Page 77 of Axis of Fire

My reaction.

I inhaled.

Mistake.

Because his breath brushed against my cheek.

Warm.

Damn it.

My body reacted.

Not with fear.

And that was the worst part.

“Fireling?” he murmured.

I clenched my fists.

Focus.

“I would’ve answered already...” my voice sounded slightly hoarse,

“if I had some space.”

A pause.

A long one.

He looked at me.

One second.

Two.

Three.

“You want me to step back?”

There wasn’t a hint of mockery in his voice.

That made it worse.

“Preferably.”

He let go.

Immediately.

No resistance.

Like it meant nothing to him.

Like it was just an action.

Not a moment.