“Now isn't a great time for this.”

I playfully shoved Aspen away, avoiding his pouty, full lips inches from my neck. His hot breath setting me ablaze more than the summer heat itself.

“But the end of the festival is almost here,” Aspen groaned, nuzzling his nose deeper into my skin.

He gently pulled up my dress, tracing his fingertips higher up my thighs. Gooseflesh rose all over me, and I was momentarily weak to his touch.

I shook out the wicked thoughts and pushed harder on Aspen’s shoulders; his honey-brown eyes hungrily wandering all over my body until he lifted his chin, and our eyes met—his darkened irises alone screamed he was ready to devour every inch of me.

“All the more reason for us to stop.” I willed myself to stay stern, imagining all the horrors awaiting us tonight. 

Six people were getting chosen tonight. That meant Six of us were fated to die, and it could be either him or me.  

He sighed into my neck like he could tell what I was thinking and snatched my waist, pulling me onto his lap. 

A small squeak escaped my lips as I fell into the groove of his body.

Aspen’s dark curls were dangerously close to draping over his eyes as he scrunched his face. “I understand your concerns, but isn't it all the more reason to enjoy ourselves?” He asked, his lip tugging up suggestively. 

“Does that line work with all the stable girls?” I grinned back at him, tucking a curl behind his ear.

“Only the beauties.” 

“You're the worst.” I slapped Aspen’s chest, and he exaggerated a wince and chuckled under his breath.

He kissed my forehead and trailed down to the tip of my nose until his lips were parallel to mine. “The sun is about to set, I hate to leave—”

I mashed my lips to his; the sensation sent quivers through my mouth to my tongue but left me just as quickly when I broke away. “Be safe, and no shortcuts.” I moved my hands to his shoulders again and squeezed.

A smug grin stretched across Aspen’s face as he gently set me on the blanket, pulling a piece of hay out of one of my braids before he stood up.  

He tilted his head, smiling down at me, and said, “You don't need to worry.”