Chapter 31
ARIEL
I made my way up the winding staircase to where Vesstan stood waiting at the top, his eyes lascivious. It took every ounce of my will not to shy away from his lust, but it was his weakness and would ultimately lead to his demise, if everything went to plan. That was what I repeated in my mind as I reached the final step to join him. He gave me little space, forcing me to either press against him or tumble back down.
“I see I made the perfect wardrobe choice for you this evening,” he said as his hand looped around the small of my back and pulled me closer still. The press of his desire against my hip made my stomach churn. “Come, Ariel. See the pleasures this place has to offer.”
He stepped aside and took my hand to lead me across the balcony decorated with decadent furnishings. Vibrantly colored fabric covered chaises and chairs. Unusually large pillows lay strewn about the floor. And atop them all were beings in various states of undress, doing things that made my cheeks flush. I had attended some questionable parties with Shayfer in my time, but none had been this bold—this depraved. He’d always manage to navigate me away before things took such a turn. But now, with women wearing little more than the jewels around their necks and the men on top of them, I couldn't help but stare.
And Vesstan most certainly noticed.
“You truly are an innocent, aren’t you?” he asked. The excitement he clearly felt at the thought made me shudder inwardly.
“I just—I wasn’t expecting such a display.”
“Do you like it?” he asked, leaning down to my ear. “They are all here for you. Everything tonight is for you…”
His strange sentiment did not fully make sense at first—not until a petite, fair-haired female strode toward us. She smiled in a practiced way as she approached, and the thin, cream-colored silk that she held around her fell away. Fully naked, she stopped next to Vesstan and gazed up at him. When his attention turned to her, she smiled wider.
Then he pinned hungry eyes on me. “I can see your trepidation, Ariel—that you’re shy. I would be lying if I said I didn’t find it intoxicating.” He pulled the woman in front of him, her back pressed against his front. His hand snaked around her waist, resting low against her belly. “But I cannot help thinking that there is something deep inside of you just waiting to be awakened. Something dark and desirous of all you see before you.” His hand slid lower along her naked flesh until it parted her thighs. Her head fell back against his chest and her eyes rolled closed as a tiny moan escaped her. “You see,” he said, capturing her breast in his other hand, “you can’t help but watch, can you? Can’t help but want to feel me touch you as I am touching her?”
His piercing stare bore through me as his fingers worked her into a frenzy while I tried to pull my gaze away. But as much as I wanted to hate it, something deep inside of me did yearn to be touched like that. To be rendered helpless by the touch of another. But not him .
Visions of Hemming’s hands dancing across my naked body invaded my mind and sent my pulse racing. A rush of heat filled my cheeks, and approval flashed in Vesstan’s eyes. “What do you think of Ariel?” he whispered against the writhing female’s cheek. “Is she not stunning?”
“She is the most beautiful…” Her voice was so lost to her need that I wondered if she’d have told him anything he wanted to hear so long as he’d continue.
“And what do you want to do to all that beauty?”
Another little moan passed her lips. “I want to touch it…kiss it…”
“Do you think Ariel would like that?”
Her eyes rolled open and landed on me. “She would. I would make certain of it.”
The wicked delight in Vesstan’s stare could have lit the room. “Then show me .”
He released his hold on her, and she closed the distance between us in two slow, seductive steps. I braced myself as she reached up and brushed my hair over my shoulder to expose my neck. “She looks uncertain,” she said as she stared at me. “Don’t be afraid…”
Her hand cupped my cheek and drew me closer. Soft lips pressed to mine, and her hands slipped to my hips, toying with the gauzy fabric of my skirt as she kissed me. I closed my eyes and imagined it was Hemming’s fingertips caressing the bare skin above my waistline. His tongue teasing my bottom lip for entry.
Vesstan’s body grazed mine as he drew nearer, lurking over the sexual escapade he’d orchestrated, and I dared a peek at him through my lashes to find exactly what I’d hoped: jealousy and desire burning bright in his deep blue eyes.
“Enough,” he said, pulling the woman away with a harsh yank. She made no objection—no pained sounds. Instead, she just sauntered over to a couple engaged on a nearby chaise and joined in, leaving Vesstan and me standing nearly nose to nose on the balcony. The reality that Hemming and the others were no doubt watching from below slammed into me, and embarrassment flooded my cheeks yet again, this time for another reason altogether.
I lowered my gaze and forced myself to look submissive, subjugating myself to Vesstan for—hopefully—the last time. “I’m sorry. I was only trying to enjoy that because you wanted me to.” I waited for a few breaths before raising my gaze.
“I thought I did, but I don’t believe I want to share you that way. Not yet .” He leaned in closer. “But I now know that I am not willing to wait any longer to see what little that dress has left to reveal.” His tongue dragged across his lips, and a spear of ice shot down my spine. “What the darkness within you will do once I unlock it.”
My reprieve from his advances had finally run out, and I was desperate to find a way to cool the situation before he ripped my clothes off right there and found the blade hidden beneath the billowing fabric of my skirt. The element of surprise would be gone—as would my opportunity.
As the panic within me grew, I pressed my palm to his chest and used the shyness that had intrigued him to what I hoped would be my advantage. “Allow me a moment to freshen up first,” I said. “If I am to bare myself to you, then I want to do so without the stain of someone else’s hands and lips upon me.” He eyed me tightly, and I knew I had to up the ante. “I want to be as pure as possible…”
His approval rumbled beneath my hand as he leaned his lips to my ear. “Make it quick.”
It was all I could do not to run down the stairs and bolt from the room, but I managed to slow my pace enough to look hastened but not hurried. I’d had no opportunity to spot the others in the crowd, and that was hardly the moment to try. Hemming would see my unease in a heartbeat and would undoubtedly do something foolish as a result. No, I needed to avoid them at all costs, pull myself together, and return to Vesstan in control of my mind and body.
Then I needed to get him somewhere private.
Then I would kill him.
Once the din of the ball had faded, I found a dark alcove concealing a small restroom and tucked myself away. I tried to slow my heart enough so I could hear my thoughts over its pounding rhythm. With some distance between myself and the threat bent on bedding me, I could see things clearly. In truth, I had him exactly where I wanted him. I was confident that I could convince him to leave the ball—get him alone. Once I succeeded in that, I could draw him in close and bury my father’s blade in his heart. Such a simple plan, were it not for the uncertainties weighing on me.
God or not, I knew I’d only get one shot at him.
I needed to make it count.