Page 111 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

Breath held, she closed her eyes as his nose skimmed along her skin.

He growled, the sound low this time. Less threatening. Almost... soothing.

"It’s okay." Aekeira’s hand gently trailed up his abdomen to the ridges of his broad back, the corded muscles beneath her fingers impossibly firm. He was terrifyingly powerful, and it was like petting a wild lion. Yet Aekeira couldn't stop touching him. “I am here.”

Another rumble. This one softer... almost a purr.

“I am here,” she repeated. Her hands, trembling, continuing to stroke his back gently.

Hepurred.

The sound was so odd, so unexpectedly warm and soothing, that for a moment Aekeira couldn't believe it came from this half-male-half-beast before her.

But then he did it again.

A long, rumbling purr that sent butterfly flutters through her belly, chasing away the last ruins of fear.

"Holy Ukrae," Lord Ottai's shocked words cut through the moment, jolting Aekeira.

She had been so focused on Lord VLadya, so caught up in his presence, she'd completely forgotten their audience. Glancing at the two grand rulers, both looked utterly stunned. They stared at her in open astonishment.

Lord Ottai's surprise was written all over his face, but the grand king's expression was more reserved. He lookedthoughtful, analyzing... and a trace of something Aekeira couldn't quite decipher in his eyes.

Lord Vladya continued to nuzzle against her neck, his nose brushing against her skin. Another purr followed.

Then, with a shuddering sigh, he began to shift back to his human form.

His towering height diminished, claws and fangs retracted, fur receded. The wildness in his eyes softened, just a little.

"Aekeira," he rasped, taking a step back. He still looked a bit feral, yellow still lingering in his gray eyes. "I need..."

"What do you need?" She was drawn into those piercing eyes like a moth to a flame.

Lord Vladya swallowed. Wetting his lips, he asked in a rough tone. "Remember those dark thoughts I told you I had?"

Aekeira remembered.

Of course,she remembered.

They had haunted her ever since he'd spoken of them.

"Where you wish to tie me up… and h-hurt me?" she asked, just to confirm.

He gave a brief nod, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "Now would be a good time to make that run for the hills.

I am fighting my instincts not to shove you against this wall, tear your clothes away, and fuck you so hard you won't know your left from your right. I am fightingnotto..." His breath came in heavy, uneven bursts. "I am fighting, Aekeira. Now would be a good time toflee."

"Wh-where could I possibly flee?" she asked, pulse quickened, face flushed. "The grand rulers will find me and bring me—"

"You will be left alone. I will order it."

"Uhm, hold on, not so fast," King Daemonikai's voice cut through. “Regrettably, V.D., that might be a promise you can’t keep. No matter where she hides, I will find her and ensure she’s returned here.”

Aekeira felt warmth spread through her cheeks, she burrowed closer into the warmth of the half-feral male she should be fleeing from.Curse their heightened hearing.

"Stay out of this, Daemon," Lord Vladya hissed, his stare never leaving Aekeira's face. "Just say the word, and I will make it so."

Say the word! Say the word, Aekeira!

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