Page 95 of Accidental Fae (Fae War Chronicles 1)

Eyes nearly completely black, he’s nothing like the man I’ve known. “Rafferty?” I reach up and press my hand to his chest. He doesn’t move, though his eyes close once more, and he takes a deep breath. “You are strong,” I say, though my voice is anything but.

If this is what he’s so worried about, I get it now.

He releases me and pulls back, rolling away from me before pushing up to his feet. I do the same, and when he faces me again, his eyes are golden once more.

“I’m sorry. I—I knew it was a mistake.”

“You said I was cold.”

He nods. “You were shivering, but I should have stayed away.”

“Why?”

“You are the greatest threat to me right now, Ember.”

“What? Why?” I demand, taking a step back from him.

“My honor is the only thing keeping me in the light,” he replies, softly. “And wanting you the way I do, even as I know I would ruin you, it’s making me want to embrace the darkness.”