Page 36 of Her Manticore Master

"Isn't there?" He leans forward slightly, bringing us closer together in the confined space. "Because you've been looking at me differently all day."

"I look at you the same way I always have. With appropriate disgust."

"Liar."

The single word hangs between us like a challenge. My pulse quickens, but I find the will to force myself to meet his gaze steadily.

"Careful, beast. Your ego is showing."

"Is it? Or are you afraid to admit what you're really thinking?"

"I'm not afraid of anything."

"Prove it."

The challenge in his voice makes something reckless stir in my chest. Before I can think better of it, I'm rising from my crouch, moving closer until we're separated by mere inches.

"You think I'm afraid of you?" I whisper.

"I think you're afraid of yourself."

"You know nothing about me."

"I know you dream."

The words hit like physical blows. How can he possibly know about the dreams? About the shameful yearning that keeps me awake at night?

"Everyone dreams."

"Not like you do. I can see it in your eyes when you look at me. Hunger. Want. All the things a good little harem girl isn't supposed to feel."

"You arrogant?—"

"Prove me wrong."

"How?"

"Stop running. Stop hiding behind sharp words and sharper walls."

Something snaps inside me. Before I can think, I'm pressing closer, backing him against the iron bars of our cell. My palms flatten against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath scarred skin.

"Is this what you want?" I breathe. "Proof that I'm not afraid?"

His hands come up to grip my wrists, but he doesn't push me away. Instead, he holds me there, steel-blue eyes burning with something that could be surprise or hunger or both.

"Corrina..."

"What? Having second thoughts about your brave challenge?"

We're so close now that I can feel the heat radiating from his skin, can count the silver flecks in his eyes. His lips are inches from mine, and the memory of dream-kisses makes my pulse race.

"You don't know what you're doing," he says roughly.

"Don't I?"

I lean closer, drawn by some force I can't resist. His breathing changes, becomes ragged, and I see the moment his control starts to slip.

Then, without warning, he shoves me back with enough force to send me stumbling.