Chapter 16 : In the Moonlight

Erik’s POV

To the Gods, Poppy was beautiful.

And perhaps it was the adrenaline coursing through my veins from defeating death in that Alder tree or leftover excitement from sneaking around the palace, but I felt this deep visceral need to capture her lips.

She stared up at me as I told her everything that once bored me and now all the things that intrigued me. I watched her eyes widen with every admission. I allowed her to withdraw and shoot my advancement dead if she wished.

Poppy pressed her back against the tree trunk, red hair wispy and wild like the pattering of her heart. I could feel it throb against the vein in her neck as I cupped her cheek, delighting in how soft it was.

Like velvet against my fingertips.

Her spine arched into me, baring that supple throat that I ached to nibble on. I gazed into her eyes, searching for any signal that she didn’t want this.

Didn’t want my kiss.

But I couldn’t find one.