Page 124 of Stroke of Shadows

“You guys play on without me,” he muttered, not bothering to turn to his brothers. The layout of the bar was as similar as before, the office still on the floor above with mirrored windows overlooking the dancefloor. Riley had added a private balcony, but Sythe was more interested in getting closer to his mate.

A tug in his chest, the warmth spreading.

Harper was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, standing there talking to Alice and Kyra. She didn’t turn at his approach, so instead he kept his distance, his heart aching at her smile.

“You ordering something or just going to stare like a creep?” Payne asked, tapping her knuckles against the top of the bar. Sam worked the other side, putting on a show with bottle flips.

“Oh, definitely a creep.” He couldn’t tear his eyes away from his mate, her laughter a sound he was addicted to. It had taken weeks before she’d allowed herself to laugh so freely, so he took every chance to make her smile.

Payne raised a black brow, several gold lines painted beneath her eyes. She’d been the bartender at Blood Bar since the beginning, and not once had she ever explained why she painted gold on her dark skin. Or why she matched it to the beads in her braids. “Wave if you need anything,” she said before turning to the next customer.

Sythe leaned against the bar, content to just watch Harper experience the place in her own way. She wore a black dress that hugged every one of her curves, and she must have felt his heated gaze because she turned.

It had only been a week since she’d officially received her trust, including the estate, and she’d already donated half of her money towards different charities specialising in children and domestic abuse. She’d stripped the Beauchamp name off of everything, picking apart her uncle’s empire piece by piece until nothing was left. She’d discussed ideas on making the estate a safe haven for those that need it and had already decided on using the name Beau rather than Beauchamp.

It was still early days, but he was so fucking proud of her.

He met her eyes of starlight, waiting for Alice and Kyra to excuse themselves before he stalked closer.

“Hi there,” he said, his attention entirely consumed by her.

“Hi,” she said, her smile so genuine it made his heart clench.

“So, do I get a name?” he asked, hoping she would play along.

“A name?” Her brows furrowed, and he laughed when her eyes widened with realisation.

“I’m Sythe.”

Her eyes glittered with amusement. “I don’t remember asking for your name.”

“I didn’t want you to be moaning the wrong guy’s name later. Bad for the ego.” He winked, noticing how her pupils dilated. His mate was so responsive, and he fucking loved it.

“You think you have that ability?” she replied, her voice slightly hoarse, and he knew if he slipped his fingers between her legs, she’d already be wet for him.

“Only way to find out is by taking the free trial.” He dipped his head, brushing his lips to her ear. “You know,” he continued. “A trial period where you have unrestricted reign over my body. No strings attached.”

She placed her palms on his chest. “What if I want the strings attached?”

Sythe grinned, lifting her up to sit her on the edge of the bar. “So you’re picking the world-shattering orgasm, then?” he growled before placing soft kisses to her throat.

She melted in his arms, her pulse racing against his lips. “Promises, Mr Edwards.”

HARPER

Sythe lifted her into his arms, her legs automatically wrapping around his waist as he carried her through the crowd.

Harper laughed, hooking her arms around his neck. Her new friends watched on amused, their smiles knowing as Sythe carried her up the stairs towards the roped-off section. The balcony overlooked everything below, but the booth was far enough away from the glass barrier to be private.

He set her on the table, pulling her so she hovered on the edge.

“What are you—”

Sythe kissed her like it would be their last. He always did that, as if each kiss was all-consuming. His stubble was rough against her skin, and she loved how he held her as if she wasn’t broken. His hands brushed up her legs, his thumbs teasing the inside of her thighs.

She’d missed him. It was pathetic, really, considering it had only been a few days. He’d given her what she needed, now it was time she gave him what he needed.

Fighting the blush that threatened to ruin everything, she pulled back, only for him to nibble at her throat. Her legs wanted to press together in anticipation, a need pulsing low in her belly.

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