me, or if I really was a whore willing to take the cock of a demon having been tempted with little more than a tickle between the legs.
What bothered me most was that if he had asked me, I would not have said yes.
“Which is precisely why I didn’t ask. You called out my name in need, and I gave you what you needed. It was an ask enough.”
How he could play at words, and actions, and move me at his whim…
Laughing, the beast contradicted my concerns. “It’s the other way around. I cannot think but for you. Watch your every minuscule movement, listen to your heartbeat, see you fed, clothed, cared for… bedded. I am your slave.”
“Then I order you to leave me forever.”
Laughter turned to so pained an expression my heart ached to see it.
He spilled a tear. “I would not go, because you are incapable of such cruelty.”
“I’m sorry.” Why I said it, or why I meant it, I could not even begin to contemplate.
Boxed in by his arms, arms that were muscular in ways no creature should be, solemn as the grave, Vladislov said, “I would make love to you again, face to face, before we bathe. I want you to see me when you feel beauty, and know that I see you.”
My ardor had cooled, yet the seed between my legs was slippery enough for seeking fingers to play in when his knee moved to separate my thighs.
With an arch, my body refused the command of my thoughts. And though I fought to keep my legs closed, it did not take long for his weight to settle between them. The first thrust stole my breath, dragging over something inside me that drew out a shameless moan.
Just as he had commanded, I witnessed his pleasure as he took my body. Eyes roving from bouncing breasts, to my parted lips. And where his eyes went, his mouth followed.
Tongue twisting with mine, fingers dancing over my breasts, I submitted as a wife submits to her husband. Locking my ankles at his back, taking all he would give me.
As Adam took Eve in the garden.
Hideous as he was, every bit of me burned. But not with shame as it should have. With passion when I was given what my corrupted body craved. My world turned to pure white when he sliced his throat and set it to my mouth.
I drank as he filled me, coming so violently that had he been human, I would have accidentally killed him.
In the panting aftermath, whatever surprise he had planned was forgotten. The night spent entwined while I came apart under beating wings, a snake-like tongue, and eyes full of adoration that moved me.
And frightened me in equal measure.
The sun rose, the sun set, over and over while I learned the ways of pleasure. It was not until I was straddling the beasts, riding at my pace while I sang out my release that I was shown mercy.
Exhaustion left me crumpled on his chest, sleep winning over even as I felt more of his seed pumping inside me.
I dreamed of Jesus in the desert and forty days of a dark winged angel trying to talk sense into his son.
Chapter Twelve
Vladislov
The bloodbath was not a hit with my bride. And in all fairness to my intention, was unfair in itself. After all, I offered candlelight, flowers in abundance, snacks… a cake! But she would not put a toe in the tub.
Pearl even tried to yank her hand from where our fingers were entwined… as if I’d let her run off and possibly hurt herself in an unwarranted panic.
Human in form and lighthearted in tone, I attempted to smooth ruffled feathers. “The mass murder playing in such detail through you mind did not take place. Every drop was donated. All immortal, all happy to indulge their queen in a fun… let’s call it… tradition.”
Which was not exactly dishonest. Those immortals drained for the event really were happy to be thrown a snack so I might plump my withered prisoners up again for future bath time fun. But the miniscule details were unimportant. “It’s the perfect temperature, enhanced with essential oils, full of petals to slip against your skin, and the finest salts to soothe your aches. Best to get in now before it begins to curdle. Do you want our people to be sad to hear their gift was wasted?”
But she was not budging no matter how gentle my voice or touch.
The expression of horror