leans in, his breath brushing against my skin.

“Then let’s see how far you’ll go,” he says, and then his lips are on mine, and he’s taking my breath away just like he did last night.

His kiss is slow and deliberate, his lips firm but coaxing. Heat rushes through me, burning away the cold that settled in my bones in that tower, and all I’m aware of is him as he pulls me closer, his hand sliding to the small of my back.

Every nerve in my body is electrified, and I respond to him with a hunger I didn't know I possessed. This kiss is everything I wanted when he dropped me off at my house last night.

His lips are demanding. Teasing. Drowning out any type of rational thought. The world fades around us, and all I want ismore.

I’m only half aware of my fingers clutching his shirt, and then he’s slowly pushing me back, toward the bed.

But then, as he presses me down onto it, the truth slams into me with brutal clarity.

This isn’t some passionate connection. He made that clear last night.

This is him pushing me. Testing how far I’ll go.

“Wait.” I pull back, trying to get some air to help me think straight.

“You said you’d do anything to save your friend,” he murmurs, his breath cool in my ear, his nose brushing my cheek. “Are you going to prove it?”

My stomach drops.

Out of everything he could have asked for in exchange for helping Zoey,thisis what he wants?

Of course it is. After last night, I shouldn’t be surprised.

Recently, alotof men have been asking me for more than I’m willing to give.

“No,” I tell him, as firmly as I did when I rejected Matt’s proposal. “This isn’t what I want.”

“Sapphire…” He leans in again, but I press my hands against his chest, stopping him.

I don’t want him touching me.

I don’t want him near me.

And then, suddenly… he’s gone.

Sapphire

Hard stone pressesagainst my back, through Riven’s jacket, and my eyes snap open.

I’m staring up at Zoey. She’s hovering over me, her face tear-streaked, her eyes wide with fear.

“Sapphire?” She looks me over, her face scrunched in confusion. “You’re okay?”

“I think so?” I push myself up, still warm from my time in Riven’s quarters.

His jacket helps, too.

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