Page 172 of A Fate in Flames

“Come.”He tugged me forward, and I stumbled after him, practically jogging to keep up with his long strides.

“And where exactly are we going?”

“For a ride.”

I raised an eyebrow.“What kind ofride?”

He must have caught the mischief in my expression, because his steps slowed.

“Not that kind of ride.Though if you keep looking at me like that…”

“Like what?”I asked innocently, catching my lower lip between my teeth.

“Like you want me to fuck you against the nearest wall.”

Heat flooded my cheeks, but I didn’t look away.

“Maybe I do.”

He stopped walking entirely, turning to face me with dark eyes.

“Don’t tempt me, little flame.”His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper as he stepped closer.“I have very little self-control where you’re concerned.”

For a heartbeat, neither of us moved, then he swept me off my feet so fast the world became a blur of motion and sensation.

“Dalkhan!”I shrieked, throwing my arms around his neck.I laughed, bright and uncontrolled—bouncing off the walls around us.

I locked my legs around his waist as his hands cupped my ass, supporting my weight effortlessly.The solid warmth of his body pressed against mine, his steady heartbeat thundering against my palms.

“What I wouldn’t do to keep that smile on your face.”

His honesty was devastating.

My heart did something complicated in my chest.

“You can put me down now.”

“I could,” he agreed, making no move to do so.“But I won’t.”

“Dalkhan—”

He adjusted his grip and flipped me over his shoulder.The world turned upside-down, my hair falling toward the floor like a waterfall as I stared at the broad expanse of his back.

“This is definitely not what I meant!”I protested, smacking his shoulder blades.

“I know exactly what you meant.”His hand came down on my rear with a sharp, echoing crack.“The answer is still no.”

I went limp, propping my elbows on his lower back and resting my chin in my palms.From this upside-down vantage point, the world passed by in reverse—the stone floor becoming my sky.We passed clusters of people who flattened themselves against the walls, their hands flying to cover poorly concealed grins.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I realised what I must’ve looked like.If Theo had no shame, then Dalkhan was utterly shameless.

When he finallyset me down, my legs were numb and unsteady.

I stumbled, reaching out to steady myself against his chest as the world righted itself.Blood flow returned to my limbs with painful tingles.

“Next time, maybe warn a girl before you decide to carry her around like a sack of grain.”

“Next time?”His smile was all sharp edges and dark promises.“I like the sound of that.”