I’m the forest fire, and you’re standing there with a glass of water saying you can put me out. But you can’t!” He arched his brows. “Considering that I’ve spent the better part of the last fourteen hours proving that I can, in fact, light your fire and put it out over and over again, I’m vaguely insulted by that remark.

What happened yesterday was a mistake, but it’s over now. In the past, I’ve forgotten it, and so should you.” His brows rose. “You have forgotten? This, I do not believe.” He stepped closer again. She retreated up another stair. “What passed between us was not forgettable. I am not forgettable. Not to you.” “You have a high opinion of yourself.” “No higher than deserved. But I know when a woman looks at me and likes what she sees. And I know when she wants more.

Like the sea, from which we derive our gifts, we are wild at heart, and deadly when angered.

Keep looking like you want to eat me up, moa halea, and I’ll let you.” His voice was a hard, rough rumble.

What in Helos’s name had just happened? The Calbernan had turned unexpectedly and caught her gaze upon him and then… She dragged in a breath, then another. Ragged. Shaken. She couldn’t even begin to describe what had happened. It was as if, with one look, he’d dived into the deepest, most secret parts of her soul, places no one – not even she – had ever been.

I don’t want you.” He moved so quickly she barely had time to gasp before he lifted her off her feet, fused his mouth to hers, and kissed her until her brain melted. Then he set her back on her wobbly legs and said,” That was for the lie. And for future reference, myerina, wrapping your legs around a man and commanding him to pleasure you is not an effective way to illustrate your lack of interest.

He pulled her close and kissed her thoroughly. When they pulled apart, they were both breathless, their hearts pounding. “Was that my reward for being such a good little force of nature?

He clamped her body to his as if by the sheer force of his embrace he could crawl inside her soul and anchor himself there for eternity.

Our women – our wives – are the heart of Calberna. Without them, Calbernan males could not function. We would die. Just as you would die without the heart that beats in your chest.