Page 222 of Whispers of Wisteria

He suddenly pressed his lips to the corner of mine.

My heart lurched. We were three stories up, and I was perched on the edge of the balcony—perfect timing for his revenge.

“Not like that,” he murmured, breaking away just enough for his words to brush across my lips.

His mouth claimed mine before I could think.

I gasped, and he deepened the kiss, hand at the back of my head to keep me from pulling away, the other anchoring me at my waist. There was no way I could escape unless he let me.

His lips moved against mine, and I let out a helpless sound that he swallowed like he’d been waiting for it.

Something stirred in my chest, although Ishouldhave felt panic, I didn’t.

I liked this. I liked him making the decisions. I liked notneedingto, not on this.

And instead of suffocating me, it was freeing.

“That—” he said, pulling back only enough to speak. He held my gaze. “—is what I mean when I tell you you’re not prey.”

I stared, still holding on to his shirt.

“You don’t run from me,” he said, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. “But if you do, I’ll catch you anyway. I’m not here to hurt you. I’m here to remind you that you’re mine.”

My heart was racing, but this time I didn’t care that he heard it.

“Okay,” I said, and pulled at his shirt again.

Titus smirked and stepped back, setting me on my feet. He brushed his hands over my arms and shoulders, putting me straight. “We’re done.”

“What?” I could only dumbly ask.

This wasn’t fair! I was totally into it and wasn’t even having a mental breakdown. Why would he stop now?

“You’ll appreciate it later,” Titus said.

“But…” Words failed me.

I wanted to make outnow. This wasn’t the deal at all. Everyone was supposed to followmylead.

That’s what they’d been telling me.

His smirk widened. “You’re going to have a shock with Julian then.”

“What?” I narrowed my eyes, no longer feeling generous. “Why?”

Julian would do whatever I wanted. I could go to him right now and he’d kiss me and stuff.

Still, “You told me not to bring up anyone else.”

“This is different. I’m giving you a warning.” Titus brushed his sleeve. “I think it’s fun when you challenge me. Damen finds it amusing—”

Amusing? Damen was the one who needed to be challenged themost. That was quite possibly the most insulting thing I’d ever heard.

“—and Miles…” He paused, his nose wrinkling. “Well, Miles is turned on by it. ButJulian…Well, actually, I’m not sure. He’s not himself right now, especially with you. He and Damen are both struggling.”

I leaned against the banister. My stomach twisted. I didn’t like that they needed help, mostly because I had no idea how to fix it.

“You need a Soul Bond with Damen,” Titus said at last.