CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Sara
“Hellloooooo!”
I was so fucking bored. And hungry. No one had come down to play with me or feed me since Dev. I couldn’t exactly tell time strapped to the table, but it felt like fucking years. The sun was still out, so it wasn’t evening. Sunset was somewhere around 4:30 p.m. right now, so I’d been left alone for maybe an hour or so.
Dev’s fucking cum dried, and my skin was itching like crazy, but at least my slut of a pussy had finally cooled down.
“Somebody come feed me. You said there would be food Andras! I’m dying down here!” I shouted into the silence.
Fucking assholes. I rolled my hips and tried to bend my arms and legs to keep the blood flowing and the sleepy tingles away. I slumped to the table, staring at the ceiling, and began to sing a feisty ZZ Ward song called “365 Days.”
ZZ Ward had such a badass voice, and her songs were so catchy. I belted out a few more songs, choosing the best ones for pissing off boys. Footsteps bounded on the stairs, and I continued to sing, ignoring whoever decided to visit me. A shadow fell over my face, and a slim knife pressed to my throat.
“Hello, pet,” Ty murmured.
I continued to sing as the blade bobbed against my skin.
“Feeling feisty, are we? I can work with that.”
I finished the song and arched an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? Why don’t you untie me, and we’ll see how feisty I can be, monster man. Where’s the fun in me being tied up anyway?”
He chuckled, lazily drawing the blade across my neck. “Oh, plenty of fun, pet. I promise.”
I huffed a sigh. “You didn’t even get to chase me. So you didn’t really win anything, you know. Just a trussed up turkey you didn’t even get to hunt.”
He grinned, flicking his knife between my breasts and making my nipples pebble with desire. “And what a feast I will have with you, pet.”
My breathing grew shallow as his knife slid across my breasts, the cool steel tracing my hardened nubs. Ty tipped up the blade, letting the sharp edge dance along my skin.
He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. “I wonder how delicious your pussy would taste with your blood on my lips, pet?”
I inhaled sharply, trying to hide my racing heart. Fucking hell, I was wet already. I willed my body to remain still even as I ached to move, to clamp my thighs against the pulse building inside me. Ty stalked around the table, toward my feet. His eyes dipped between my thighs, and he licked his lips, his gaze violent and filled with lust. My tits ached and needed to be touched, and I couldn’t help but to pull against the leather straps holding me captive.
Ty chuckled. “Feeling restless, pet?”
“Fuck. You.”
“With pleasure, siren.”
Ty reached forward and traced the point of his knife against my bare pussy. I didn’t dare move as I watched him tease and tempt me. He flipped the knife, holding the blade between his fingers as he twirled the handle along my stomach.
“What are you going to do?” I panted, unable to restrain my curiosity.
His wolfy eyes met mine, and his grin was pure sin. “Whatever the fuck I want, pet.”
I swallowed, watching as he pushed the handle of his blade inside me. I gasped, my pussy clamping around it like a lifeline. He pushed it in further, stretching me, then slid it out again, over and over. My hips arched into his movements, my body craving more and more of this taboo pleasure.
Ty pulled the knife out and held my gaze as he licked the handle. He walked toward me and pressed it to my lips.
“Taste how much you want it, pet,” he growled, and fuck if I didn’t want it.
I slid my tongue along the hilt, tasting my own arousal.
Ty groaned. “Fuck, babygirl.” He moved back to the end of the pool table and tugged my body toward him.
I cried out as my arms stretched tight over my head. Ty brought his blade down to the mound of flesh above my clit, and my breath caught in my throat as I strained to see what he would do next. The knife cut into my flesh, and I hissed in pain. His mouth came down on the bead of blood, kissing the wound. I shivered with pleasure, and his knife sliced into my inner thigh, so, so close to my pussy. My arms strained against the ropes, and I gasped as his tongue licked up the blood dripping down my thigh.
“Two cuts for the two times you ran away from me, pet,” Ty murmured, his lips brushing against my clit and making me moan.
“Ty. Fuck. Please.” I was fucking begging and I. Did. Not. Care. I needed a release, needed him to give it to me.
