Page 51 of Chains of Blood and Darkness

“Angelo, I…” My voice trembled slightly. “I’ve never...I mean, I’m…”

I trailed off, a flush of embarrassment blazing across my face. How could I tell him that I was a virgin with no experience of men? Would he think any less of me, or would it inflame his desire further?

Angelo drew back slightly, seeing my hesitation, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. “Serenity,” he murmured, his eyes searching mine. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. I want you—more than I’ve ever wanted anyone—but I would never pressure you.”

His words of gentle understanding eased some of the tension in my body.

I leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his presence. “It’s not that I don’t want to,” I whispered. “I do. It’s just...I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m a virgin.”

“I know.” He brushed a stray hair off my face. “Remember the auction? Simon said as much.” He broke out in a small smile. There was no judgment in his gaze, only a fierce possessiveness that sent a shiver down my spine. “Allow me to be your first. Not just your first—your only,” he breathed, his voice low and rough.

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear as he spoke. “I want to be the only one ever to touch you like this, Serenity. The only one to bring you pleasure, to worship your body in the way it deserves. I want to claim you, to make you mine in every way possible.”

I never thought a man would say anything like this to me. All the guys I had ever gone out with had only ever thought of themselves. This was someone who had killed forme, and as horrible as the thought might be, he had gotten rid of the man who had haunted me my entire life, making each day a living nightmare.

His words and the raw desire in his voice ignited a fire deep within me. I knew that if I gave myself to him, there would be no going back. He would consume me body and soul, and I would be forever changed.

He slipped his hand through my hair. “Any man who dares to lay a hand on you from this day forward will answer to me,” he growled, his grip on my waist tightening. “I will destroy anyone who tries to take you from me, who tries to touch what is mine.”

I should say no. Tell him that I wasn’t ready. But I was tired of always doing the right thing, always being the good girl. For once, I wanted to tiptoe into danger and taste the forbidden.

I placed my hands on his rugged cheeks and nodded. “Yes. Yours.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Serenity

Angelo ran the back of his knuckles down my cheek, his touch gentle and cool against my flushed skin. “Are you sure, my Nephilim?” His voice was soft, barely a whisper, but filled with a deep longing that resonated within me.

He wasn’t using compulsion on me. He was allowing me to make the decision myself, giving me the power to choose. I knew I was free to say no, and if I did, he would respect my choice. A warmth blossomed in my chest, spreading through my body. Surely that was the greatest gift he could give me—the freedom to decide for myself.

My heart raced, and a shiver ran down my spine as I considered this monumental crossroads in my life. I took a deep breath, feeling the certainty settle in my bones. Isquared my shoulders, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. “Yes. I want this. I want you.”

I reached up, holding his strong jaw in my hands, feeling the smooth, cool texture of his skin beneath my fingertips. Then the world fell away, and all that existed was the space between us, charged with anticipation and desire. I leaned in closer, my lips parting slightly, inviting him to seal our destiny.

He lifted me into his strong arms, and I wound my arms around the back of his neck, nestling my face into the crook of his shoulder. My fingers tugged at his man bun, setting his hair cascading down. His scent, a mix of spice and something uniquely him, surrounded me, making me feel safe and cherished.

He carried me over to the bed, his strides confident and purposeful. My heart pounded in excitement, and my chest tightened with anticipation. He kicked back the comforter and lowered me down gently, his eyes never leaving mine. The silk sheets were cool against my hot skin.

The candlelight cast a warm glow over his features, highlighting the chiseled planes of his face and the depth of emotion in his gaze. I reached up to trace my fingers along his jawline, marveling at the strength and tenderness I found there. His long hair brushed over my fingers, and I was surprised at how soft and silky it was. I threaded my hand through his hair as goosebumps broke out over my arm.

“I want to see you,” he whispered, his voice rough with desire. “All of you.”

He knelt down beside the bed, his hands skimming over my sides and leaving two paths of fiery desire in their wake.Slowly, reverently, he lifted the hem of my black dress, his fingers brushing against my skin and sending fresh shivers down my spine. I raised my arms, allowing him to slip the garment over my head and toss it aside.

I lay before him clad only in a simple black bra and panties, feeling more exposed and vulnerable than I ever had in my life. I folded my arms over my chest and crossed my legs, trying to cover myself. Such a stupid virgin move.

Angelo gently lifted my arms, his touch warm and reassuring against my skin. He met my embarrassed gaze steadily, his eyes filled with understanding and affection. “Never hide what is mine from me,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “You’re beautiful, Serenity, inside and out. I want to see all of you, to cherish every part of you.”

A wave of heat surged over my face, and I lowered my gaze, suddenly feeling even more exposed and vulnerable. “I’m just nervous,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve never…I’ve never been with anyone like this before. I’m afraid I won’t be enough.”

My hands trembled slightly, and I clasped them together in a vain effort to steady myself. Memories of my stepfather Freddie’s unwanted advances flickered through my mind, sending a chill down my spine. I took a shaky breath, trying to push away the haunting images and focus instead on the present moment with Angelo.

I yearned for his touch, for the comfort and safety of his embrace. Yet I also feared that my past trauma and inexperience would somehow taint this beautiful connection we shared. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them away, not wanting to let my insecurities win.

I forced myself to look up at Angelo, searching his face. Instead of disappointment or rejection, I saw only understanding, patience, and a desire so profound that it took my breath away. His gaze held a promise of sanctuary, a vow to cherish and protect me always, no matter what.

Angelo cupped my face between his hands, his thumb brushing gently over my cheekbone. “You are more than enough,” he assured me, his gaze fiercely sincere. “You are exquisite. Through all the centuries I lived, I’ve never encountered a woman like you, Serenity. You’ve touched me in a way that no other woman has. Your vulnerability, your trust...they are precious gifts that I will treasure forever.” His husky tone sent a thrilling tingle down my spine, as if he’d run his fingernails down my back.

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