Free The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter

is.”
    Anya’s eyelids narrowed to tiny slits. She’d been alive a long time; she hadn’t lived as a complete innocent, but she hadn’t lived promiscuously, either. Why would she, even before her curse, when she knew the pain of being labeled easy?
    Like anyone, however, Anya craved admiration and affection. She liked the way men looked at her and had often lain awake in bed, wishing for the sexual relationship she could never allow herself.
    â€œWe can do this easily, Anya.”
    â€œWhat, kiss again?”
    He gulped forcefully. “See to your death.”
    Don’t give him a reaction. A good warrior always used an adversary’s emotions against him, and Lucien was a damn good warrior. But so was she. “Tell me again why you want to kill me, sweetcakes. I’ve forgotten.”
    A muscle ticked under his eye. “I told you. I do not want to slay you, but the gods have ordered me to do so.”
    And no one, not even a Lord of the Underworld, could disobey the gods without severe consequences. Dread curdled her stomach. Still, she had to admit she was glad Lucien had not come eagerly.
    â€œAll gods or one?” she asked, though she already knew the answer.
    â€œOne. Cronus.”
    â€œThe bastard king,” she said, just for the god’s benefit. I hope you’re listening, you greedy coward.
    Lucien cringed, proving he did indeed fear the wrath of the god. He should. Cronus had clearly skipped school the day mercy was explained.
    The moment the Titan had broken free of his heavenly prison, he’d quickly and brutally conquered the Greeks and imprisoned the survivors. That’s when Anya had returned to the heavens and freed a few. That’s also when he’d caught her and locked her back up, demanding her greatest treasure in exchange for her freedom. Before he could punish her for her refusal, she’d escaped. Score one for Team Anya. Shortly after, he’d found her a second time and threatened her with the Lords. Now here she and Lucien were, about to go Halo 3 on each other. Score one for Team Cronus.
    â€œSure you want to obey such a meanie?” she asked.
    Lucien’s gaze met hers, ensnaring her, disrupting her determination. “I must, and nothing you say can sway me from my purpose.”
    She arched a brow, doing her best to appear confident. “Wanna bet?”
    â€œNo. That would only give you false hope.” A gentle breeze swirled between them, and strands of his dark hair brushed his face. He hooked them behind his ears, allowing nothing to obstruct the invisible cord between them.
    With the action, the dark slashes of his eyebrows, the strong slope of his nose and the hard cut of his scarred cheeks became more prominent. But it was his eyes she kept returning to. His brown iris seemed to anchor her, while his blue iris swirled, drawing her deeper and deeper into a world where only he existed.
    Obey me. Submit.
    The words whispered through her mind.
    Her jaw clenched, right along with the rest of her. She knew, knew, what he was trying to do. Lull her into a sense of calmness and force her to willingly accept his death blow.
    Hell, no. Not her. If there was one skill she’d mastered in the centuries since she’d been cursed, it was the art of resisting a man. She shook her head, breaking free of his sensual hold. Take that.
    Don’t give him a reaction, she reminded herself. She moved her gaze to his massive chest and considered what to do next, all the while sucking on her favorite strawberry lollipop. “You owe me a favor, Flowers, and I’m calling it in. You are not to kill me.”
    There was a torturous pause. Then, “You know I must.” He stiffened, as if fortifying himself. “Ask me to make it painless. That I can do. Ask me to kiss you before I take your soul. That, too, I can do.”
    â€œSorry, babydoll. I think I’ll stick with not killing me. And as a reminder, I told you