Chapter 17: Curiosity Kills The Cat
A cold, heartless laugh escaped Zavren’s lips, echoing through the silent dining room. Ariana’s back vibrated softly from the rumble of his chest, pressed firmly against it.
"You know one thing you’re really bad at?" he said, pausing as he moved his thumb, wiping away the blood from her lips once more like he had discovered a new favorite treat. He brought it to his lips, licking it slowly.
"It’s hiding your expression. You can’t," he added, his tongue slipping out to taste the blood again.
Ariana’s lips remained parted. For some reason, the way he did that made her heart thud heavily. Her stomach fluttered—an unfamiliar sensation danced through her, one she couldn’t quite understand. The way his tongue had stuck out...
"Don’t even think about biting your lips," he warned, as if he knew that was what she would do next. His voice was low and deadly. "If you do, I’ll stop using my thumb... and use my tongue instead."
Ariana’s body froze. Her eyebrows twitched, finally moving together in disbelief at his bold words. she knew he meant every word.
He reached for a glass of water and lifted it to his lips.
Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.
He drank quietly, his Adam’s apple bobbing with each swallow. Ariana’s lips parted slightly as her eyes fixated on the movement—on him. She didn’t know why, but watching it stirred something strange inside her.
Her curiosity got the best of her.
As Zavren set the glass down and reached for a fork, it clattered loudly to the floor—not by accident. His hand had jerked in surprise.