Page 131 of Sweet Nightmare

“Because you repulse me.”

His mouth curves into an amused smile. “You don’t hold back, do you, princess?”

“Never.”

For some reason, that makes him laugh. Not his usual mocking chuckle, but something quiet and genuine.

And annoyingly enough, it’s nice.

Thud.

Ugh. Here we go again.

I stare up at him.

He’s still hovering over me, one hand on my waist, far too close for comfort.

I’m suddenly aware of just how close we are.

His laughter fades, but its warmth lingers in the cold air.

Then his gaze drops to my mouth.

My stomach does another stupid little flip.

“What?”

He doesn’t answer.

Instead, his hand lifts.

His gloved fingers brush the corner of my bottom lip.

I freeze, my breath catching as his thumb gently sweeps across my glossy lip, removing a tiny piece of snow.

For a moment, his eyes stay fixed on my mouth.

Then he pulls away.

“There.”

My heart gives one irritating little kick.

Stupid, useless organ.

Apparently, I say that last part aloud because the giant hovering over me notices.

Big mistake.

His eyebrows knit together. “You okay, princess?”

“I’m fine.” I growl and try to push him off me.

He barely moves.

“I don’t think you are.”

“Well, you’re clearly not very perceptive.” I shove his chest again. “Get off me. Now.”