“Over your dead body?” I laugh, sharp and a little unhinged.
“Fine. Over mine too, before I ever accept you as my mate. If you don’t let me go right now, Kei, it will be the greatest mistake of your life—don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I lift my chin, every nerve screaming. “So I’m giving you one last chance to accept my rejection. Just one. I reject you—this bond—everything that ties me to you—”
I don’t get to finish.
His hand comes up—not to strike, not to seize my throat—just to catch my jaw, while his other hand fists in my hair.
Then his mouth crashes into mine.
It cuts off my words. My breath. My rebellion—in front of my father, the court, and everyone who has ever wanted to see me break.
It isn’t a kiss meant to be sweet. It isn’t even meant to be mutual.
It’s a command.
Hard
