Page 65 of Red Ruin

When I rock forward far enough, my clit hits his magic fin. Something jolts between us, shaking my heart.

Is that what soulmates feel like?

Perfect and so fucking terrible.

“Fuck.” Vhex kneads my thighs. “Marry me, duchess.”

I didn’t mind his delusion as much before.

But when Vhex moans it andmeans it—his silks wrapping around me so desperately possessive—he may as well gut me with his claws.

I’d alreadybea duchess if Kevan had kept the promises he made when we were in the same position. Moving inside my body. Hooked into my soul.

You’re mine, Ris.

I’ll protect you.

It would’ve hurt less if he’d lied. But Kevan meant what he said at the time.

He still threw me away.

“Don’t call me that again.” I squeeze his cording throat. “I’m nobody’s duchess.”

“Wife,” he groans, fluttering his fin.

“Vhex!” I jerk my hips away and pin him down. “Try again.”

“Guide.”

“No.” I’m not interchangeable with the others.Not anymore. I yank his horn. “Use my name.”

“Irissssssss.” The drawled-out S whistles past his fang.

I shiver.

That’s better.

And also very not.

“No fin. Stop moving and let me work.” I stroke his horn more gently, then slide to grab his jaw. “Okay, Sentinel?”

“Iris,” he whispers. “Knew you’d be the one.”

“I’m the one you’ve got for now.” Vhex may not be mine, but he is my problem. I want to give him my best.

He’ll remember how good I was when he imprints someone else.

Totally missing my determination to make a stand, he stares unblinkingly at the place we’re joined. “You take my venom so good.”

I clench on his cock, edging myself on his bumps for no reason but my stubborn pride. I’m sweating. I’m dripping. I want to come so badly, I’m straining muscles I didn’t know I had.

Anything to keep his heat from taking over.

This time, I’m strong enough to remember.

He only wants me for my power.

“That’s not an apology,” I grit.

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