smiles at them. There are tears in her eyes, and when she nods and clutches the knife to her chest, a single tear slips from her lashes and rolls down her cheek. This is all she has ever wanted: to be able to protect herself.
I understand that now, and I will make it my mission to ensure she is equipped efficiently in the arts of self-defense. Of course, I have no intention of allowing her to be placed in a situation where she must use these skills. But if teaching her how to fight is the way to win her heart, I will go through every type of combat there is until she is satisfied.
I gesture to her bed, saying, “It is time to rest.”
The female takes one look at it before she climbs off and onto mine. I watch her tuck the knife under her pillow, like she did previously, right before she crawls under the coverlet and looks at me in silent invitation. I cannot help but chuckle at the irony. I deliberately purchased two beds because I thought she would rather not sleep with me, yet here she is, tempting me into bed with those bewitching eyes of hers.
I switch off the light and settle behind her, my chest pressed to her back. She fits perfectly against me, and I crave to cocoon her in my arms. However, she astonishes me when she reaches back and wraps my arm around her waist, initiating the contact.
“Thank you, Castien,” she says, her voice quiet.
I dare not move closer in fear of her brushing against my erection.
“There is no gratitude required,” I say, my voice gruff with sexual frustration. “Now go to sleep, damsel. I have a busy day planned for tomorrow.”
Not only will I be teaching her how to kill like a Darkblood but also how to dress like one. I want every memory of the auction erased from her mind, and it begins with new garments. Soon I will have her adorned in the finest silks and jewels in existence, which is exactly what my mate deserves.
“Is it safe to rest?” she asks just before a yawn catches her.
I tighten my grip and pull her an inch closer. “So long as I am with you, yes.”
The female breathes a sigh of relief before she closes her eyes.
By the time she falls asleep in my arms, there is a smile of utter contentment on her lips. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for me. With her legs draped over the cover and her breasts spilling out of her robe, tempting me beyond measure, my restraint is truly put to the test.
For the love of dark, how am I to resist her?
I close my eyes and squeeze the bridge of my nose. Jade rolls over and tucks her body into my side, her elbow resting just above my straining cock. This is indeed a true test of self-control. I have no desire to touch my mate without her consent, but the more she tempts me like this, the more I doubt my restraint. There is nothing for it, then. I must take care of my needs before I yield to these wicked temptations.
I disengage myself from her and enter the bathroom, leaving the door ajar so I can still keep an eye on her. I activate the shower faucet with a swipe of my hand and strip off the remainder of my clothing. The cold water certainly cools me, but my cock remains hard, straining with need. The need to fuck Jade, to claim her as my mate once and for all.
I grab my cockhead and squeeze, brushing my thumb over the slit. She will be mine soon; of that there is no question. Her cunt will clench my cock, and we will finally be mated. I’ll be able to protect her with my true potential, which will ensure no harm will ever come to her.
A smirk tilts my lips at the sound of Jade’s tiptoeing footsteps. Her presence is known before she reaches the door. I open my eyes and turn to find her leaning against the bathroom door. Her gaze zeroes in on my hand sliding down my shaft, and the erratic lurch of her heart amuses me.
“What’s wrong, damsel? Can’t sleep?”
I have witnessed Jade embarrassed before but never like this. The scarlet blush that claims her features trickles all the way down to the base of her throat and over her chest. Were I not aware of