"I’ve… I’ve been distracted," he admitted. "Ravenna’s been… helping with some negotiations. It’s been a lot to handle."
Ravenna. Even just hearing her name stirred the anger simmering beneath my skin. But I kept my expression neutral, forcing a gentle laugh. "You don’t need to explain anything to me, Draven. I know how hard it’s been for you."
He exhaled, his grip tightening slightly on my waist, as if searching for comfort in my presence. The irony of it almost made me laugh.
"Let’s forget about all of that," I said, sliding onto his lap, my hands resting on his broad shoulders. "For tonight, let’s just be us again." I kissed him again, more aggressively this time, tasting his hesitation, his confusion. But he kissed me back, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy the power I had over him.
The power that would soon crush him.
As I pulled away, I rested my head on his shoulder, allowing him to think he had me where he wanted. But it was I who had him in my grasp. My mind drifted to Ravenna, and I could almost hear her venomous voice in my ear.
Not for long, sister. Not for long.
"Zerra," Draven murmured against my hair, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Are you happy?"