Page 23 of Dark Captivation

Malek and Ferina both glanced at me just in time to see the doctor moving her supplies around. It’s your turn next, my King. Please have a seat here.” The doctor pulled up another chair next to mine.

“Don’t trouble yourself doctor, I brought you here for her. My wounds have already healed, I deflected the blast before it did too much damage.”

Ferina took a look at her brother, scanning him from head to toe. His shirt was ripped in dozens of places but that was more from his transformation than injuries. Satisfied that her brother was fine, Ferina took a seat and scrolled through social media on her phone. While Malek came to me, kneeling at my side as the doctor left the room.

“Thank the heavens you’re alright, Dearest One.” Malek scooped me up, squeezing me in his protective embrace. “Nothing gives me more peace than to know you’re fine. And to answer your question, Jeffrey is a raven. I found him caught in a bear trap shortly after I lost you all those years ago. He’s been a good companion to me, but familiars are supposed to cling to only one owner. Jeffrey has been getting a bit too friendly with other demons.”

“If you want to be monogamous, then put a ring on his beak,” Ferina continued scrolling.

“I only have one ring to give, and Jeffrey’s beak is not where I plan to put it.” Malek said under his breath as his warm lips caressed mine, the soft touch sensitizing my skin and driving my senses wild.

He sucked my lower lip with gusto, his lips sweet as fresh honey. Something inside me vibrated as bolts of need burst through me. The bolts rumbled along my lips, venturing down my neck and torso, rocketing for my fevered pussy.

His earthy scent beckoned to me, forcing my nostrils to open and let more of him in. His savage kiss began an onslaught of sensations, ravaging my body, leaving me feeling both energized and worn, aroused and intimidated by his power.

He broke our kiss and just gawked at me for a long moment. Glorious power radiated from his pupils, stealing my desire to look anywhere but at him. Dark beauty was the enchanting power of his eyes. Crystal-like, their shine took my breath away, making me shudder with every blink.

“Is the sweet and hot soup ready? Lady Livienne needs a bowl.” Malek said and the clack of heels alerted me to the aproned woman waiting at the door.

After a curtsy to Malek, the woman carried in a tray that held a bowl filled with soup and four different kinds of spoons.

Delicately setting me on the bed, Malek allowed the woman to place the tray on my lap. The soup was creamy white and smelled divine. I thanked her and she said I was welcomed.

I reached for the spoon and the maid beat me to it, taking the spoon in hand. “No, my lady, you are still healing. Rest your arm and allow me.”

She leaned over the bed, carefully spooning just a little bit of soup and aiming it for my mouth, as if I were a child. I knew she meant well, but it did feel a bit awkward, especially since Malek was standing right there, watching everything.

“Please. I’m perfectly capable of feeding myself.” I waved both hands from side to side. “I’m not used to being pampered like this.”

“Please, allow me to take care of everything. You need not waste your precious energy.” She said and the spoon entered my mouth and my tastebuds sang. It was like sweet corn mixed with a hint of something sour? Maybe rhubarb and undertones of applewood smoked bacon.

“Okay, I just had a flavorgasm,” I said jokingly.

The maid giggled, her face swiftly going stoic again.

Malek’s eyes went wide in wonder, his pupils darkening with desire.

She dipped the spoon in the soup and Malek cleared his throat. “Thank you, Sarah. I will take it from here.” His voice sounded deeper and more feral than before.

Malek took a seat on the edge of the bed and reached for the spoon.

“Like I said, my arm isn’t broken. I can still feed myself.” I pronounced, as he filled it with soup. Drawing it near my lips, he waited for me to open them.

“Don’t deny me the joy of caring for my sick bride.” He said sweetly.

While I didn’t like the childish undertones of this, part of me didn’t completely hate the idea. I’d never been pampered like this before. And the way he looked at me displayed such devotion. He’d searched for me for years, and to him I was some kind of treasure. As morally reprehensible as I found his war plans, something in me didn’t want to disappoint him.

“Okay, fine.” My lips parted for the soup and joy made his face dazzle.

Malek watched me keenly, his nostrils flaring just a bit every time the spoon passed my lips. By the smile that wrinkled his cheeks, he was imagining something involving my lips, something he dared not voice, at least not yet. The next spoonful entered my mouth, the spoon caressing my tongue in a circular pattern.

Malek’s gaze glossed over with lust as he swallowed. This was starting to feel like so much more than lunch.

There was a naughty game beginning between the two of us. Every time he touched me, my nerve endings sang to the heavens. Even this spoon felt like more than cold metal in his hands. If I’d fed myself, the soup would have just been soup. But in his hands, it was spicier, more flavorful and desirable.

The soup’s heat spread from my belly, spreading down to between my legs. As he continued to spoon feed me, I wondered what he tasted like.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing.” He popped my thought bubble. “That mage was just an assassin sent by my enemies. A futile attempt at preventing war.”

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