Page 84 of Blood Curse

“Especially then.”

The fire cracked. I wanted Stellan. Food had separated the desire from hunger, and the dagger hadn’t killed it.

I shifted closer until our thighs touched.

His attention caught on my mouth. “What do you need?”

“You.”

Heat entered his expression, but his hand stayed still in mine. “Because you’re frightened?”

“Partly.”

“Bryony.”

“I’m not asking you to make the fear disappear. I want you while I’m frightened. I wanted you before I fell asleep, and I still do.”

“That doesn’t make what happened less real.”

“I know.”

“It won’t prove we’re fine.”

“We’re not fine.” I moved until his breath touched me. “I still want you.”

“Tell me what you think you’re asking for.”

“You.”

“You already said that.” His voice stayed quiet. “Do you want comfort, sex or someone else making decisions for a while?”

“Comfort and sex. I don’t want you making my decisions.”

“Then what do you want from me?”

“I want you to lead.”

His expression tightened. “After the Crown made me obey you?”

“Because I know the difference. I want to choose where I give you control.”

“And if it stops feeling chosen?”

“I’ll move. I’ll speak. I’ll stop you.” I touched his mouth. “You won’t have to guess.”

“I might still ask.”

“Then I’ll answer.”

“Honestly?”

“Painfully.”

Stellan’s thumb moved over my cheek. “I wanted to leave because I thought distance would protect you from me.”

“It wouldn’t.”

“I know that now.”