Page 95 of Of Rime and Ruin
“I’m hilarious,” she says.
“You’retrouble.”
“That’s enough rum for you,” Nahla says, snatching the flask from me again.
“That’s mine,” I growl.
With a grin, I dive for her. My hands reaching, snaring her waist, pinning her. My legs wrap around her. Within seconds, I wrestle her to the snow, and her hair sprawls around her face. Her cheeks flush, contradicting the scowl that curls her mouth. She holds the flask outward, as if she could keep it from me.
She’s cute when she thinks she can best me. I am enormous, compared to her, and my body envelops hers. With a flick of my wrist, I could snap her neck.
I blink, clearing the dark thought.
No.
Guilt pierces my gut like a searing rod. I will never hurt her. I may be a Beast, but never to her.
Gently as I can manage, I cup her hand and fold her arm between us. Her chest heaves with a heavy breath, breasts peeking from the top of her shirt.
“I’m cutting you off,” she snaps as I wiggle the flask free of her grip.
“For what, laughing too hard?”
“Someone needs to take you down a notch.” She glares at me as I take another swig from the flask. She plunges her bare hand into the snow, rustling around for something.
I swallow the liquor, and it burns my throat. Her eyes are piercing, focused. She bites her lip, drawing my attention. Plump, kissable lips.
Does she want me to kiss her?
It’d be so easy. A dip of my head, and I could capture her lips.
Fuck what the hunters think of me. Of us together. She’s mine. Why shouldn’t I claim her right here, for all to see?
Nahla raises her hand, reaching for my face. She wants me. Here. Now. I growl in encouragement as my cock hardens at the ready.
That’s it, Sunfish. Take what you need.
But her hand skates past my cheek. Her eyes sparkle with mischief, and then—smack. Cold sludge connects with my cheek, dripping frigid water down my neck.
She laughs, shrill and perfect. “Gotcha!”
I’ve been duped by a princess with a snowball. Like a fresh hatchling, playing in the snow. But two can play this game.
I shake my head, scattering icy droplets. With a swift scoop, I gather snow and pack it into a ball the size of her head.
She squeals and squirms as she tries to wrench herself free.
I dip my head, catching her soft earlobe between my teeth. “I’ll count to three, Princess,” I whisper. “Let’s see how fast you can run.”
She mewls, a melodic little whine of terror, andgoddess, my cock grows harder at the sound. I want her to do it again.
I rise to my full height and toss the snowball, catching it in my palm. Waiting.
“One,” I growl.
She scurries away, kicking snow with her frantic feet.
“Two.”
