Page 27 of Axis of Fire

“It’s hard to imagine you being... pleasant.”

“In some situations, I can be very pleasant.”

Our eyes met—

and my throat instantly went dry.

Was it just me, or was the atmosphere between us shifting into something else?

“But not for you,” he added, breaking eye contact.

Airis moved to the wardrobe and pulled out a short blue kimono, richly decorated with painted birds and flowers.

“Until we get you proper clothes, use this,” he said, nodding toward it.

I blinked a few times before finally putting on a look of annoyance.

“Seriously?”

“What?” he arched a brow, letting his gaze sweep over me.

“Would you rather walk around half-dressed in front of me? I doubt you’d have much to surprise me with.”

Was he trying to provoke me—or did it just come naturally?

I crossed my arms.

“No. I’m just dying to be one of those girls who worship you—wearing some symbol of their devotion.” I nodded toward the kimono with a slight grimace.

“I never mentioned being popular with women.”

He was infuriatingly self-assured.

And not even trying to hide it.

Damn.

I’d basically just admitted he was attractive.

Recover. Fast.

“You didn’t have to,” I shrugged lazily.

“You’re too predictable for me not to figure that out. And I’m definitely not wearing that.”

“Oh?” he raised a brow.

“Then stay in what you’re wearing. Or whatever’s left of it.”

My lips pressed together.

My hands clenched into fists.

Like they were trying to hold back the fire rising in my blood—

ready to break free.

The smell of smoke, mixed with blood and sweat, thickened in the air.