Ty chuckled, sucking my clit into his mouth, and I cried out as the hilt of his blade thrust inside me once more. He pulled it out quickly and shoved in again, lapping up the blood trickling around my pussy as his tongue swirled around my clit. Oh fuck, it was happening. I could feel it. Finally. Fuck. Yes.
“Enough,” Andras snapped, leaning against the wall.
Ty’s hands and mouth stilled, and I cursed like a fucking sailor at the fucking asshole. Andras’s lips twitched with amusement. How long had he been watching us? I was so wrapped up in Ty and that damn knife I didn’t hear him enter the room.
Ty pulled the blade from my soaked pussy, and I whimpered. I was so fucking close.
“Remove her restraints, Typhon.” Andras commanded. He was always giving commands, and ninety percent of them made me want to punch him in the face.
Andras continued to lean against the wall like this was all incredibly boring for him as Ty used the blade he’d fucked me with to cut the leathers. Even after my limbs were free, I couldn’t move. My muscles ached, and my body twitched with too much bottled up pleasure needing an outlet. Ty gripped my chin and kissed me roughly, my blood and pussy juices still coating his lips. He let go, winked, and walked away.
“Fucking assholes,” I mumbled.
Andras shoved off the wall and moved toward me, his eyes shining with satisfaction. He no longer wore his signature button-down and fancy slacks. A fitted T-shirt hugged his muscled frame, and the hunter-green sweatpants looked exceptionally good on him. His arms were covered in tattoos, and I noticed the same weird runes I found on the others. He scooped me up in his arms like I weighed nothing at all, and I slumped against his warm chest.
“Do you have wings too?” I mumbled, my eyes drooping.
He laughed deep and low in his chest. “Yes, Seraphina. Black and feathered, like a fallen angel.”
“Hmmm. Is that what you are?” I rolled my head back to look at him as he carried me up the stairs.
“No, belle femme. I’m a daemon in disguise,” he purred.
I snorted a laugh. “Not a very good disguise.”
His low chuckle vibrated through me, and my blood heated at the knowledge that I made him laugh. Andras pushed open the door to his room, then kicked it shut behind us and carried me into his bathroom. The whole room was hazy and full of steam that smelled like lavender and eucalyptus.
“Can you stand?” he asked.
I nodded, and he lowered me gently to the floor. I braced myself against his chest.
Andras pulled off his T-shirt and dropped his sweats to the floor. He grasped my hips and guided me to the oversized claw-foot tub. He lifted me effortlessly over the edge and stepped in behind me. My body melted into the simmering hot water, and I moaned. Andras sat behind me, his muscular thighs lightly wrapped around my own. His massive hard-on pressed into my lower back as his arms circled around my chest. I leaned my head back and sighed.
“Better, sweetheart?” he murmured, kissing my shoulder like the gentlest of lovers.
“Much better,” I moaned, my body coming alive once more. “Just missing one thing.”
I felt Andras smile against my neck as he kissed his way toward my jawline. His hand gripped my chin, turning my head toward his, and his lips touched softly to mine. I sighed happily, and his tongue pressed into my mouth, teasing me. His other hand drifted down my chest, pinching my nipple before he cupped my pussy. I moaned, and his kiss grew more demanding. He pulled away as he dipped two fingers inside me.
“Are you sorry for leaving us, sweetheart?” Andras whispered against my mouth.
I could barely register his words as his thick fingers curled inside me.
“Tell me, Seraphina.” His words were a request, a plea. So different from his usual authoritarian tone.
“Yes, I’m sorry,” I breathed, my body arching into his touch. “Say it again.”
“Say what, angel?”
I moaned as his thumb circled my clit. “My name.”
Andras devoured my mouth in a kiss that made my head spin as his fingers worked my body into a frenzy. He pulled back, his lips moving along my jaw, toward my ear. His fingers thrust deeper, and my hips bucked.
Andras growled possessively into my ear. “My dark angel, Seraphina. Come for me.”
I screamed as the orgasm burst through me like a fucking firework. I moaned and squirmed as his fingers curled inside me, drawing out my pleasure.
My body gave out, and I slumped against his chest as he circled me with his strong arms. I don’t know how many minutes passed before Andras stepped out of the tub, carrying me out of the water. He set me on my feet long enough to wrap a fluffy robe around my body before scooping me back up and carrying me to his bed. I was a helpless waif as he tucked my body beneath the covers and fluffed the pillows around me.
