Bound to the Elvin King by Lisa Kumar

her, and she flinched back. What was going on? He felt too close—in every way.
    Talion’s eyebrows drew together. He released her as a look of pain flashed across his face, though whether it was from frustrated desire or this last revealing touch, she didn’t know.
    Her tongue darted out, and she licked her dry lips. She couldn’t do this, but her blood burned for him. No matter which way she turned, she was screwed.
    He inhaled a deep breath before speaking. “Why are you scared?”
    She frowned. Had he noticed what happened? If not, should she mention it? Well, until she knew for sure, it would be better to act like nothing had happened. He didn’t need another reason to keep her here.
    “I’m not scared.”
    “Tell me why you pulled away.”
    Damn, she really didn’t want to have this conversation. Least of all with him. “I just wanted to get away from you.”
    “Liar. There was something more.”
    His soft accusation hit her with all the delicacy of a dump truck. He wasn’t buying the crap she was selling.
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Why did you stop when you know this needs to happen?”
    The unfairness of it all washed over her again. “Because I don’t want it to!”
    He shook his head as if he were dealing with a petulant toddler. “I thought we’d passed this stage of wishing. It won’t avail you of a different outcome.”
    “I know that.” She couldn’t keep the bite out of her voice. “But I don’t like being told what to do by a pompous ass.”
    Irritation flickered across his face, and he took a step toward her. But instead of worrying about his expression, she found her attention glued to a shaft of sunlight that played across his shoulders before heading lower. If only she were that ray of sunshine…. She tore her gaze away. What the hell was wrong with her? But to be fair, no one would ever need a hypnotist with those trance-inducing muscles around.
    He sent her a humorless smile. “Please save the endearments for later, love. And you always seek to tell me how we’ll proceed at every turn.”
    “Well, you start it first.” So what if she sounded childish? In years she was one compared to him.
    “Unlike you, I seem to be the one who’s fully aware of the ramifications if we don’t act soon.”
    Her mouth snapped closed. That was a hard point to argue. He had infinitely more knowledge about this land and its customs than she did. “I know enough.”
    “Do you? Do you, my dear?”
    His penetrating stare sliced straight through her, and his voice hinted at mysteries awaiting discovery.
    She remained quiet. How could she continue to argue when much of what he said was right? It was time to get it over with. “Let’s do it.”
    “Do it?”
    “Sex. Let’s have it. Now.”
    He opened his mouth, probably to protest he was busy, but she cut him off. “It doesn’t have to take long.”
    An affronted look crossed his face. “You deserve to be savored like a fine wine.”
    His words sizzled up her spine, impossible to ignore, but she’d do her best. “Guzzle me down like a frat boy at a keg party.”
    “These frat boys of yours don’t seem to have any inkling about wine or women.”
    Leave it to him to state the obvious. But was that a hint of jealousy in his tone? One way to see. “They serve their purposes.”
    “Have they served you many times?” Only the tightening of his jaw hinted at his anger. The rest of his face stayed plaster cold.
    “That’s really none of your business.”
    He raised a lazy eyebrow. “Oh, but it is. Everything about you is under my purview.”
    She smirked. “You’re going to want to know when I visit the bathroom?”
    He ran a finger down her cheek and gazed into her eyes. “Only if I can join you for a romp in the tub.”
    His touch sparked all the right places, and she licked her lips. She might take him up on his offer. But she couldn’t find her voice to say so. A nod was her answer.
    Talion flashed a