Page 240 of The Throne Seeker
Her siren shrieked for liberation, wrenching against the chains she’d kept shackled. A crack formed in the invisible wall. It was moments from escaping?—
With all her strength, she shoved Roman away, retreating until her back was against the cracked headboard.
With her eyes shut, she swallowed hard, working to regain her composure. Taking a deep breath, she prayed the feral creature inside her would subside.
“What’s wrong? Did I hurt you? Gods, I’m so sorry,” Roman said with harsh breaths. He reached for her, but she recoiled from him.
Her siren screamed in rebellion. Rejecting him was like asking her heart to stop beating. “No, I’m fine—just don’t touch me,” she said, still not feeling like herself.
She might as well have slapped him.
He stopped in his tracks, gazing helplessly as rejection emanated from him.
She ran her shaking hands through her hair, trying to calm her racing heart.
“You’re scared of me.” He looked as if his heart was cracking in two.
“Of course not,” she shot back, almost annoyed he was blaming himself. “I could never be afraid of you.”
His eyes faltered. “What is it? Did you… was it not enjoyable?” he asked, his hesitant voice terrified of the answer.
She sunk into remorse, knowing how it must look to him. “You felt incredible, Roman,” she whispered.
It was the biggest understatement of the century.
Roman’s shoulders sunk in relief. “Then what’s wrong?”
“I don’t know what’s happening to me,” she said, looking down at her own hands as though they were foreign objects attached to her. “My siren… it’s trying to take over.”
Roman’s eyes softened, coming closer to her.
She tensed.
He became determined, taking her hand anyway, pulling her toward him, pressing her body into his. “Don’t shut me out. Talk to me.” His deep voice caressed her very soul.
Her heart swelled from his pure intent, knowing all he wanted to do was make her feel safe.
“My siren… I told you it wants you more than anyone.” Her eyes flickered up to his.
“I couldn’t be more glad of the fact.”
“No, I mean… it wants toclaimyou. I’ve tried suppressing it, but it’s becoming harder to control. Ever since that day in the woods with the snawfus, it’s been getting stronger. With you like this… when you touch me like that… I’ve never felt so powerful in my life.”
Roman gathered her into his arms. “I’m not afraid,” he assured.
She shook her head in doubt, dismissing his answer.
“Hey, look at me.” He lifted her chin as her eyes met beautiful embers. “Even though I admit you consume every inch of me, I welcome it. I’m not scared of the fact that when you walk into the room, the rest of my world fades and all I see is you… I waslostuntil I found you.” His calloused fingers traced along her jaw, his eyes tracking the trail of his touch.
She eased into his palm, still buzzing from the energy. “I’m not as brave as you,” she whispered.
Roman’s lips spread into a crooked smile that put her world at a standstill. “Bullshit. You’re the most fearless person I know.”
She wished she could share his faith.
“Come here,” he murmured, intertwining his hand with hers.
She hesitated.
