Page 47 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

“Not seduce,” I repeat, making sure he understands.

He chuckles, growing amused. “You’re very prim for a sorceress.”

I narrow my eyes. “I’mnota sorceress.”

“No?” He shakes his head and lowers his voice. Teasing in a deep, delectable tone, he says, “Then how do I explain what you’ve done to me?”

Flummoxed, I ask, “By any chance, were you drinking tonight?”

Henrik scoffs as if the notion is ridiculous, and then he reaches behind me and pulls the pearl comb from my hair. Once free, my ringlets tumble past my shoulders.

“What are you doing?” I breathe.

He wraps a curl around his finger. “Your hair is usually straight, isn’t it? How do you accomplish this?”

“With irons heated in a fire.”

“Have you ever burned yourself?” he asks, as if he genuinely cares about my grooming habits.

“Maids do it for me. They’ve only accidentally burned me once or twice.”

“Seems a little foolish to risk. It’s pretty though.”

I try not to sigh as Henrik runs his fingers through the rest of the curling strands. It’s my turn to say something—that’s how conversations work—but it feels too good to have his hand in my hair. Every gentle tug feels like it goes straight to my heart.

Henrik takes another step in, and words no longer matter. I have nowhere to go, not that I would even if I could. The commander presses into me, nudging me against the wall.

Now that I’m trapped by his body, he slowly skims his palms over my sides. I close my eyes, relishing the sensation. He barely touches me…but even this is too much.

I want this, need this. Not just now, not once, and certainly not while pretending it’s just a way to pass the time.

I want it to be real.

My feelings run deeper than I’ve been willing to admit—and the realization is staggering.

If I let this go any further, my heart will shatter later. This was a mistake—a beautiful mistake, but a mistake all the same. It’s going to leave me hollow and yearning for something I can never have again.

“Henrik, wait.” Fighting myself, I set my hand on his chest. “Stop.”

He pauses, and his eyes meet mine in quiet question.

“I think…” I take a deep breath. “This was a bad idea.”

Raising his brows, the painfully handsome commander drops his gaze to his front…where my fingers caress his skin even though they weresupposedto nudge him away.

Immediately, I snap my disobedient hand back.

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” he asks softly, his eyes impossible to read.

“I mean,yes, but…”

But what? How can I admit this is no longer a game for me? I’m falling—and falling hard. If we continue like this, I’ll likely break the moment I collide with reality’s hard ground.

Affectionately teasing, Henrik says, “I haven’t even kissed you, and you’re flustered. Should we consider my name cleared, or press on?”

Caught in his arms, wishing I could stay here forever, I stare up at him. “If I asked you to release me, would you?”

And to my great disappointment, he immediately steps back. As always, Henrik is the perfect, noble gentleman. It’s a bit annoying—but it’s for the best.

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