Page 40 of Savage Crown

I lift my chin, unshaken. "Maybe you should stop burying things."

A sharp inhale.

His thumb brushes against my jaw, a fleeting, unwanted touch. Just as quickly, he releases me, steps back, and rebuilds the wall between us.

"Stay out of it," he mutters.

I know I won’t be staying out of anything.

17

RYLAN

Some lines aren’t meant to be crossed.

And yet, standing in the dim glow of my study, watching Seraphina watch me, I know I’m about to shatter the ones I built.

She’s pushing me.

Again.

Her defiance burns like a blade against my throat, daring me to react. Daring me to lose control.

I should have thrown her out the moment I saw her at my desk, hands where they didn’t belong, fingers ghosting over the past I refuse to acknowledge.

I should have been furious.

And I was.

But the moment I stepped too close, the moment her breath hitched and she refused to back down—everything changed.

Now, she’s standing in front of me, chin tilted up, fire in her eyes, and I fucking hate her for it.

Hate that I can’t decide if I want to punish her for her insolence or kiss the fight out of her.

My fingers twitch at my sides.

She notices. Of course, she does.

"You can glare at me all you want," she says, voice smooth but breathless, "but I’m not going to apologize."

I exhale sharply. "For breaking into my things?"

"For wanting the truth."

My jaw tightens. "You don’t want the truth, little thief. You just want to see how far you can push before I break."

She steps closer.

The space between us shrinks, the warmth of her body teasing the edges of mine.

"Then break."

Her whisper is a dare.

A challenge.

And gods help me—I take it.

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