Spit or Swallow: Kiss Of The Basilisk

Caspen’s grip became even tighter. The room was so quiet Tem could hear her own heartbeat galloping frantically against her ribs. Rowe’s eyes flicked to Caspen’s. They stared at each other for a long moment, and Tem knew they must be speaking with their minds. Rowe’s gaze slid to her. Tem stayed perfectly still as…

“Yes.” The thought repulsed her. “I’d really prefer you didn’t.” Caspen’s jaw clenched. “Trust me, I would prefer that too. But I must, Tem. I have to make sure his hands do not stray. If they do, I will kill him.” “Are his hands known to stray?” By the look on his face, Tem could…

Tem. There it was again. Tem shifted so she was facing him. She closed her eyes, concentrating as hard as she could. Caspen. No response. The corridor between their minds felt clogged, as if it were filled with smoke. Tem wondered if it was because Caspen was unconscious. She waited for him to call to…

Tem nodded. She was trying to remain calm, but her stomach wasn’t cooperating. “Do I need to…bring anything?” She didn’t know what else to ask. Caspen shook his head. “No. But do not exert yourself today. You will need your strength.” Tem nodded again. Before she could begin to worry, Caspen kissed her. They kissed…

I just came from the Passing of the Crown. The villagers are angry. They speak of revolt. Silence. Tem continued: You violated the truce. They won’t forgive it. She felt Caspen bristle. I am not the only one with unforgiven sins. Tem shook her head. More people will get hurt if you don’t make things…

The context of their circumstances couldn’t be ignored. Tem would never forget the secret she now knew about the royals, how deep their cruelty truly ran. She had to believe that Leo didn’t know what was in his mouth-that princes were indoctrinated into this horrifying tradition only once they were crowned king. Tem needed a…

She allowed the kiss to deepen first, letting Caspen slip his hands into her hair, letting him pull her body against his. His desire was obvious, and so was hers. But Tem was taking her time now. The only thing she wanted was to enjoy this kiss. It wasn’t hard to do so. Caspen’s hands…

“For what?” Now Caspen hesitated. He turned to her, his jaw tense. “Tem,” he said quietly. “I must ask you something. And you must answer with complete honesty.” Tem blinked. He was so deeply serious-so obviously concerned-that she had no idea how to react to his tone. She said the only thing she could think…

She wanted him to see every inch of her-to show him everything he needed permission to have. Caspen’s eyes were black with desire, any trace of gold completely gone. His skin was hot; it was nearly unbearable. Beads of sweat rolled between Tem’s breasts, pooling on Caspen’s torso. She dug her fingers possessively into his…

“It is not complicated,” he said quietly. “My father wanted the throne. Another basilisk was in the way. My father asked me to crest them, and I did so.” “Who?” His lips drew into a tight line. “Rowe’s father.” Tem remembered the conversation in the ballroom with perfect clarity: Say one more word, and you…