Page 114 of Axis of Fire

“Cold doesn’t mean harmless.”

As he spoke, he stepped closer.

Too close.

And suddenly, moving felt impossible.

His hands settled lightly against my waist—far gentler than someone like him had any right to be.

“Just like you, Fireling.”

His warm breath brushed against my lips.

The moment felt far too intimate.

Far too dangerous.

“Am I supposed to believe that comparison was innocent?” I asked softly.

Our eyes locked.

“I’d hate to discover I imagined it.”

One corner of his mouth lifted.

“So you fantasize about me?”

I licked my dry lips, desperately trying to reconnect with what little common sense I had left.

“And you don’t fantasize about me?”

I stared into his eyes without looking away, realizing something felt wrong.

Like he was testing me.

Or provoking me on purpose.

“Why are we here?”

“Say it out loud. Your intentions. Your connection to Harold Moss.”

“So you really think I’m a spy?” I scoffed and tried to step back, but Airis’s hand tightened around my waist before I could move.

“Move,” he warned softly, “and the back of your head is going to meet the column.”

I froze.

“Now say it.”

I exhaled slowly.

I didn’t understand why he needed this when I’d already told him I had no intention of hurting anyone.

But if he wanted it so badly—

fine.

“I have absolutely no connection to Harold Moss. I only learned about him from you.”