Page 72 of Death and Desire

Chapter Nineteen

The familiar blackcloud of smoke surrounded them. Slowly, it encircled her limbs and twined their bodies together, as if melding them into a single form.

Violet shivered as he transformed beneath her touch, his large frame shifting to the broad strength of a man. The smoke dissipated, revealing the dark eyes and handsome face she’d encountered at the gala.

Khalid held her. She brushed his dark hair back, reveling in the silken strands sliding beneath her fingertips, much like the fur in his true form.

“Why did you change?” Violet asked, her voice husky with need. “Do you think I only desire you as a human?”

“I sense your desire for me in both forms.” Khalid’s full lips twitched. “As much as I wish to lay claim to you, there are restrictions in this realm.”

“Restrictions?” Violet’s curiosity grew. “What—?”

“Would you like answers, or would you rather I sate your lust, little flower?” He arched a brow, amusement slowly transforming his face from stoic to sinful.

Heat flared to life in the pit of her stomach. She tightened her hold on him, aware of the solid press of his cock at her center, barred only by the thin fabric they both wore. It had been too long since she’d embraced her desires, but never had she encountered such desperate hunger. She threaded her fingers through his thick hair, cradling the back of his head, and pulled him closer.

Her lips touched his. A spark ignited an inferno within her. Soft, warm, pliant, his mouth parted with a gasp, teasing, inviting her to explore. He tasted of exotic spices and rich honeyed treats. Somewhere beneath it lay forbidden desires and darkness. Violet moaned when his tongue caressed hers.

Khalid tightened his grip on her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh. He backed up, carrying her to the bed. Sinking slowly to the mattress, he settled her on his lap. Knees pressed to the soft bedding, Violet straddled his thighs, cursing the linen and silk keeping her from feeling the heat of his skin on hers.

She swore, tugging at the buttons of his linen shirt. His hands slid up her thighs and over her hips. After he reached her waist, his thumbs brushed up to the curve of her breasts.

So eager,he whispered in her mind, and the familiar caress she’d come to associate with his presence soothed her.

He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her throat. Her hands stilled on his chest, where the fabric gaped, the quest to undress him abandoned at the sensation he created with the simple press of his mouth to her skin.

“Please...” The plea echoed from between her panting breaths.

Khalid grasped the lapels of her silk robe and peeled them over her shoulders, allowing his fingertips to ghost across her skin. The gentle caress sent a bolt of need through her, landing heavily in the pit of her gut, feeding the raging fire inside her.

Cool air did nothing to soothe her heated ache. Her nipples puckered, brushing the linen of his shirt.

“So beautiful,” he murmured, leaning down to take one of the hard peaks in his mouth.

A deep moan ripped from her throat. He teased the nipple with his tongue while his hand covered the other, rolling the bud between his fingertips.

Violet rocked against him, gripping his shoulders for balance, fisting her hands in the fabric of his shirt, anything to remain grounded.

Khalid pulled back, sucking hard before releasing her nipple with a soft pop. “I want to taste all of you.”

Hearing his strained voice, molten with need, unleashed a torrent inside her. She shivered as he pulled the silk away and dropped it to the floor before grasping her waist and lifting her from his lap.

The change in position left her momentarily disappointed.

But when he laid her on the bed and stood, her breath hitched at the sight of his cock tenting the front of his trousers. Her cheeks heated, and she lifted her gaze to his face.

Khalid pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Violet moved to kneel on the bed before him as he reached for his waist.

“Let me.” She nudged his hand aside and slowly unfastened the button. Her fingertips grazed the length of his cock over fabric, and he sucked in a breath.

He hooked his thumbs in the band and pushed the fabric down, stepping out of it. Khalid stood bare before her, his cock heavy between his thighs. He growled deep in his throat as she took him in her hands. The silken length of him was hard in her palm as she stroked it. Once, twice.

She marveled at the perfection of his human form, but deep in the recesses of her mind, she wondered what his true form offered.

“Such a curious mind.” Khalid tipped her chin. “One day, I will show you.”

“But—”

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