Page 26 of Thorn of Sorrow

A hiss escaped when he pinched my nipples, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to my groin. My cock strained against the fabric of my slacks, eager to be set free. He snickered against my lips, a cute, diabolical sound that teased my senses in the best damn way.

Which only deepened my love for him.

In retaliation for his teasing, I tickled him, grinning devilishly as my fingers targeted every inch of his sides and stomach.

“Uncle!” Kyson shouted between fits of laughter, squirming uncontrollably beneath me.

His laughter moved through me like a whisper of something I’d never had but suddenly craved.

“Are you going to pinch me again?” Though I’d loved it.

“I’m waving a white flag.” He held up his hands in surrender.

“You should never give up that easily, petit oiseau.” I arched a brow.

“So you can keep tickling me?” he asked incredulously then narrowed his eyes. “I see right through you, Giovanni. You’re not fooling me.”

Every time he said my name my dick always hardened. “Busted.” I grinned. “I can’t help if I love to hear you laugh.”

“Then tell me a joke instead.” He smiled up at me.

Nothing came to mind. Joking didn’t belong in my world. Not when everyone around me was a potential threat, including my own brother. Allowing anyone to get close would only give them easier access to my throat.

Something I really wanted to remain intact.

“All I hear are crickets.” Kyson pursed his kiss-swollen lips, tempting me to take them again.

So I took them, slower this time, trailing my fingers over his ribs until I reached the waistband of his pajama pants. He arched his back, his nails digging into my biceps.

“Giovanni.” His eyelids fluttered closed, his hips jerking when I curled my hand around his hard cock. The scent of his desire thickened in the air as Kyson whimpered into my mouth.

I wanted to ravage him, ruin him like I’d wanted to do the night we’d met. To keep him safe, cherish him, and make him unravel beneath me. I moved lower down the bed, taking his pants and underwear with me.

He grew still, not a single breath leaving his lungs. I inwardly cursed but kept my features neutral. Not even his thighs had escaped Osiris’s torture. Large gashes crisscrossed his pale skin in erratic patterns, pucker marks from burns marring his delicate flesh. His legs trembled when I pressed a kiss over each mark, wishing like hell I could kill the demon a thousand more times.

And that still wouldn’t be enough to satisfy me.

Kyson caressed my hair, the touch so light I’d barely felt it. It was as if he was silently pleading for me not to be repulsed. His vulnerability was palpable, fragile in a way that would shatter with one wrong move or word.

Using the flat of my tongue, I licked my way toward his sac, inhaling the musky fragrance at the center of his body. He tried to spread his legs farther, but the fabric of his clothes restricted his movements.

In one fluid motion, I pulled his pants free and tossed them aside.

Fuck!

Red-hot anger flared inside of me as I gazed at the extent of Osiris’s cruelty. The scars covered the front and back of his thighs, as well as his calves and shins.

Kyson turned his head away, his fingers strangling the blanket. It gutted me to see him quivering, shame rushing out with every breath he expelled.

“Look at me, petit oiseau.” I murmured.

His jaw clenched, the color bleeding from his knuckles as unshed tears filled his eyes. Fierce pride swelled inside of me when he forced himself to meet my gaze. He was a true goddamn warrior, and even though his humiliation was laid bare, he was determined to face his fears and meet my gaze head-on.

I didn’t just love him. I was in love with him.

As he watched, I parted my lips, drawing the head of his cock into my mouth. My fingers caressed his scars. His nostrils flared, but he soon gave up the fight and groaned.

Which was exactly what I’d been waiting for.

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