Page 22 of Ashes to Ashes

“You are completely and utterly mine. I will possess you until there is nothing left but memories in your mind.”

His lips trailed softly across her cheek, down her jawline to where her pulse hammered wildly at the base of her neck. He nipped at the delicate skin before placing a gentle kiss there. A pang of desire hit him in the chest when she moaned softly in response.

Not even the envy slamming into him from every single guest at his ball could overrule the desire coursing through his body.She would never have his kiss, but he was going to mark every inch of her body with his until the entire kingdom envied her position with him and his with her.

CHAPTER 12

As she stood before Leviathan, her heart raced with exhilaration but also a fear that he would figure her out. His eyes, dark blue pools of intensity, bore into hers.

The simple words that escaped his lips carried a heavy weight of desire that left her breathless. She couldn’t believe he wanted her, a mere human among his kind. A surge of excitement dashed through her before a little voice reminded her she wasn’t the demon he thought she was, and her time was short.

Leviathan’s fingers trailed up her bare arm, leaving behind a trail of goosebumps in their wake that were almost invisible amongst her scales. He stopped his touches just short of her face, his presence overwhelming and intoxicating. A heady mix of smoke and desire enveloped her senses, clouding her mind and making her knees weak. His wings, a testament to his demonic heritage, fanned out behind him, casting them in a sensual darkness despite the flickering candles all around the ballroom.

Despite her better judgment, Ashe couldn’t tear her eyes from his. This was about her escape, but she couldn’t deny the way Leviathan’s body against hers sent her mind reeling with desire. His eyes were like the depths of the ocean, both beautifuland terrifying. In them, she saw the raging inferno of his need, and for a fleeting moment, she felt a thrill of power. She held his gaze, her heart hammering in her chest, and leaned in just a little closer.

“You belong to me.”

He smiled as her body responded like a woman in need, and her lips parted in slight shock at his declaration.

“You are completely and utterly mine. I will possess you until there is nothing left but memories in your mind.”

His lips trailed softly across her cheek, down her jawline to where her pulse hammered wildly at the base of her neck. He nipped at the delicate skin before placing a gentle kiss there, and Ashe could scarcely remember her goal had everything to do with his kiss for her escape, and not just her pleasure.

Ashe didn’t know how to reply, her tongue was thick and heavy in her mouth. Instead, she held his gaze, a dangerous spark in her own eyes.

Leviathan’s lips curved into a smirk. “Oh, this will be interesting,” he purred, one eyebrow arching in amusement. He leaned in, his mouth mere centimeters from hers. “But I thrive on a challenge.”

Ashe’s pulse raced, her heart threatening to leap out of her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as she waited for his next move. His lips brushed hers, featherlight, teasing, then his tongue flicked out to trace the line of her chin, and desire pooled in her core.

At that moment, the ball around them vanished. The lustful whispers and envious glances of the other demons melted away, leaving only the two of them lost in their own world. Leviathan’s grip on her waist tightened, pulling her impossibly close before grinding his hips against hers.

Ashe’s resolve crumbled like sand under a tidal wave. She melted into his arms, her hands tangling in his dark hair as ifshe could pull them closer together. The contact sent electricity shooting through her veins.

The music and flickering torches seemed to fade away until there was nothing left but the two of them, caught in a storm of passion and forbidden desire. Ashe’s worries and resentments melted away, consumed by the flames of lust and need that burned between them, and for a single, fleeting moment, she was herself in this demon disguise, living a life she’d never known she wanted.

Without a word, Leviathan’s hand intertwined with hers and he pulled her out of the room, leading her through the throngs of envious onlookers and out onto a balcony overlooking the demon city. The night air was cool and heavy with the scent of brimstone and desire.

Ashe’s heart pounded in her chest as she stared up at him, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “Leviathan. . . ” she began, unsure of what to say.

“So, you do know my name,” his lips played along her collarbone. “That is very good because you will scream it shortly”.

His growl was primal, and Ashe rubbed her legs together to hold off the pulsing promise he gave her.

Leviathan’s grip changed, moving from just one wrist to her waist. Without a word, he spun her around, slamming her against the cold marble wall of the balcony. His hands roamed her body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake, and Ashe arched into his touch.

Ashe’s body quivered with anticipation as she felt Leviathan’s hands slide up her thighs and grip her hips, pulling her close against him. She could feel his arousal pressed against her, and a surge of desire shot through her at the thought of being taken by this powerful demon.

Without warning, Leviathan’s fingers gripped the bottom of her gown, ripping it in his haste to remove it. Ashe gasped as the silky fabric fell away, leaving her exposed.

His arousal was a torment, pressed against the small of her back—a promise of the desire coursing through him. She didn’t know when he’d found the time to remove his pants, but he was staking a claim she would not resist if only he’d grant her his kiss.

While one finger worked over her swollen bud, the other roamed over her body, leaving trails of fire in their wake as they explored every curve and dip.

He seemed to sense exactly what she needed, driving her closer and closer to the edge before suddenly stopping. She whimpered, her hips thrusting to find the finger that was no longer there.

Her eyes opened to find Leviathan smirking down at her. “You’re not going anywhere,” he growled before spinning her back to face him.

She could see nothing but the actual glow of his eyes, bright with hunger for her.

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