EMBER’S POV

The electricity between us is suffocating. My breath vanishes. My cheeks flush hot.

I can feel exactly how hard he is against my lower back, and my traitorous body responds despite everything—nipples tightening, core clenching, arousal flooding back like it never left.

“Unhand me,” I manage, and the words come out breathier than I intend.

“Not until we’re clear on certain things.” His hand splays across my lower belly, pressing me harder against the evidence of his arousal. “Council members will be at the reception tonight. We cannot afford to seem at odds with each other.”

“I am at odds with you,” I say, but my body isn’t...