Spit or Swallow: Kiss Of The Basilisk

Leo’s arm encircled her waist as they ascended the stairs together, and when they reached the landing, he stopped in his tracks. Tem thought he might say something or perhaps make a move on her. Instead, he closed his eyes, leaning his head back so it was resting against the wall. He let out a…

He stepped forward, gathering her in his arms. As soon as his skin touched hers, Tem felt her resolve fade. He smelled good, and he felt even better. Her body had missed him, even if her brain was furious with him. By the time they got to his chambers, Caspen’s hands were already sliding her…

The whiskey had not been kind to her. Tem woke with a groan, massaging her temples in an attempt to alleviate her pounding headache. Her first thought was of Leo. She pictured him waking up next to Vera, their naked bodies intertwined, their lips touching. The visual was enough to bring the whiskey right back…

She stepped closer. I had to see you. It is not safe. It was Caspen all over again. Tem shook her head, hooking her fingers through the bars of the cell. I’m going to get you out. You just need to hold on until the wedding. Her father closed his eyes. It is too late…

“Would he?” Tem arched her eyebrow petulantly. “Your son already considers you cruel. Somehow I doubt this would help his impression.” Maximus opened his mouth to retaliate. But another voice spoke before he could. “Tem?” Tem turned around to see Leo on the staircase. Concern for her clouded his face. He stepped closer. “What’s going…

“I saw the invitation.” She pointed at the letter on the table. “Are you ready for tonight?” Tem sighed. Nothing could possibly prepare her for the ball. “I don’t know,” she said. Sympathy creased her mother’s forehead. “My dear.” She crossed to Tem, placing a hand on her cheek. “You have made it this far….

“Who said anything about my room?” Tem rolled her eyes. If Leo had his way, they’d never leave his room. He raised his arm, offering her the crook of his elbow. “I was thinking we could take a stroll, if it pleases you.” “Your father won’t like that.” “Good.” In reply, Tem laced her fingers…

He turned again, and Tem had to run to keep up with him. “It doesn’t matter what I put in my body. He’s in my mind. He’ll always be there.” Leo shook his head. “This cannot go on.” They had come to it at last: the moment when Leo’s patience ran out. “What do you…

The word was thunder in her mind. Yes, she insisted. It’s the only way. I would rather die. Well. I’d rather you didn’t. Rowe was coming closer. If I crest you, everything will change between us. Nothing will change between us. I’ll still love you, and you’ll still love me. His blood was seeping onto…

Caspen let out a noise that made it clear he didn’t agree. But Tem couldn’t let Caspen kill Rowe. It would mean war. It would mean a target on Caspen’s back and, by extension, a target on Leo’s. And it would all be because of her. She couldn’t have any more deaths on her hands….