Page 231 of Ashen Torment

“It is Russian tobacco.”

I take a step toward him, the scent hits me more strongly.

“It smells of cedar.”

His gaze captures mine, an ivory lock of hair brushing his temple as he tilts his head slightly.

“It smells like you,” I add.

He narrows his eyes. “Didn’t you want to watch the ducks?”

I nudge his hip, lingering further among the plants.

“Do you want me to turn around and watch them?”

He exhales the smoke among the leaves with a brief breath.

“No.”

“What did you say earlier?”

“When?”

“Don’t play dumb.”

He can barely suppress a smile. “I said, If that woman touches you one more time, I'll break every one of her fingers.”

Madman.

I reach out, taking the cigarette from between his warm fingers.

“No one gave you permission to light these in my room.”

He smirks, narrowing his eyes.

“You were sleeping, I could not ask permission.”

I bring the cigarette to my lips, he follows every movement with his eyes. When I inhale, his body stiffens.

“I did not give you permission to do that.”

I open my lips and the smoke escapes, dispersing into the cold air.

“I do not need your permission. Dorian.”

His eyes widen as I speak his name, and with a swift motion, he snatches the cigarette from my fingers, throwing it to the ground. His arms envelop me instantly, the warmth of his body adhering to mine.

“You...”

“So, you enjoyed the sweet?”

“I crave much more than that.”

His nose brushes mine as he looks at me with those turbid eyes. I stare at him, holding my breath, then let my lips draw close to his in a contact barely perceptible enough, however, to set my loins afire. I pull away immediately, then look at him again, reading the impatience in him.

“God, what you make me feel...”

He runs his tongue over his lips, my body responds, and I draw closer again, leaning against him.