Something was burning low in her stomach. Something had coiled up and tightened. Her lungs couldn't take in air.
Her lips trembled as she spoke. "You want to—
[Take.]
"Take," he echoed, gripping her chin tighter — drawing her closer still until the tip of his nose brushed against hers. "I want to take."
I need to stop...
A shattered breath escaped her, and with it words she couldn't believe she was saying.
"Then take."
His own exhale was cut. Sharp. Surprised. "What?" he breathed, just a murmur.
She screwed up her courage, even when it didn't feel like she was really in control anymore. "I said take."
[Take.]
Hate him. Hate him. Kill him. Need to kill—
Her eyes fell shut, and she could feel her bottom lip graze his. Just the faintest brush of skin against skin—
Zei shoved her away so fast she almost didn't catch herself with her hands. Almost fell flat on her back. Her eyes remained widened in shock seeing him pant as if he'd run miles and miles.
