Heart of the Shadow King (Book 3) (Sprayed Edge)

I rise on my toes, closing the space between our lips. He meets me, his mouth curving a little in a surprised smile as he kisses me back. He’s hungry, eager, but also oddly restrained. He’s concerned for me. I can feel it. He knows I’m afraid, and he doesn’t want to frighten me further.
Who would have thought that on a night like this—my wedding night with this man who is almost a stranger—my needs, my comfort would be uppermost in his mind? It would be pleasant to dwell in this space for a little while. To let him coddle me, keeping his passions carefully in check.
But I can’t. Restraint won’t get me what I need.
I part my lips. Just the barest of invitations, just to see what he will do. He responds at once. Lifting his finger from my chin, he cups my cheeks with both hands, tenderly framing my face. His lips are nimble and warm. Still restrained, though. I feel the hunger in him, burning bright in his spirit. But he’s holding back.
I let my tongue explore, flicking softly across his upper lip, running along the edge of his teeth. The effect is instantaneous. His hands slide from my cheeks to twine his fingers in my hair, drawing me to him with unexpected roughness. Then his tongue moves with mine.
A shock of sensation bolts through me like lighting, branching into every part of my body.
Surprised, I pull back a little. He yanks his hands out of my hair and holds them out to either side, away from me, as though to show he means no harm. He cannot disguise his ragged breathing, however. Nor can he hide the desire roiling in the little sliver of air between us. He wants to continue. I’ve driven him to the point of physical urgency. And yet, at the least resistance from me, he holds himself in check.
I take a step toward him, careful to keep my eyelids lowered. His breath pants against my forehead as I study the hollow of his throat.
“Will you touch me, my king?” I ask.