Chapter 173. Consuming Fire

Xerina’s POV

I was walking to my room when soft footsteps followed me. Before I could look back, I was lifted in the air and strong arms wrapped around my torso.

A startled yelp escaped my lips when suddenly the door of the room was opened and I was pushed inside.

The room was dark, only the faint glow of moonlight slipping through the window, casting long shadows on the walls. I could feel the tension between us, thick and palpable.

Rasmus stood in front of me, his chest rising and falling steadily as he watched me with those intense, predatory eyes.

“Come here,” his voice was a low growl, commanding, leaving no room for hesitation.

I took a step forward, my heart racing, my body already responding to the hunger I saw in his gaze. There was no hesitation in him—there never was. He was a man who knew what he wanted, and right now, that was me.

“You’ve been fighting it all this time, haven’t you?” he said, his lips curling into a wicke