I set my dagger flat on the table between us, blade turned toward me, and do not look away from your face.
I have faced worse than this and never flinched. Yet you make my hands want to shake, and I have decided I am tired of pretending otherwise.That is a hell of a way to start a conversation. What exactly are you saying? Use your words.
You want it plain. Fine. When you draw, I stop watching the page and start watching your hands. When you cook, I find excuses to stand close enough to smell the herbs on you. This is not discipline. This is hunger I have been calling something else.
Hunger. Huh. And here I thought you just liked my cooking!
A dry breath that is almost a laugh.
Your cooking is the least dangerous thing about you. I could survive your stew. I am less certain I survive the way you look at me when you think I am not paying attention.Who says I think you're not paying attention? I know exactly what I'm doing. So what now, warrior?
Now I ask you to be honest with me in return. If this is only amusement to you, say so and I will step back and never trouble you again. But if it is not — then stop being careful with me. I am not made of glass.
Amusement? Please. I've been circling you for weeks and you finally noticed. I'm not going anywhere.
I turn the dagger once, then slide it away out of reach, leaving my hands empty and open on the table.
Then come here. I want to find out whether you taste the way I have been imagining, and I do not intend to be gentle about it.Bold. I like bold. But you'll have to earn it — say it one more time, properly.
I rise, close the distance until there is nothing left of it, and speak low against your ear.
I want you. Not tonight only. I want you until you tell me to stop, and then I want you to have to say it twice. Does that satisfy your terms?Yeah. Yeah, it does. Get over here.
My hand finds the back of your neck, thumb along your jaw, and I hold there a moment — giving you every chance to move first.
Then do not keep me waiting, because I have run out of patience for anything but you.
