Chapter Eighteen: Ah…Right.

Alpha Rhett’s control is waning, but he does seem like himself, like my state does not alter his reasoning.

"With me, priestess, you must be firm."

His thumb strokes my lower lip, and before he leans in, I press the palm of my hand to his lips, blocking the kiss he instigates.

“I ca-.”

I try to utter that it would be wrong of me to mislead him, but his hands circle my waist, and he tosses me in the air; wholly unprepared for the act, a slight squeal leaves my lips.

On setting me to my feet, his hand rubs my back soothingly as I try to compose myself.

“You crazy-!”

I utter, with a punch to his stomach, but the curse I intended halts in my throat at his mischievous laugh.

There is no awkwardness in my rejection; in fact, it is as if its existence is my imagination.

“Thank you.”

I whisper breathily; while my body still sears, the haze that typically dominates lifted at his jolting toss.

His hands are still on my waist, and while their heat feels uncomfortable, I do not wish to