Page 36 of The Coveted
“When can we see Amos again to discuss the Akashic Records?”
“After I get back. Lucius is sending me on a brief mission this week, to ensure things are running smoothly in a distant city. In the meantime, you’ll need to keep your head down and immerse yourself in court affairs. You need to let Lucius think he’s winning at something, and that the incident with the servant was just a one off. I won’t be here to protect you.” Fear swam in his dark brown eyes, and his usual stern demeanor shifted into something more vulnerable. I thought of his parents’ deaths—how he was sent away, unable to help or save them—and I knew that there was nothing my fierce protector hated more than to be out of control.
“I’ll be safe,” I promised. “What kind of mission? What will you do?” This must’ve been part of the things he did to survive.
He shook his head, his eyes suddenly guarded and vacant. “I don’t know. My mind goes blank, like it isn’t even me,” he said, staring off into nothingness.
I cocked my head. “I don’t un—”
Suddenly he snapped back into himself, his eyes gazing up and down the length of my body. “You’ve never looked more beautiful, Áine. You don’t know how happy it makes me to see you wearing my gifts.”
I knew it. Of course, he wanted to dictate what I wore. Not that I was complaining… at least he had taste. “Did you do that for Renata?” I asked, before I could stop myself. But I didn’t let his quick deflection from his secret mission go unnoticed.
His eyes widened in surprise for a moment, which caused a lump to form in my throat. He glanced around the garden and then reached for my hand. “Jump. Your room.”
I obeyed, and soon we were back inside stuffy walls. It looked like a maid had been here, as my bed was made, and my clothes all tucked away. Everything looked pristine and untouched.
Daelon stepped to me—so close that his woodsy, fresh scent tickled my nose. He grabbed my chin and tilted it to meet his fiery gaze. His other hand brushed my hair behind my ears, sending shivers along the length of my spine. “Funny you should ask about Renata, because I was just thinking about how many times Sebastian touched your hand at dinner. You could imagine my surprise when I learned that he was also taking you to the ball this weekend.”
I stared into the churning intensity of his golden-flecked brown irises, unable to stop my shallow breathing. “I couldn’t very well help any of that, could I? Everyone already thinks I’m prudish… and more human than witch,” I muttered.
He snorted. “Prudish?”
“What are you implying?” I narrowed my gaze and gaped in faux outrage.
He chuckled, but the humor didn’t reach his eyes, which were filled with a possessiveness and hunger that curled my toes. “Do you find him attractive?” he asked, spinning me around. His hand found the zipper of my dress.
“Do you findherattractive? With her tiny waist and sad little gray eyes… and… collarbones.”
Now he really laughed. “You’re adorable,” he cooed, which made me sort of want to kick him in the shins. “And you’re mine,” he whispered next to my ear. He slowly unzipped my dress, letting it fall to the floor in a pile. I went still as his fingers trailed down the length of my arms, as his lips met the base of my neck.
“I know that. You know I would never let it get that far—”
He suddenly scooped me into his arms, and in a matter of seconds we were on the bed, his thumb brushing over my lips. “Correct. You will not,” he growled.
“Some of the ladies think you’re strange,” I blurted. “And apparently I can, uh, paint.”
Daelon’s features lit up with amusement. “Anything else, little witch?”
“I haven’t told you about all that happened today, and you’re leaving apparently, so I just wanted to fill you in.” He touched his lips to each side of my smile. His hips pressed into mine. Okay, maybe he was right—talking was overrated.
“I don’t care about any of those people. I just care about you. And Taryn, occasionally,” he said, but I knew that Taryn and Daelon cared for each other immensely, even if they didn’t say so.
“Why am I the only one nearly naked?” I pouted, my hands grasping at his regal, black uniform.
“Because I cannot stay long, and I desired it so,” he said, and his words became all that mattered once more.
I frowned at the thought of him leaving me here, but soon his lips were on mine. He grabbed a hold of my wrists and pinned them above my head. His other hand traveled lower, finding its way between my thighs.
I gasped as he started moving his fingers in taunting circles, and I lifted my hips to meet him. His lips moved against mine hungrily, and I moaned into his mouth as pleasure had soon overridden my every thought. He knew just how to move, just what to say and how to say it, and just how much to give and take to make me putty in his hands.
He pulled away, the look in his eyes commanding and dark. “Whose body is this?” he asked, and I could hardly answer him. His hand moved expertly, picking up the pace and driving me closer to release. “Answer me,” he growled.
“Yours,” I breathed, my voice raspy and unfamiliar. He went in for my neck, kissing my skin softly before nipping at it with his teeth. The soft sting of pain, paired with the way his controlled, deep voice spoke to the most vulnerable parts of me, nearly sent me over the edge. I squirmed underneath his hold on my wrists, my legs beginning to shake. “Can I—”
Before I could even finish the sentence, he pulled his hand away. “No. You may not.”
“Daelon,” I begged. My eyes widened with shock, searching his for answers. My breathing was ragged and shallow.
