Page 323 of Axis of Fire

“Am I really the only one being pulled toward you like some damn magnet?” I asked quietly.

God.

It felt like every ounce of my boldness had vanished into another universe.

“How much more proof do you need?” he asked softly.

One small step closer.

He didn’t rush to continue.

Didn’t rush to touch me.

He waited.

Observed.

Calculated.

And this time, I refused to surrender first.

“I kissed you first,” I said, never taking my eyes off him. “You only responded.”

He stayed silent.

Meanwhile, I was burning alive from the inside out.

“Fine. If you’re not willing to take a step toward me, then I’ll choose someone who will.”

I was ready to walk past him toward the bed.

One step.

And suddenly, my back hit the cold wall.

Every inch of me met the burning heat of Airis’s body.

He kissed me like he’d been starving for it.

His hands moved across my body, leaving fire in their wake.

And I gave in completely.

To him.

I felt the relieved breath leave his lips.

Felt the almost joyful rhythm of his heartbeat.

My palms slid over his toned chest.

Lower.

Across his stomach.

Then lower still—

until Airis caught my wrists gently but firmly.