Gulp. Bane certainly had manipulation down to a fine art. An impressive and infuriating skill. Needing more time to think, she changed the subject. “Earlier, you asked why I chose Zion over you. I’ll tell you—when I know I can trust you with the information.” That should buy her, oh, an eternity.

With a growl, he retracted his wings. “Perhaps I can purchase the answer.”

When the appendages vanished altogether, the arches no longer rising above his shoulders, a cave came into view. A spacious corridor brimming with gold, loose gemstones, jewelry and weapons. He prowled to the other side, watching as she stood.

His unwavering gaze singed her, teasing all the best places. She ached and trembled as she glided to the different piles of treasure, selecting her favorite trinkets. A diamond bracelet. A ruby choker. Sapphire earrings. An emerald tiara. Oh! There were blocks of gold and slivers of silver. And gauntlets. Oh! A bigger tiara with black diamonds.

Okay. Maybe it was the jewels. Maybe it was the man. Maybe it was a combination of the two. Whatever the reason, arousal thrummed inside her, cells fizzing.

“Where did you get these?” she asked, stroking her bounty.

Bane leaned against the wall, crossed his arms over his chest and observed her with a strange look on his face...and heat crackling in his golden eyes. Those golden eyes put the gems to shame. “I stole them from mortal tyrants before I was frozen, planning to use them to purchase weapons.”

The huskiness of his voice sent fresh shivers careening down her spine.

With lazy, sensual movements, he closed the distance once more, as if he couldn’t stay away. He stopped directly in front of her, bringing the scent of exotic spices with him.

“The jewels suit you.” His gaze held hers as he traced a fingertip over the choker.

He looked tenser than before, but also more relaxed, the juxtaposition odd and impossible, but so Bane. Her hot and cold warrior. And dang him, the weight of his gaze trapped her in place. She couldn’t move, didn’t want to move. He was close, so close, but she longed to have him closer. Her breasts ached more desperately, and her belly quivered harder.

“Thank you,” she said, fighting the urge to beg. Kiss me.

“You need to stop looking at me like that, Nola.” He hissed the words. “You won’t like what happens if I give you what you seem to want.”

“Or you will like it too much?” she quipped. If he kissed her, would he hate her more? Blame her?

“If you taste half as good as you smell, I will absolutely like it too much.”