Andras leaned down and pressed his lips to my forehead. “Sleep now, angel.”
I mumbled some incoherent words before the darkness claimed me.
For once, I slept without any horrible dreams pulling me to life in a sweaty mess. I vaguely remembered all four of my men checking on me as I slept. Is that what they were, mine? I couldn’t exactly pretend we were still enemies, or that I was a prisoner. Is it a prison if you don’t want to leave? That shining light inside me was growing, and I could see it reflecting in their eyes. I could see the same light trying to fight its way to the surface inside them too. Something big was building, and once the light broke through, I knew in my soul there was no going back.
I sat up in bed, alone, and pulled a tray of food closer. I lifted the metal lid, feeling like I was eating at some kind of fancy hotel. I sipped at the mimosa and picked up a piece of warm, buttered toast. Even the bread tasted expensive. I could definitely get used to this, even as I remembered Tibby locked up downstairs. The door opened soundlessly just then, and Levi strode into the room. He smiled, his eyes glancing down my body in the silk nightgown. When did I put that on?
“You look well rested, babe.” He flopped down on the bed and snatched a piece of my toast.
“How long have I been sleeping?” I asked, grabbing my fork and shoveling delicious scrambled eggs into my mouth.
Levi shrugged. “Forever. I’ve been bugging Andras for at least an hour to let me wake you up.”
I snorted a laugh. “What time is it? What’s happening now? How’s Tibby?”
Levi laughed. “She’s fine. I made her a mimosa too, but don’t tell him. And she has a TV down there. I think Andras is considering giving her a laptop. And it’s like six in the evening. Our party starts at 8 p.m. Andras had all kinds of girlie shit brought in for you. Including new clothes.”
My eyes widened. “Damn. Guess I need to get moving then.” I looked around. “Where’s all the new stuff?”
Levi winked. “In your room.”
What?I frowned. “My room?”
Levi jumped off the bed and pulled away the tray of food. I plucked the mimosa glass before he could steal it.
“Yeah. Even though I don’t plan on letting you sleep alone, ever again, Andras thought you might want your own space here.”
I tugged on my fluffy robe, literally having no idea what to say. “That’s…really nice.”
Levi clasped his hand in mine and brought it to his lips. “Nah. We’re not nice guys, diabla. Doesn’t mean we won’t treat you like a queen, though.”
I smiled because despite their scary faces and tendencies to stab first and ask questions later, it was incredibly nice. “Lead the way, Fire Prince.”
Levi arched an eyebrow. “Fire Prince?”
I shrugged with a laugh. “You’re an Obscuritas Prince. And you’re a firefighter. It just works.”
He laughed, tugging me close and kissing me softly, his touch scorching my skin. “As long as I get to be your Fire Prince forever, call me whatever you want.”
Levi led me through the house, down the hall to a small set of stairs. I stopped short. I’d never noticed these stairs, the door was always shut.
“I didn’t realize there was a fourth floor here.”
Levi’s hand slid down my back, guiding me up the stairs. The circular stairs opened up to a bright, open bedroom, even bigger than the master suite Andras claimed. Windows dominated the room, and beautiful iron sconces adorned the emerald-green walls with warm light. A massive Alaskan King bed was cornered to my right. A beautiful canopy of dark-gray, sheer fabric surrounded the bed. There were floor-to-ceiling shelves half full of books, and I eagerly skimmed the collection. Levi opened two separate doors on the wall without windows. One led into a beautiful marble ensuite and the other into a massive walk-in closet stocked with dozens of shirts, pants, fancy as hell dresses, and designer shoes.
“Holy fuck,” I gasped, perusing the beautiful clothes. “Seriously. Did you have this all setup for another girl you planned to take prisoner? Because there’s no way you could do all this in the few hours I slept.”
Levi laughed. “Andras is very persuasive. And very rich.”
I smirked, stepping back into the bedroom to find Andras leaning against the doorframe. He looked absolutely stunning in an ash-gray suit and dark-green tie. His face remained emotionless even as his eyes raked across my body with a hunger that made me shudder.
“What do you think, belle femme?”
