Page 136 of The Devil's Chaos

“Oh, we plan to,” Kai retorted with a wink. “And trust me, you’ll be thanking us when you find out what I plan on doing to her.”

Archer flipped him off good-naturedly, and everyone erupted into laughter once more.

“Later,” I whispered as I tried to maintain some semblance of composure in front of our family. “I promise I'll make it worth the wait.”

His eyes darkened with lust, a low growl rumbled in his chest. “I'll hold you to that, little lamb. In fact, I've got a few ideas of just how you can…repay me for my patience.”

Before I could respond, a sharp clink drew our attention back to the table. Cassian stood and raised his glass in a toast as his gaze swept over us with paternal pride and affection.

“To family,” he declared while his deep voice resonated with emotion. “To the unbreakable bonds that have brought us together through trial and triumph. May we cherish these moments and always stand united, no matter what challenges lie ahead.”

“To family,” we echoed, glasses raised in unison.

As I sipped the bubbling champagne, Kai’s hand found mine beneath the table, our fingers intertwined in a silent promise. Our love was an anchor that kept me grounded, the light that guided me through the darkest of times.

When everyone started having their own conversations and excused themselves, I leaned over and whispered in Kai’s ear.“Remember when you said you only wanted a dance from me that night in the club?”

His lips curved into a smirk at my words as his eyes glinted with mischief. “How could I forget?” he murmured while his thumb traced tantalizing circles on the back of my hand. “That was the night that everything changed. The night I realized I couldn’t stay away from you, no matter how hard I tried.”

“And look at us now,” I whispered as I leaned closer until our breaths mingled. “Who would’ve thought we would be here?”

“I did. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were different. I didn’t realize how much you’d come to mean to me.” He kissed my hand while he let his lips linger as he said, “But you still owe me that dance.”

My heart swelled, “You’re right. I think it’s time to settle that debt.” I purred as I rose to my seat. “If you can catch me, that is.”

“Are you underestimating my seeking abilities?”

“I wouldn’t dare. But I think you’re underestimating my hiding abilities.” I leaned down and kissed him. “Oh, and bring that mask of yours.”

With that, I turned and sauntered away from the table, putting an extra sway in my hips, knowing full well his gaze was glued to my every move. I could feel the heat of his stare, the anticipation built with each step I took. I made my way across the lawn and into the maze garden. The towering hedges cast eerie shadows in the moonlight. I wove through the twisting paths, my heart pounded with exhilaration. The thrill of the chase and the delicious anticipation of what was to come set my blood on fire.

I reached one of the secluded alcoves, one with a tinkling fountain. As I caught my breath, I sat on the stone edge and trailed my fingers through the cool water. I could almost hear his footsteps in the stillness, his presence drew nearer with each passing second. I ducked behind the fountain while I waited forhim to enter the clearing. There was a rustle behind me, then his strong arms encircled my waist and he pulled me back against his solid chest. I gasped, even as a shiver of desire raced down my spine.

“Found you,” his lips brushed against my ear.

I turned in his embrace and slid my hands up to his chest to loop around his neck. He wore his silver devil mask, the moonlight glinting off the metal. “Took you long enough,” I teased as I bit my lip while stepping away from him, beckoning him closer with a crook of my finger.

He stalked toward me, his movements predatory. “I thought I’d give you a head start. Didn’t want to make it too easy.”

“Since when do you play fair?” I breathed as he closed the distance between us.

His hands skimmed down my sides and settled on my hips as he pulled me flush against him. “Who said anything about playing fair?” he growled, his lips a hair’s breadth from mine. “I plan on taking my prize by whatever means necessary.”

I shivered at the promise in his words, the barely restrained hunger in his gaze. “And what prize would that be?” I whispered while my fingers toyed with the hair at the nape of his neck.

“You,” he rasped before he lifted his mask and claimed my mouth with a kiss that stole the breath from my lungs.

I melted into him and surrendered to the scorching heat of his kiss and the demanding press of my lips. His tongue delved deep, tangled with mine in a dance that left me weak in the knees.

He walked me backward until my legs hit the cool stone of the fountain. When I broke the kiss, he trailed his lips down the column of my throat as he nipped and sucked at my sensitive skin. I threw my head back, and a breathy moan escaped my throat as his teeth grazed my racing pulse.

“Now, about that dance you wanted…”

He pulled his mask back down. “I intend to collect. With interest.”

My devil isn’tone to be denied. I’m entirely consumed by his chaos. In him, I found the power of my flame, and he’s the one to control it. He pierced through my soul, a swirled vortex of icy blue that threatened to drown me. He’s my addiction, my obsession, the one who sets my soul ablaze with a single glance. In his arms, I am reborn, a phoenix rising from the ashes of my past.

My savior.

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