Page 235 of Flirting with Darkness

“Pain won’t stop me from breaking your control over me. Or escaping,” he mumbled.

I liked his stubbornness, but I doubted he’d be able to break an ancient vampire lord’s compulsion that quickly. “Maybe not. But I can tell you now, little human; I will hunt you down and take great pleasure in your punishment.” I gave a humourless chuckle as he shuddered. “No? Don’t you want me to punish you?”

Elliot shook his head, and I snarled at the intense fear he emitted. He thought I’d hurt him when nothing was further from the truth. Now I realised what that tug was behind my ribs, right into my soul; I wouldn’t hurt him, ever. No matter what he did. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t punish him, though. There were punishments other than pain that could be utter torture. I cleared the thickness in my throat. “Head over there, behind the bar.”

Elliot did, his cheap suit somehow looking even bigger on him now, though there was no getting away from his stunning looks. I saw supernaturals checking him out, licking their lips, hunger in their eyes. They wanted him. Fae with lascivious glances and lust burning in their gazes. Demons and shifters with desire in their eyes. Even the Mades watched his progress. They might hate that they were drawn to a hybrid, but it didn’t change the fact that they wanted him. There was an air of something light about Elliot that called to the darkness in us all, to our dominant natures. But they wouldn’t touch him, not while I was by his side, not unlesstheyhad a death wish. He was mine. I swallowed hard as something dark and feral buried deep inside me tried to escape.

A fae dressed in a deep grey suit pushed between me and Elliot. Fae were utterly stunning to look at, but just like vampires, their true vicious nature couldn’t be totally hidden. Some, like this one, didn’t even bother to try. He swept a hand around Elliot’s neck, curling it under his jaw. Stepping indecently close, he yanked Elliot close. “Is he to be chained to the poles?” the fae asked, his voice dripping with raw hunger.

Jealousy reared up in me at the sight of that fae touching Elliot’s slim neck, his rich chestnut hair gleaming against the fae’s pale skin.

A death wish it is, then.“Let go of him now, or I’ll rip your arm off.”

The fae smiled, his narrowed eyes glinting with challenge. “Hm, I’d love to tussle with you, vampire.” He looked me up and down, hunger in his eyes. “I always have. But I also like to play with the Count’s enemies. And this one’s so soft, so…yielding.” His grip tightened on Elliot’s neck, and he brushed his semi hard dick against Elliot’s thigh.

Elliot winced, and tried to move away. My nostrils flared, anger tearing through me. Only, before I could carry out my threat, Elliot moved. He twisted and speared his fingers into the soft tissues of the fae’s neck. The fae gagged and choked, but Elliot wasn’t done. He struck hard and fast, shifting his body weight. Another strike connected, his half clenched knuckles spearing into the back of the fae’s hand, loosening his hold, before delivering lightning-quick strikes to the other side of the fae’s neck. As the fae choked, Elliot spun low, his foot outstretched, and knocked his attacker’s legs out from under him. The fae fell heavily, grunting as breath exploded out of his lungs. Elliot swung his leg up, about to smash his heel down on the guy's throat and end him.

Fae were immortals, just like Originals, but just like us, if they weren’t powerful enough to heal quickly, they could die from devastating injuries like having your throat crushed by a powerful axe kick.

My insides heated at Elliot’s show of strength. Maybe my assassin wasn’t so incomeptent after all. Feeling an acute sense of pride in his abilities, I grabbed Elliot around his waist and swung him away. His strike landed harmlessly, though I kept my arm around his waist, tightening it as he struggled. Dealing with a dead body wasn’t an unusual occurrence in the Gambit, but we’d already drawn enough attention.

“That motherfucker isn’t going to treat me like that,” Elliot hissed, flicking his hand towards the captive dancers.

I smiled at his rage even though I echoed his sentiments. “You’re right. No one is.” I let him go. “Go to the door behind the bar. Now.”

Elliot glared at me, but didn’t fight my command. “Fine,” he snapped and marched off. This time everyone gave him a wide berth. I caught the eye of one of my men and gestured at the fallen fae. My man nodded. He’d clean up the mess.

“Where are you taking me?” Elliot asked, the tremble in his voice belying the coldness of his face.

“You don’t need to know. Now sleep until I bid you to wake.”

“No…” Elliot said, his curls bouncing as he vigorously shook his head.

I raised a brow as he fought the compulsion, his face reddening with effort even as his eyes drooped closed. I caught him as he collapsed and hefted him up over my shoulder. He was too damn light for a male of his height. Well, that wouldn’t last. I’d sort that out, just as I’d make sure he was well dressed and cared for better than he ever had been. I gently lowered him into the back seat of the Explorer, fastening a seatbelt across him before jumping into the driver's seat. It was just a short drive to the airport, but a long way back to Scotland, even by helicopter. Still, the thought of having the castle to myself while I got to know this stranger and decided if the mating bond was true actually had warmth spreading through my chest. I rubbed a hand over my heart, unable to comprehend the emotions rolling through me.

I’d never felt so much so fast in my entire six hundred years of life. I glanced back at Elliot, needing to make sure he was comfortable and safe. Gods, he was so fucking beautiful. I had a feeling if he wasn’t my soulmate, or if he rejected me, it would break me.

5

ELLIOT

“Wake up, assassin.”

That deep, sexy voice echoed in my head, forcing me from a fitful slumber. It had been a shitty night as far as sleeping went. I groaned. My arms ached, my shoulders ached.Everything ached.I tried to move but found I couldn’t. Panic chased the last vestiges of sleep from me. Metal clinked, getting louder with my struggles. I squeezed my eyes shut, realising that I was in a worse position now than I’d been in Victor’s home. I’d been a prisoner there, but I’d never been chained. Cold air brushed my skin, pebbling my nipples and raising goose bumps across my naked skin. My feet were bare; only my tight boxers remained.

Hisdeep scent was heavy in the air, curling into my senses. Had he undressed me? The thought was more erotic than it should be considering my position as his prisoner. My huff was soft enough I doubted he’d hear it. It didn’t matter. He’d find me disgusting, just as other vampires did. My human blood stopped me from healing as quickly as a vampire, which meant I was badly scarred, covered in welts of puckered pink and white scar tissue. Only my genitals were scar free. I squeezed my eyes more tightly closed, shame burning under my skin. Just once it would be nice to be looked at with something other than revulsion.

“Open your eyes,” his deep voice commanded.

The compulsion pulsed through me. There was nothing I could do to refuse Davlov’s order. Just like my life before this moment, I was being manipulated and controlled. I opened my eyes and glared at him, anger burning through my chest.

“Let me go.”

His smile stole my breath. Gods, he was a handsome bastard. Brown eyes flecked with green glinted in the dim lights of the dungeon. His hair was loose around his face, framing his chiselled jaw.

“No.” The smile remained. “But I like that you think you can demand anything from me. It’s…cute.”

For a moment, I had no idea how to respond. “C-cute?” My growl sounded indignant even to my own ears.

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