I walked toward him, completely unafraid of this deadly monster the rest of the world feared. I wrapped my arms around his neck, his own automatically reaching around my waist.
I kissed him, savoring the taste of his lush lips against mine. “I love it.”
His lips twitched with a hint of a smile. “Good. I’ve picked out a dress for you. And we would like you to sing tonight, siren.”
I grinned. “Oh yeah? Do I get to pick the songs?”
Andras smirked, and the tiny smile made my insides melt. “I assumed you would. Even if I tried to choose, I know you wouldn’t listen.”
I patted his cheek. “Yes, that is true.”
Andras pinched my ass, and I yelped. “That doesn’t mean I won’t punish you for it later, sweetheart.”
“We’ll see.” I spun out of his arms and dropped my robe to the floor. I felt Levi and Andras watching me like hungry lions. I pulled the silk nightgown over my head and dropped it to the floor as well, walking to the bathroom. “I need some girl time now, boys. Keep the mimosas coming, though.”
Levi laughed as I winked and slipped into the bathroom to prepare. I stepped into the massive shower. Multiple shower heads surrounded me on all sides and heated floors warmed my bare feet; it was actual heaven. The water was instantly hot, and I leaned back onto the bench, breathing in deeply. My body still ached from being tied to the pool table, but I felt rested and buzzing with energy now.
I was curious about this party. And more than a little weary. If Laszlo Blackbyrn was hunting me, wasn’t throwing a party a bit of a risk? Andras wasn’t the type to do things on a whim, or without some kind of seven-layered plan. No, this was more than a party. It was a show of force. Andras was taking a stand. My mind whirled with the implications. If Laszlo found out who I was—officially—would he hurt my father, my sister? Or maybe he already knew? I needed to convince Andras to let Tibby work her magic and find out what was happening behind closed doors.
I spent the next hour and a half perfecting my hair and makeup. I was surprised when none of my new roomies bothered me, but it was also nice to have some alone time. I wondered which one of them guessed that I needed it. Andras was ridiculously nosy, so it could be him. But Ty was surprisingly perceptive. And Dev kept his distance for some time before finally showing me his own place. Even Levi took his alone time at the firehouse. Is this what grownups do in relationships?
A quiet knock on the bedroom door jarred me from my thoughts, and I slipped on my fluffy robe before exiting the bathroom.
“Come in.”
Andras stepped into the room, looking fucking edible in his gray suit. He wore a crisp, white shirt beneath and an emerald-green pocket square in his jacket. His lips twitched with the hint of a smile.
“Hello, belle femme.”
Ty, Levi, and Dev filed in behind him, all wearing similar suits with emerald-green pocket squares. Ty’s long, dirty blond hair was tied back in a low bun. His hazel eyes lingering on my body as if he could see straight through my robe. I shivered under his gaze. Levi grinned, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. His shaggy, brown hair was still messy, and he brushed it away from his face as he stepped aside for Dev. Dev’s smile was shy, his bright-green eyes searching for something in my own. Acceptance? Trust? I wasn’t sure.
“All four at once? Damn I don’t know if I’m ready for that.” I smirked.
Levi let out that infectious laugh, and Ty snatched me into his arms with my wrists secured behind my back.
“Oh you’re ready, pet. But we’re not here for that.”
“We’ve got time,” Levi added, and Dev snorted, rolling his eyes.
“No, we do not,” Andras clipped. “Guests will arrive soon.”
Andras stepped into my oversized closet and reappeared with a gorgeous velvet gown, the same emerald-green color as their pocket squares. “For you, belle femme.”
I slid my fingers along the soft fabric. “It’s stunning.”
“As are you, beautiful,” Dev murmured. “With or without the dress.”
I gave him a soft smile. “Thank you for the dress.”
Andras laid the gown on my bed and pulled something from his pocket. He held out a tiny earpiece, and I frowned.
“What’s this?”
“Another gift.” Andras pressed the piece to my hand, and I pushed it into my ear.
“Hey, Nova,” Tibby’s voice rang out over the microphone, and I squealed like a little fucking girl.
“Tibby?! What’s going on?” I turned my wide eyes to see all four men smiling, each in their own way, as they watched me.
Tibby’s nails clicked against her keyboard. “Back in action, baby. A show of good faith between me and your little harem of devils.”
