Page 93 of Kiss of Fire

She hesitated. Was it true? Had her feelings for Shade changed? Or was it simply because he was the first man who’d ever given her sexual pleasure? In which case her emotions couldn’t be trusted. It hadn’t been real passion on her part. She’d been blinded by lust because of those damned ambrosia berries.

And it certainly didn’t mean Shade had any feelings forher.Far from it. He hadn’t even stuck around after that night.

But here was Tor. Attractive, strong, gentle Tor. He had never let her down and he would never hurt her. Maybe she was meant to be with him and she just didn’t know it.

“The truth is, I haven’t a clue,” she said at last. “I’m not very experienced in… in this kind of thing.”

“Well then, let’s find out.” He gave a lopsided smile. “Kiss me.”

“What?”

“You’ve kissed Lord Shade, haven’t you? I imagine you kissed him plenty until the ambrosia berries wore off.” She blushed deep red and didn’t know what to say. “So kiss me now and see how it compares.”

“I couldn’t do that!”

“Do you find the idea of kissing me so unpleasant, Lady Raya?”

No, she didn’t. She didn’t find it unpleasant at all.

He raised a brow as she studied him, hazel eyes twinkling. Broad shouldered and well-muscled. But also capable of sensitivity. His hands especially. His hands could work magic.

She realised she was actually considering it.

“Just one kiss?”

“Aye. And if you feel nothing, then I promise friendship is all I’ll ask of you.”

It was madness. And yet things would be so much easier if she fell in love with Tor.

Slowly, she closed the gap between them. His smile faded as she wound her arms around his neck. She was close enough to inhale his scent. Fresh cut grass and sunshine. She stood on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his.

He tasted of wild berries.

He slid one hand around her waist and the other into the hair at the nape of her neck. Her body moulded against his as the kiss deepened, his tongue stroking over her lips and darting into her mouth.

It was a good kiss. Strike that. It was agreatkiss, in her limited experience. But it wasn’t affecting her the way Shade’s kiss had.

Tor let her go regretfully.

“Aye, I thought so. Your heart’s already taken.”

“Stop saying that. I’m not in love with Shade.”

“You need to admit the truth to yourself, my Lady. I read auras, remember? And you and Lord Shadeed are a better match than you think.”

“You’re wrong.”

“By the skies, you’re stubborn. I’m done arguing. But I would say this.” Tor gazed at her seriously. “When the demonstration is over, whatever happens, you should consider staying in Nush’aldaam. This is your home now. Your mother would want you to take your place with the Vulcani.”

She was prevented from answering by a shadow passing overhead. She glanced up. Shade was back.

“I have to go.”

Tor didn’t say anything as she ran back to the castle.

Thirty Four

Shade poured himself a drink and downed it in one. He rubbed his eyes tiredly. He’d delayed his return to the castle because he wasn’t sure what he was going to tell Raya.

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