LYDIA
His lips plundered mine like soft rosebuds. It reminded me of the color red. Hot and demanding, a veritable s****l force. Better than the ones I had resigned myself in when I had my daydreams, better than the ones that popped up even in my nightmares. How could someone I hated be so intense, so skilled? Alexios 's proficiency to overwhelm my judgments with the slightest touch of his strong hands, let alone his glorious mouth, frightened me. He nipped at my lower lip, surprising me. I hated the whimper of longing that escaped my throat. For a brief moment, I realized that kissing Alexios Rose should mortify me but for a brief movement, I let the mate bond get the better of me. It was the only reason I was doing this. I let the words of my kindred wolf get into my head. I let lust pre