I laughed. “Seriously? Damn, you must’ve been really persuasive.”
Tibby’s snicker vibrated through the line. “I just offered up free use of your vagina for life.”
Levi burst out laughing, and I cocked my head in his direction, narrowing my eyes.
He tapped his ear. “I want a code name too.”
I gasped as Levi’s voice echoed through the earpiece.
Tibby snorted a laugh. “A concession. The harem gets earpieces too.”
I rolled my eyes and turned to Andras. “I can confidently say that was your idea, oh fearless leader.”
He grinned like the devil he was. “Of course, sweetheart. Tabitha has access to all of our security controls and she will be monitoring everyone at the party from her room downstairs. I’ve upgraded the state of the room to make it more comfortable for her. But for now, the best way to keep you both safe is for her to remain hidden.”
“He’s right, Sara,” Tibby added. “If we’re going to beat these fuckers, we need to work as a team.”
“From what we can tell from movement at the manor, your father and sister are not there,” Andras said quietly. “But I know where they will be. And we will help you get them back.”
I felt the hot sting of tears welling in my eyes and rolled my neck, blinking a few times to force them away. Fuck, when was the last time I actually cried? I had so many emotions bubbling up and it was difficult to form coherent thoughts. These people who didn’t owe me anything, let only their allegiance to my family, were willing to go up against the most powerful leaders of The Obscuritas. It deserved some fucking tears, damnit.
“Let’s get this party started, shall we?” Levi gave my hand a squeeze, and I smiled at him, grateful for the segue.
I nodded. “I’ll get changed and be right down.”
Andras stepped closer, a blue velvet box in his hand. “One more thing.”
He held out the box, and I took it.
I gasped at the beautiful display of diamonds. “Is this…a collar?” I looked up, and Andras’s deep-brown eyes filled with a daemonic hunger.
His head tilted to the side as he appraised me, seeing the desire I was unable to hide. “Yes.”
The blood rushed to my clit as I stared back at him and licked my lips. “Why?”
He pulled the box from my grasp and took out the diamond choker. “The answer is threefold.” He stepped behind me and brought the necklace around, brushing my collarbone with his fingers. I shivered, heat flooding through me as his hands traced my throat. “One, because it will look stunning wrapped around your pretty neck. Two, because being collared will annoy you to no end. And three, because you do belong to us, and every fucker who attends this party will know it.”
I swallowed audibly as he clasped the diamond choker around my neck. The metal was cold against my skin, a reprieve from the heat coursing through my veins. A predatory growl caught my attention, and I turned. My mouth dried up and my stomach was full of nerves as Ty stalked into the room, his gaze zeroing in on the diamonds at my throat.
He traced the collar with his rough fingers and a devilish grin on his stupid hot face. “You’re ours, little vixen. And if you tried to refuse the collar, you’d get my hand wrapped around your pretty throat for the evening instead.”
My own grin turned wicked, and I leaned into his touch. “I like your hand necklaces just as much, monster man.”
Levi stepped in close to my side. He gripped my chin roughly, turning my face to meet his wild eyes next. “You’re ours to torment, diabla.” He placed a gentle kiss against my lips, keeping his mouth close to my own when he whispered his next words. “And ours to worship.”
My body sang with pleasure at their words. I had nothing clever to respond with. The emotions tumbling through me were too much.
The four men left, leaving teasing kisses along my skin as they went. My blood was singing with hope, and my heart beat with a light brighter than it had in over a decade.
I tossed my robe across an armchair and slipped into the dress. The fabric was incredibly soft and hugged my body in all the right places. The long sleeves wrapped my arms snuggly, leaving my shoulders bare. I found a pair of strappy gold stilettos in the closet. I glanced at myself in the full-length mirror just outside the closet. I went for a glamorous Marylin Monroe look, with black winged eyeliner and red lips. My silvery blue hair was curled in soft waves down my back. I looked fucking hot, thank you very much. I eyed the sparkling collar around my neck with too much feeling.
I turned and opened the bedroom door, finding Dev waiting for me.
His bright eyes went wide and his gaze heated, looking me over. “Damn, beautiful. You look gorgeous.”
