Page 51 of Axis of Fire

The dragon-cat had shifted positions and was now lying on his back, his hind legs propped against the headboard.

Only then did I notice Louise and Moirz sitting beside him.

I almost flinched—

but held myself together.

“I already told you—you don’t,” Airis replied.

Then he took a bite of his piece, deliberately maintaining eye contact with me while still holding mine out.

“Illariana, they’re not going to poison you,” I heard a voice—Moirz or Louise—but I didn’t dare turn my head.

I’d already glanced toward the bed too many times.

“We overheard the conversation in Draxsan’s office. They see you as a valuable asset. It’s in their interest to... accommodate you. For future cooperation.”

I swallowed.

Future cooperation.

Was I the only one who thought that sounded terrifying?

“Or do you want me to feed you?” Airis’s lowered voice pulled me back.

I swallowed again.

But forced myself to rebuild my armor.

“Are you doing this on purpose? These emotional swings?” I asked, fighting the urge to give in.

Damn it, Ria.

“And are you falling for them on purpose?”

His lips curved slightly.

I instinctively ran my tongue over my dry lips.

This was insane.

The way I was drawn to him—

for no reason at all.

Just physically.

I’d never been the type to fall for men easily.

But somehow—

this idiot had managed to do exactly that.

In a matter of minutes.

“So, what about the rest of the worlds?” I arched a brow, trying to look indifferent.

Even though something inside me clearly wasn’t on board with that act.