Page 113 of Untamed

“You want the full list now, or should I spread the answers out?” he asks, tapping his chin. Reaching for me, his hand grazes my hip, thumb brushing over the silk of my dress in a way that makes shivers tingle my spine.

“I’m not joking, Rodion.” I’m trying to stay serious, but he makes it hard. My voice is husky, affected.

Leaning in, he kisses my cheek. “Little queen, neither am I.”

Something dangerous simmers beneath the surface. “Let’s see,” he begins. “I know you sleep on your left side when you’re anxious. I know you clench your fists in your sleep when you’ve had a bad dream.” His voice drops lower, his mouth at my ear. “I know you stop breathing, just for a second, when I touch you here.” His hand skims down, pressing lightly against the curve of my waist.

I stop breathing, just for a second.

Heat creeps up my neck. I swallow hard.

“You’ve been watching me that closely?”

He doesn’t answer right away, but his eyes are focused on my lips. I lick them because I love the way it makes him groan.

“You’re mine, Ember. My wife now. Watching you is the least I’ve done.” His eyes grow darker. “And I don’t plan on stopping.”

I know I should say something sharp and witty, but the words seem to catch because a part of me…likesthis.

A lot.

That’s the dangerous part, I think.

His hand lingers at my waist as if to remind me how easily he could pull me closer… but doesn’t.

I should remind him I need some space, that I’m still mad, that I’m not some prize to be watched or guarded.

“I know you like it,” he whispers.

Get out of my thoughts.

I turn away, but he reaches for my chin and drags my gaze back to his.

I can’t deny it. I won’t.

Because he’s right.

Somehow, when my eyes meet his… all the anger and fear and worry melt like snow under the blazing sun.

I want to let go.

I want to relish in the freedom of surrender.

How can I give him that and still maintain…me?

How do I not totally lose myself to him… to us?

My phone buzzes with a text. Rodion takes it straight out of my hand, and we read it together.

“I’ll fucking kill him,” he says in a rush of words.

Shawn

He can never protect you

You can run but I’ll always find you

You fucked me over and you’ll fucking pay for this, you liar

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