Page 30 of Caged By Dance and Desire

“What do you want?” I asked. “What would help?”

He slid an arm under my buttocks and lifted me. I squealed, throwing my arms around his neck as he tumbled me onto the bed—not onto the dress, thank you.

“Open for me.” He braced a knee on the bed, his hands bracketing my head, his eyes hot on my body. “Open your legs. Let me taste you.”

I covered my face with my hands. “Oh, sweet baby Jesus.”

Andrei paused. “Your constant references to your infant demigod puzzle me. . .has no man ever pleasured you with his mouth?”

I so did not want to have this conversation. “Not effectively, or with any enthusiasm. To be honest, I really don't like it.”

Another long pause, but I didn't take the bait. I kept my face covered. My cheeks were probably as hot as his skin by now.

“You don't like it. I. . .see. That might explain some things.”

Now I did lower my hands, glaring at him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He drew a finger down the valley between my breasts, his gaze holding mine. “I don't think you could resist me so obstinately if you had any idea what I could do to you. Do you like sex at all?”

I shifted my attention to the wall over his shoulder.

Andrei sighed. “If I were a better man that would displease me. But their foolishness will only work in my favor. Shall we make a bargain?”

I jerked my gaze back to his. He’d slipped into Cassanian that last sentence, but it was a standard phrase I’d learned. Andrei gave me a bland smile, eyes a little too wide as he tilted his head. Because his hair was slicked back, it couldn't fall in his face and give him that faux innocent look he liked to weaponize.

“The bargain?” I asked, voice flat.

I guessed we were starting the Phases now. Somehow we’d skipped to Phase Three:

(Bargaining) He Insists More Sex Makes Everything Better or It Can’t Hurt That Bad, You Must Be Exaggerating.

AKA: Gaslighting

Except in this case, it wasn’t more. Hence the skipping Phases, which was a really bad sign. I didn’t like when they mixed them either, that always made things messier.

“If I can't make you come with nothing but my mouth, I'll accept whatever decision you make regarding your living quarters.”

My eyes widened. “You'll let me move back to my apartment?”

“Yes.” The sound tore out of him. Then his voice calmed. “But it won't come to that.”

“You're awfully confident.”

The smile turned sweet. I didn't think he meant me to see the teeth of the trap underneath.

“Take the bargain, Hasannah.” Sharp teeth.

“All right. Bargain accepted.”

“Good girl. Now spread your thighs wide for me. . .yes, darling.” Andrei slid off the bed to his knees. “I could roll in your scent for hours, but we don't have the time.”

I cringed a little, since that scent was old-fashioned, slightly sweaty woman. . .oh, well. He seemed to like it.

To each his own?

“I said only my mouth, so be a darling and spread your folds open for me?”

“What? No, I am not going to?—”

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