I blushed with pleasure, biting my lip and sliding my arm through the crook of his elbow. “Thanks, handsome.”
“Would you two stop eye fucking and get down here?” Ty growled through the earpiece. “Bring me my pretty little pet.”
“Nova, you look fucking amazing! You should wear that dress like always.” Tibby laughed as Ty growled in frustration again.
I could hear music thumping through the house as Dev led me downstairs. The party was taking place on the first floor, where the theater room, bar, and pool table were located, and the garden level, including the courtyard, which was lit with twinkling lights and enclosed with heaters.
We passed waitstaff with trays of champagne and appetizers. Dev snagged us two glasses of bubbly while I sniped a caprese salad cup. I sighed with happiness as I ate the fresh mozzarella and juicy tomato. Rich people’s food was on another level. I took Dev’s arm again as he led me across the room.
Ty was playing pool with a couple of men I didn’t know and one I did. I smiled at Dominic and he gave me a wave. Ty growled, and Dominic instantly looked away, even as Ty winked at me. I gave him the finger. I scanned the room and noted many curious faces glancing our way.
“Do you know these people? They’re all staring at you,” I whispered into Dev’s ear.
“Like anyone would be staring at his ugly mug,” Levi snorted down the earpiece, and I snorted a laugh.
Dev leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. “They’re staring at you, beautiful.”
“The most stunning woman in the room,” Andras murmured, pressing his hand to my lower back. “Tu es magnifique, mon amour.”
I winked up at him. Even in heels he was still so much taller than me. “Merci, bébé.”
Andras arched an eyebrow. “You speak French?”
I shrugged. “Very little.”
“Enough to talk dirty?” Levi cut in over the mic, and I snickered.
I caught Andras’s gaze before responding. “Veux-tu me baiser ce soir, pompier?”
His eyes blazed as Tibby laughed, and I caught Levi’s frown across the room. “Please tell me that was dirty because it got my dick twitching already.”
Andras smirked, pinching my waist possessively. “She called you an idiot with a small cock.”
I grinned, and Dev even let out a quiet laugh down the mic.
“This is going to be a good night.” Tibby snickered, and we all grinned.
“Will you sing for us now, siren?” Andras asked, smiling down at me and making my knees weak. He was gorgeous when he smiled. “There’s a small stage near the DJ’s table for you. And your preferred antique microphone.”
I flushed with pleasure, not remotely surprised Andras knew I had a favorite mic. He and Dev led me to the stage as crowds of guests parted for the two dark-haired Princes walking before me. They helped me up the short steps, and I whispered my request to the DJ. I decided to start the night with “Time of the Season,” The Ben Taylor Band version. I liked the dark and moody vibe of their rendition of the Zombies song. There were cocktail tables scattered around the room, and beautiful people in gowns and tuxedos hushed their voices as the music swelled. I scanned the crowd and swayed my hips to the music, adding my own voice to the tune as I sang out the lyrics. I let the music carry me away, the base notes vibrating through my bones. I could feel the eyes of my men on me, and my blood sizzled with desire for each of them.
As the song drifted to its end, a round of applause went up from the crowd. The DJ took over once more, and I moved to step down from the stage when a hand reached out to help me.
I looked up and smiled. “James. Good to see you outside of the gym.” He wore a black suit, shirt, and tie, and his hair was styled perfectly to finish off his pretty boy meets sinner look.
He grinned, and his caramel brown eyes twinkled with mirth. His hand wrapped around mine as I held my dress up to avoid falling on my face.
“You too, killer.”
I laughed at the nickname he’d given me after beating everyone’s ass at the gym. He had no idea how accurate it was. Tibby cleared her throat, and I grinned.
“How are you?”
He shrugged, running a hand through his hair. “No complaints. Need a drink?”
I nodded. “Yes, please.”
I let James lead me to the bar, where Levi promptly stepped in, tugging me close to him.
“Hello, James.” Levi’s words were casual, but his tone was cold and possessive.
I rolled my eyes and smacked his shoulder. “Don’t be a psycho,” I murmured, tugging the lapel on his jacket.
Levi dropped his mouth to my neck, nibbling my skin before bringing his lips to my ear. “But I am a psycho, diabla. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I’ll go see if Ty wants his ass kicked in pool.” James smiled, unphased by the hellfire burning in Levi’s eyes. “See you around, Sara.”
