Page 178 of Between Two Kings

That’s what I know.

Apollo approached her slowly, his footsteps steady despite the uneven terrain. What else do you know, Temperance?

The question was a challenge, and Tem was not in the mood to rise to it. I know you shouldn’t be talking to me.

Talking to you is hardly a crime.

The way you talk, it is.

Another smirk. Do you wish for me to stop talking? We could do something else instead.

No.

Her protest was weak. She knew it, and Apollo knew it too. He had nearly reached her side of the grotto. The air was warm—thick and humid—and Tem was having trouble breathing.

Shall I tell you what I know?

I have a feeling you’re going to anyway.

Apollo stopped right in front of her. He was shorter than Caspen but still far taller than Tem. She had to crane her neck to look up at him. I know you like it when I talk to you this way.

Tem remembered the last time she’d seen Apollo—how he’d made her come in less than ten seconds, his body pressed against hers as the sun rose above them.

Caspen wouldn’t like it.

That is not my problem.

Tem sighed. It was about to be hers.

And where is my dear brother tonight?

He’s talking to the council.

Apollo raised an eyebrow. A single drop of water slipped from a stalactite above them onto his shoulder. Tem watched as it slid down the expanse of his chest in an endless, wandering rivulet. She repressed the sudden urge to trace its path with her tongue.

Is that right? I am surprised he would leave you alone on the eve of the tournament.

I don’t need him to coddle me. I can take care of myself.

I see. And yet, I have cornered you. Would you say that constitutes taking care of yourself?

Tem closed her eyes. Apollo was infuriating her, as usual. It was impossible to talk to him without it turning into something else. Are all basilisks like you? she asked.

Like what?

Infuriating. He let out a soft chuckle at that.

You find us infuriating?

I find you infuriating.

In what way?

Tem opened her eyes. Apollo was standing too close, as expected. That was already one way in which she found him infuriating. But the others were more subtle: like the way he turned every conversation into a flirtation or the way he constantly made her feel exposed. Tem settled on: You keep trying to sleep with me.

Apollo grinned with unmistakable triumph, his eyes raking over her. Tem was keenly aware that the tip of the claw was visible between her legs. She knew Apollo could see it. She knew he knew Caspen had made it for her.

Can you blame me?