Cassian remained seated while Cixi stood before him, and the difference in height should have made him seem less imposing. Instead, it did the opposite.
He looked even more dangerous like this, lounging with lazy control, one hand still wrapped around hers, his gaze lifted to her face, deciding how far to let this game go.
For one dreadful moment, she forgot every foolish thing she had watched the night before. Those five steps Marion had tossed at her. None of it seemed useful now. None of it had prepared her for the way Cassian looked at her right now, as though he could peel apart her bravery and expose the shaking thing beneath.
"Well?" he drawled, his thumb brushing once over her knuckles. "What are you waiting for, little lamb?"
A soft gasp slipped from her, and that small movement nearly undid her. His touch was like a live wire, sending sparks through her every nerve.
