Page 27 of Garden of Ashes & Hope

Her brow furrows in confusion. "Why?"

I cup her face gently. "Because you're my prisoner, remember? And prisoners follow orders." I manage a small smile. "But really... It's because some chaos and fighting is necessary in this world. But you're a gardener, not a fighter. I don't want you to see any more violence than you have to."

Understanding dawns in her eyes. She nods, turning to allow me to tie the blindfold.

As I lead her away from the carnage, her hand trustingly in mine, I feel a fierce surge of protectiveness. Yes, I am a monster. A demon. A destroyer. But for Eve, I will use that darkness to carve out a space of light and peace.

We have a long journey ahead. The golden coast still calls. But now, more than ever, I'm determined to get us there. To give Eve the garden she dreams of, the peace she deserves.

19

EVE

After we rest and put distance between us, Mordakus pulls me into his arms, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation, of exhilaration. After everything we've been through, it's a miracle that we're here, alive, together.

His eyes are a fiery inferno, filled with heat and hunger. I see the barely restrained power within him, the creature he tries to keep at bay. But tonight, I'm not afraid.

I reach up, my hands bolder than I've ever been before, and cup the sides of his face. I hold his gaze, my own burning with a mix of need and determination.

"Make me feel alive, Mordakus," I whisper against his lips, my breath hot and desperate. I don't need to say please. I know he can see it in my eyes, hear it in my tone. I wouldn't be here, in his arms, if I didn't trust him implicitly.

A growl rumbles in his chest, the savage sound sending a shiver down my spine. I feel his control slip, his demon side coming forward in the best kind of way.

He pulls back, his eyes flashing as his grip on me tightens. I let out a startled cry as he suddenly lifts me off the ground, and my heart hammers in my chest as he turns and pins me against the nearest tree.

I can feel the rough bark biting into my back, but the discomfort is swept away by the electric flush of desire that washes over me.

Mordakus lowers his head, nipping and sucking at my neck. I let out a gasp as his teeth scrape against my skin. The sensation is exquisite, the sting of pain only adding to the pleasure already coursing through me.

His hands move, sliding up under my shirt, and palming my breasts. I can't help but moan as he squeezes, his fingers finding my nipples and circling the stiff peaks.

"You've tormented me, Eve," he growls, his voice like gravel. "With your innocence, your beauty, your spirit. And now, I'm going to take what's mine."

"Yours," I breathe, the word slipping from my lips like a prayer. I want to belong to him, body and soul. I want to be his completely.

His hands move again, this time reaching up to cup my face. He tilts my head back, baring my throat to him. Then, he kisses me. It's not gentle or sweet. It's a claim, a branding of his lips against mine.

I devour him just as eagerly, our lips clashing in a heated, wet dance. I can taste the ferocity of his desire, the hunger.

Mordakus tugs at my shirt, ripping it off my body. I gasp as the cool air hits my skin, my nipples furling into tight points.

He moves to bind my wrists with my torn shirt, his eyes never leaving mine. It's rough and quick, and then he takes a step back, his gaze raking over me.

"On your knees, Eve," he orders, his voice barely human.

I slide to the ground, the damp soil cold and unyielding beneath me. I look up, holding Mordakus' gaze as he releases his erection from his pants.

Even in the dim light, I can see the thick, pulsating length of him. He's huge, far bigger than any man I've ever been with. But I'm not afraid. Not with him.

I reach out, wrapping my fingers around the thickened length of his cock. He hisses at my touch, his hands fisting at his sides. But he doesn't stop me, so I lean forward, my tongue swirling around the head of his erection.

He tastes like salt and sin, and I can't help but crave more. I take him deeper, my hand moving to cup his balls as I suck him.

Mordakus' hands tangle in my hair, holding me as he starts to move. His thrusts are slow at first, giving me a chance to adjust. Then, he starts to go faster, harder.

I keep my eyes on his, watching as his face tightens with pleasure. I can feel him, taste him, all hot and hard and desperate in my mouth.

He's close. I can feel it in the way his cock pulses, the way his hands grip my hair. And then, with a roar, he comes, his seed spilling down my throat.

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