Page 224 of Psycho Gods

“Stop it, Arabella!” Malum bellowed as he stumbled across the mountain.

“Corvus,” I cooed. “Don’t run from me, baby girl.”

He tripped over a boulder and fell onto his butt. “You said my name?”

I used the advantage to jump on him. Claws extended like a cat, I aimed for his middle.

We slammed together; ice crashed into fire.

He rolled to take the brunt of the impact and I closed my eyes. It was toasty in his embrace. Amazingly warm.

It was even better than a hot shower after lying in a snowbank for hours.

For a long moment, we lay on the rocks, embracing, neither of us moving or speaking.

My short fingernails were curled into the material of his jacket. His fire had put out my ice.

Darn.

I sighed and snuggled closer. His arms and legs were still very much on fire, and they felt nice.

I was fireproof. Slay (in a hot way).

“We need to keep practicing,” Malum muttered halfheartedly, and I looked up at him with exasperation. His bronze cheeks turned pink, flames flickering on the top of his head like a crown.

“No. You need to keep practicing. I’m perfect.”

I snuggled against him and waited for his outburst.

He cleared his throat awkwardly. “You should put your mittens back on.”

Before I could process what was happening, he pulled them out of my pockets and tucked them onto my hands.

“Good practice. Team.” I yawned.

Eyelids heavy.

Soul warm.

I shook my head to wake myself up.

Malum’s arms tightened around me so I couldn’t move.

“It’s fine, Arabella.” I shivered at how he said my name. His voice was like smooth whiskey and high-end tobacco. “Go to sleep. I’ll carry you back down the mountain.”

Nodding, I closed my eyes.

“I’ll take care of you, my love,” he whispered. “But please stay awake so I know you’re okay.”

I forced my eyes open.

Handsome bronze features hovered close to mine. His eyes were full of concern.

I leaned forward and kissed the tip of his nose.

He looked thunderstruck. “Why did you do that?”

“Because I wanted to,” I said honestly.