Page 169 of Dark Fate

As I follow the sound of water trickling, a previously unnoticed door at the far end of the room catches my attention. I steel myself for whatever awaits on the other side and push it open. My eyes adjust to the sight, and I can't hold back my reaction to the unexpected scene that unfolds before me.

"What in the ever-loving fuck, Lucian? You twisted son of a bitch." The words roll through my mind directly to Lucian's through our mental link, laced with disbelief and admiration.

I step further into the room, my eyes widening in surprise and reluctant intrigue as I take in the sight before me. It's like I've stumbled into a fucking sex dungeon on steroids, every conceivable toy and piece of BDSM equipment laid out like some kinky buffet. Swings, whips, chains, floggers, leather—you name it, it's here, along with a collection of dildos that would make a porn star blush.

"Ah, yes,"Luciandrawls in my mind, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "Look who's discovered my little den of debauchery. Welcome to the pleasure palace, brother!"

I shoot him a glare through our mental connection, trying to ignore the heat creeping up the back of my neck. "Jesus Christ,Lucian. Do you ever think about anything other than getting your rocks off?"

"Hey, don't knock it 'til you've tried it,Rhy. A little bit of kink never hurt anyone. Well, unless they wanted it to, of course."

I roll my eyes but can't help how my gaze is drawn back to the array of toys and equipment. It's like a fucking car crash—I know I shouldn't look, but I can't seem to tear my eyes away.

"Feel free to take anything for a spin,"Lucianoffers, his tone dripping with innuendo. "I promise, everything's cleaner than a virgin's conscience. My crew is very thorough."

I scoff, shaking my head in disbelief. "Yeah, I think I'll pass. Unlike you, I don't need a fucking arsenal of sex toys to get the job done."

Lucianlaughs, his tone full of mischief. "Sure, sure. But let's be real,Rhy-Rhy—we both know you've got a kinky side. Don't be afraid to embrace it. Who knows? Maybe you'll find something to make your littlefirecracker's toes curl."

I mentally flip him off. FuckingLucianand his fucking sex dungeon. I swear, one of these days, I'm going to strangle him with one of those goddamn leather straps.

But even as I make my way back toDani, I can't shake the images from my mind—the swings, the cuffs, the fucking whips. And Gods help me, a part of me can't help but wonder what it would be like to use them on her, to watch her come undone beneath me as I—

No. Fuck, no. I shut that train of thought down before it could go any further. The last thing I need right now is to be thinking with my dick.Danineeds me, and I'll be damned if I let her down again.

As I enter the adjoining room, my mind races with thoughts of Dani and what she's going through. She's always been so strong, so fucking resilient, but losing Adrian like that... it's enough to break anyone—even a fiery thing like her.

But that's where I come in. If there's even a chance that I can be the one to help put her back together, to show her that I fucked up and try to fix the broken pieces, then I'm sure as hell going to do it.

I push open the door to the bathroom, and I'm immediately hit with a wall of steam, the air heavy with the scent of jasmine and vanilla. And there, standing under the double shower like a fucking goddess, is Dani. The water cascades down her curves, highlighting every dip and swell, and I feel my blood run hot with desire.

I know I need to tread carefully here—she's in a vulnerable place, and the last thing I want to do is push her too far. But at the same time, I know that sometimes, the best way to heal is to let yourself get lost in sensation and forget the pain and the heartache, even if only for a little while.

So I strip off my clothes and step into the shower behind her, sliding my arms around her waist and pulling her back against my chest. She tenses for a moment, but then I feel her relax into me, her body molding to mine like it was always meant to be there.

"I'm sorry, Angel," I murmur, pressing my lips to the shell of her ear. "I'm so fucking sorry."

She shudders in my arms, and I tighten my grip, letting her know I'm here and not going anywhere. She presses her hand to my forearm, her fingers trembling slightly, and I feel my heart clench.

I trail my hands up her body, mapping out the curves and planes I always dream about. I cup her breasts in my palms, feeling the weight of them, the way her nipples pebble against my palms. She lets out a soft gasp, arching into my touch, and I know that no matter what happens next, I'll do whatever it takes to make her feel good, to chase away the darkness and the pain, even if only for a little while.

Because that's what you do for the people you love: You fight for them, even when they can't fight for themselves. And Dani? She's worth fighting for—always.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, she speaks up, her voice barely a whisper. "I know you are," she admits, her words filled with an unspoken vulnerability. Dani's voice trembles, her fiery exterior cracking just a little, "I can feel your pain too. I-I just wish you hadn't fought with me and allowed me to give him my blood—this all could've been avoided." she pauses for a beat, "I'm sorry… for reacting that way. It's just… I wanted to help him, to save him. My Mother—" She takes a deep breath to regain her composure.

As I gently run my fingers through her soaked tresses, I can't help but be captivated by the feeling of wet silk against my skin. The vanilla scent of the shampoo she used fills the air, adding to the intoxicating mix of emotions coursing through me. Her crown is absent now, leaving behind the vulnerable and beautiful woman I can't help but be enamored with.

The words tumble out of Dani's mouth on an uneven breath, the revelation still raw. "I'm not blind—I see it in your eyes. No pardons for his kind of betrayal." She pauses, steadying herself. "But now, what's our play? Azrael's sitting pretty with the secret Seraphina swore should never fall into enemy hands." Her voice carries the weight of the predicament we're faced with, a hint of determination simmering beneath the uncertainty.

The icy tendrils of fear grip my heart; the same terror I know is coursing through Dani's veins. Her deepest, darkest secret is now in the hands of our most dangerous enemy.

I press my lips to her pulse point, feeling the frantic beat beneath my tongue. "I swear on my life, I will protect you, Dani. I will fight to my last fucking breath to keep you safe." My words are a solemn vow, a promise etched in steel.

"That bastard will never lay a finger on you or any of his minions. I won't let them get within an inch of you." My voice is low and fierce, brimming with unwavering determination.

I feel the tremble in her exhale, the fear still clinging to every fiber of her being, radiating from her mind like a distress beacon. It breaks my fucking heart to see her like this, so vulnerable and shaken to the core.

I can't resist the urge to tangle my fingers in her silky tresses, giving them a mischievous little tug. "Listen up, baby girl. I won't let a single fucking thing harm a hair on your head," I declare, my tone a mix of unwavering resolve and gentle devotion. "I'll tear apart anyone who even thinks about messing with you."

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