I waved and giggled as Levi wrapped his arms around my waist and snarled into my bare shoulder, biting down playfully and marking my skin.
“Get a room,” Tibby muttered, her fingers tapping away at her keyboard.
“Gladly,” Levi murmured, his voice sounding husky with desire.
“How will I ever get anyone to dance with me with a beast clinging to my back?” I laughed and tried to pull away from him.
Ty chuckled through the earpiece. “Quit playing with the cub, little vixen. We don’t need Levi’s beastie coming out tonight.”
I huffed, rolling my eyes. I slipped out of Levi’s grasp and skipped to the dance floor. I swayed my hips, dancing to the beat of the pop song. Eyes turned toward me with interest, but quickly turned away when they realized who I was, and who I belonged to.
I pouted as Levi sauntered to the dance floor. “No one will even look at me. How rude.”
Levi grinned, his eyes full of fire as he gripped my waist and curved his muscular body into mine. “Because no one here wants to die tonight, mi diosa.”
I smirked and slid my fingers around his neck and into his hair. “Pussies.”
Andras cleared his throat over the mic. “Be careful, sweetheart. It sounds like you’re inviting trouble.”
“Me? Never.” I pulled away from Levi and rubbed up against another guy before the possessive daemon yanked me back.
“Now I have to chop that guy’s dick off, diabla,” Levi murmured all too happily, twirling me around.
I wrapped my hands around his neck and stared up into his navy blue eyes. “Let’s give him a pass, just this once.”
Levi pulled me closer, his hard length pressing to my stomach. “And what do I get for being so generous?”
“A date with me. At the firehouse. I want to ride your pole.” I winked.
Tibby snorted a laugh, interrupting. “As if you haven’t already.”
Levi kissed my cheek lightly. “It’s a date, babe.”
Andras’s authoritative voice cut into our banter. “It’s time for another song, siren.”
“I have just the one.” I smiled. “I might not be so great with emotional declarations, but I can sing them.”
Levi led me back to the stage, helping me up the steps. He passed me a glass of champagne, and I gulped it down, coating my dry throat. I whispered my song choice to the DJ once again. A beautiful ballad called “Bound to You,” sung by Christina Aguilera. She sang it in the movie Burlesque from a few years back. I loved rocking out to that soundtrack. This particular song was slow, sensual, and emotional. The last one, something I rarely was. I stepped up to the mic.
“This one goes out to a few very important men in my life.” Because fuck it, let everyone know I was dating the scariest motherfuckers at the party.
The lyrics burned into my soul, cutting through the darkness to that light buried within. I might not be an open book, but the soul of this song matched my own. I scanned the crowd and found my monsters standing together, watching me with fire in their eyes. I let my own fire shine through, for them and only them, as the song built and built.
The music faded, and a hush fell over the crowd as I stepped back from the mic. My eyes remained locked on the men I…loved? Is that what was happening? My heartbeat thumped so loudly in the seconds of silence, I was certain everyone could hear it. The DJ’s voice cut into the silence, praising the girl with the voice of an angel. Everyone began clapping wildly, and I realized he was talking about me. I blinked, breaking away from the hypnotic stares of my men. I dipped into a slight bow, as much as the dress allowed. When I looked up again, Andras was there, offering me his arm. He guided me away from the stage and toward the packed dance floor.
Andras tipped my chin up to meet his gaze, and his dark eyes captured my own. “Is that how you feel, belle femme? Bound to me? To us?”
I searched his eyes, wondering if I’d gone too far. But it was too late now, and I didn’t want any more secrets between us.
“Yes,” I whispered, licking my lips. “I can’t explain it, but for whatever it’s worth, I’m yours.”
Andras’s grip tightened to the point of pain, and I leaned into him, needing to hear his next words more than I needed to breathe. His eyes darkened, and his voice was deep and steady when he spoke. “It’s worth everything.”
His lips crashed into mine, and I opened up to him, teasing my tongue into his mouth. His arm wrapped around my waist as the hand on my chin traced my jaw and curled around the back of my neck, drawing me in. His mouth claimed mine, and I melted into his embrace. This dark prince was all mine. And I was his.