Page 35 of Chained to the Devil's Daughter

“Flame-seared okapi!” I called down the hallway.

After some breathless shrieking in the privacy of my room, I steeled myself with a deep breath. No matter how hard I fought it, laughter bubbled forth, but I dared not giggle maniacally in private. That would be concerning.

“This is a good idea,” I mumbled to myself, ignoring the way my smile intensified at the imaginary conversation. “I have goodideas. I’m following my truth. That’s what matters, right? Yes, Searra, good girl.”

I flitted about my room like a nervous butterfly, touching things, making and discarding outfits, twirling, feeling like an utter buffoon. Some small part of me took the shape of Filaris, urging me to use my head, but I merely amplified the sound of my heart.

“I’m following my instincts,” I said aloud to my reflection, in all seriousness. “It’s time I made him mine. Officially.”

Something so risky required a risque outfit choice. Ignoring all the black in my closet, I extracted a silver gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline and lacy sleeves reminiscent of butterfly wings. Holding it against my body, I enjoyed the way the sparkle played on the tones of my skin. When I caught the eye of the giddy woman in the mirror I snorted. “Get it together, Searra. We’re too old for this.”

“Too old for what?” came a deep, familiar voice, and I turned to see Ash’ren sprawled on the tree branch, head propped against the trunk, foot kicking back and forth, glowing eyes watching me with mirth and fire and a heat that was reserved only for me.

“Too old to let demon boys sneak into my room through the window,” I snapped.

He quirked a brow and smirked that cocky smirk that did strange things in my low abdomen. He popped another dragoncherry into his mouth. “Didn’t mean to startle you, princess.”

“Don’t look so smug. It’s daytime. You usually show up here at night.”

“I missed you.”

I couldn’t help my smile, my heart tumble-weeding. “I missed you, too.”

He didn’t move. I returned to my task, deciding the gown in my hand was as good as any. Undressing, I watched him in the mirror, his gaze rapt on my body.

Trying to be sultry, I slid the new gown up my thighs, bent exaggeratedly at the waist. As it rose, I stumbled, falling straight forward. My head hit the mirror dead on.

“Yow!” I yelped. Ash’ren laughed heartily and I sent him a glare.

“Here I was thinking your grace had improved,” he said as he hopped into the room and sauntered my way, too dang sexy for his own good. He took the fabric and settled it on my shoulders. “Good thing I’m here to catch you now, Princess Fawn-Legs.”

My cheeks burned at the stupid nickname. The moment I’d revealed I was indeed the daughter of Devil, heiress to the Bone Throne, I’d fallen face-first into a cool spring and he’d fished me out, laughing. He’d never stopped teasing me since.

“We’re a little too old for name calling,” I huffed.

“I’ll never be too old to tease you, Firefly.” He nuzzled my neck, breathing deeply as though my scent was a drug. “Everything all right?”

I sank into his arms, all reticence burning away in his warmth. This was the right decision. No longer would I hide him in my bedroom. I couldn’t bear it.

“I told you,” I scolded. “I’m too old to be hiding boys in my bedroom.”

“Boys, hmm?” He clucked his tongue. “Where are they? I’m stronger than them. I’ll toss them out.”

I locked my lips tightly shut. I didn’t want to give away the surprise and hand him another reason to tease me.Princess Fawn-Legs,Princess Can’t-Keep-a-Secret; there were many versions of his playful nicknames, all of which brought out a fiercely argumentative side of my inner child when he spokethem. Who knew what was liable to spew from my traitorous mouth.

Besides, I could keep a secret. Really, I flames-well could!

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you, my love bug,” he said, pulling away to tuck my smallest braids behind my ears. “Sure you’re all right?”

“Yes.

“Do I need to—”

“No! You don’t need to make a truth bond!” I playfully flicked his nipple through his tunic, eliciting a shiver that turned his dark look even more feral. “Those are fake. I made them up! Gah, you’re impossible.”

“Impossibly handsome.”

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