Page 69 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

Fannar’s face lit up with relief and elation. He stood and slipped the ring onto my finger.

The ring’s flame-shaped gold band gleamed in the light, resembling liquid gold, while masterfully set around it were twelve fire opals in a brilliant red-orange hue, infusing the ring with the vibrant life of blazing fire. A snowflake pattern encased a magnificent icy-blue diamond in its center, with each point of the starburst design adorned by sparkling white diamonds. Amazement washed over me as I took in how flawlessly this piece of jewelry captured the blend of fire and ice.

“Do you like it?” he asked hesitantly.

“It’s perfect!” I buried my face in his chest, overwhelmed with happiness, as he pulled me into a tight embrace.

After a long moment, I tilted my chin up to look at him again. “Shouldn’t we wait until after we graduate to get married though?”

Fannar shrugged. “Maybe, but I couldn’t go one more day without asking you.”

I grinned. “I’m happy you did . . . but now our studies and training are that much more important since we’re going to be ruling a kingdom together!”

“I was always planning to rule a kingdom.” He chuckled and tenderly brushed a strand of hair from my face as he held me by the fire. “But if you want to focus on graduating first, that’s what we’ll do.”

I nodded. “Is that okay? I don’t want to be a shitty queen.”

He released an uproarious laugh and then looked down at me with his icy eyes full of tenderness. “Don’t worry. Just knowing you’re mine forever will make every day worth the wait.”

My heart filled with love for this man who wanted so much for me to stay by his side. “And you’re mine. Through everything, no matter what comes.” I raised my lips to his.

Our kiss was soft at first, tender even, but it quickly intensified. The warmth of Fannar’s lips against mine made my heart skip a beat as I leaned into him. I clung onto him tightly as he kissed me deeply in the front of the roaring fireplace of the library. The contrasting sensations of fire and ice mingled, creating an electrifying heat that coursed through my entire being. His presence brought the essence of winter, and his crisp snowy scent blending with the earthy smell of aged books only heightened my excitement. My hands found their way into his hair, reveling in its silky texture.

Fannar’s fingers traced the curve of my collarbone, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin that had nothing to do with the chill of his powers. His lips moved to my neck, trailing soft kisses along the column of my throat as his hand slid down to grip me firmly in his. I gasped at the sensation, arching into him as he explored every inch of my skin with his lips and tongue. His touch was like a cool breeze on a sweltering day, refreshing but biting all at once. Heat built up inside me, spreading like wildfire through my veins.

“You’re so warm, Helena,” Fannar groaned, moving his hand to my thigh.

Another moan rose from the pit of my stomach as his hand moved higher, tracing the inside of my thigh. I wanted nothing more than to feel him against me, to lose myself in the moment. My fingers dug into his shoulders, urging him on, and he let out a low chuckle against my skin before pulling away slightly. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, all I could see was desire burning in those icy depths. He leaned in again, capturing my bottom lip between his teeth in a gentle nibble.

“We should go back to our room.” Fannar’s husky voice mirrored my own growing desire.

“We should,” I uttered breathlessly as I stepped away from him and locked the library door. I shot him a coy smirk. “But where’s the fun in that? It’s not like this’ll be the first time we’ve done it in a library.”

He hesitated for a moment, his icy blue eyes searching mine.

“I want you here. Now.” I bit my lip seductively, my pulse quickening.

“So naughty.” Fannar’s gaze darkened, and his lips found mine again in a searing kiss that set my senses aflame.

His arousal pressed against me, and my own desire pulsed in response, aching to be sated.

“You have no idea how much I want you,” he murmured, his breath hot against my skin.

“Show me,” I challenged, my pulse racing as Fannar’s lips descended upon my neck, teeth nipping gently at the sensitive flesh there.

Fannar’s large hands ran over my body, his touch igniting a fire within me that burned brighter than any flame I could conjure up. He moved his hands up my sides, down my arms, and across my chest, sending shivers of delight through my entire being.

“Remember the first time we kissed, and you took off your shirt in the middle of the gym?” he smiled suggestively.

“I remember you left me laying there with no shirt on,” I huffed.

His brows furrowed. “Let me make it up to you now.”

Suddenly, Fannar grabbed my breasts over my dress and pinned me against the bookshelves. His hands kneaded my breasts vigorously with an almost primal need as his mouth devoured mine. I moaned into the kiss, my hands tangling in his hair to pull him closer.

With a smooth pull, he drew my dress over my head, exposing my breasts to the cool air. I gasped as my nipples tightened, straining against his cold fingers. The contrast between his icy touch and my heated skin sent waves of pleasure coursing through me. His gaze raked over my body, glowing with desire.

“Gods, Helena,” he breathed as his fingers dug into my flesh, grabbing my bare breasts in a bruising grip. “I’ll never get tired of looking at these.”

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