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“If you’re done, I’d like to bathe before the sun sets,” Calysian’s voice is tight.

I’m vindictive enough to splash my way out of the water, my blood turning hot, my fists clenching.

I don’t want to obsess about the way his damp clothes cling to his hard body, caressing every ridge and plane. I don’t want to bask in the caged need in his eyes when he looks at me. I don’t want to fantasize about the raw power of him unleashed, devouring me whole.

But I do. It’s a tension that thrums beneath my skin, refusing to be ignored.

And it’s utterly infuriating.

The humid air caresses my skin as I pull on the shirt I stole from him. When I’m finished, Calysian stalks toward the water, as if I’ve suddenly turned invisible.

I sit on an overturned log next to the blankets he piled on the ground—our bed for the night. He may have given me privacy, but unless he asks me to return the favor, I’m going to enjoy the view.

Calysian knows I’m watching. I can tell in the way he rolls his shoulders, his chin jutting arrogantly. When he turns, I suck in a sharp breath.

Gods.

Every part of him is…large. He’s tall, thick, built like he was born to swing a sword. To lead armies. His broad shoulders only serve to highlight the slab of muscle he calls a chest, while his ridged abdomen makes my fingers twitch with the need to touch and explore. His thighs are thick and muscular, but my gaze is already moving just a little higher…

I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry.

“Your gaze burns like a brand,” he growls, and I shiver.

“Would you prefer if I looked away?”

“No. Look your fill, sweetheart. I’ll seeyousoon enough.”

My body is suddenly hot, needy.

His eyes meet mine across the distance. “You need relief. Ask me to give it to you.”

“Calysian…”

“I’ll make you feel good, Madinia. I want you. You want me back. That’s all that matters. Tell me you want me.”

I take a shuddering breath. When I don’t reply, he shakes his head, turning away.

“Calysian.”

“I want the words. Say them.”

“I want you.” The words are out before I can pull them back.

The look Calysian gives me is half baffled surprise, half sensual promise. And then he’s out of the pool and prowling toward me, water dripping from his naked body.

Madinia

Calysian moves unnaturally fast, and I have a single moment to wonder if the grimoire is already affecting him before he’s standing in front of me, unapologetically naked. He catches the tip of his tongue between his teeth and gives me a smile so filthy, I’m momentarily speechless.

“This is a one-time occurrence.” I lay the rule down in the scant inches between our bodies, and he steps forward until we’re pressed together, those rules crushed.

“I’ll allow your delusions.”

“I’m serious. If I have to kill you, I will.”

“Of that, I have no doubt.” He drops his head slowly. So slowly, I catch my breath. Despite his possessive words, he’s still giving me the chance to refuse him.

Fisting his hair, I pull his head to me.