Page 52 of The Coveted
“I’m not going to do anything with anyone,” I said, realizing that Taryn had already set aside something for me to wear for the so-called after party, hanging apart from the others. It was a cross between a dress and revealing lingerie, opaque black lace around my breasts and below my belly button to act as panties, but completely transparent everywhere else. The sheer lace material was detailed with shimmering black, floral design, with two slits down the middle to show off my legs. I was basically in underwear—beautiful, classy underwear, but still.
The look on Daelon’s face told me exactly how he felt about it. He shook his head. “But you’ll want to. It’ll be like nothing you’ve ever experienced. You’ll lose yourself, just like you did at the ball. Living fully in the castle requires you to lose yourself every single day. And no one can afford foryouto do that.”
“I’m stronger than everyone else,” I snapped. “I made the conscious choice to succumb to magick in the throne room. I can control it. And I sure as hell can take down anyone who so much as thinks about hurting me.” I glanced at myself in the mirror, adjusting the fabric around my waist to at least attempt to cover as much of myself as possible. It wasn’t really working. I watched Daelon’s eyes in the mirror, as they moved from my nearly bare backside to meet my gaze.
He sighed. “I know you are more than capable of defending yourself, and I don’t want you to think I don’t trust you. It’s the others I don’t trust, and I hate to think of you vulnerable to any kind of attack. It’s not just about sex. It’s about what would happen if anyone were to taste your power, as well. You have no idea the trouble that could cause—the frenzy.” He paused, swallowing. “And I know we have never agreed to the kind of relationship that would allow me to dictate what you do, or with whom,” he said softly, his face falling before he could draw his walls back up. “I just want to protect you.”
My mind flashed back to Daelon’s parents sending him away, not allowing him to use his gift to protect our people, and instead tasking him with protecting someone else… protectingme.
I stepped toward him, wishing he didn’t feel the need to wear his mask of impassivity, not with me, not ever again. I wasn’t blind to the idea that our jealous, erotic games were a coverup for deeper insecurities and vulnerabilities—our utter powerlessness in the evil Witch King’s castle of lies and oppression.
I remembered that Sebastian was outside. We were out of time. Again. I would need to talk quickly.
“I know,” I said, reaching for his hands. “I will be safe. I’m doing this not only because people would find it suspicious now if I didn’t, but also because I want to.” He tensed. “I don’t want to be with anyone but you,” I amended. “I just want to… experience. I want to understand what these witches are doing here, and why they’re doing it. I need to show Lucius that there’s nothing to worry about while we work against him in the shadows. I need to find our allies. I need to follow the path set out for us, and my intuition hasn’t led me astray so far.”
I touched his cheek, and he softened. He didn’t speak for a long moment, and a knock at the door halted us in our tracks. Just when we were finally getting somewhere—finally being honest and open about the bounds of our relationship. Not that this was the ideal time to begin with, as the floaty, overwhelming magick of tonight fought against my every attempt at coherent thought.
“I’m working tonight, but when you are done,” Daelon said quickly, grabbing my waist and staring hungrily down the length of my body. “I will find you.”
Our eyes were locked, his breath warm against my skin. Despite all the anger, doubts, jealousy, and mind games, all I could manage to do was melt into him, resting my head on his chest. His grip on me loosened, and just as he wrapped his arms around me, we heard another knock at the door. Daelon stiffened, a ragged breath leaving his lips. I didn’t know how to say goodbye, and I couldn’t pull away. But before I could worry about either, Daelon teleported, and I was left alone and much, much colder than before.
All I heard was the echo of his telepathic message as I took my first steps toward Sebastian:I wish more than anything it was me escorting you to that party, while you wear that dress. You have no idea the things I would want to do with you, dotoyou… and that’s the second reason you going makes me feel so fucking insane.
Be safe. I love you.His voice faded away, and with it I lost more than half of my floaty head high.
“Áine?” I heard Sebastian ask tentatively from beyond the door.
“Come in,” I forced out, settling the power that circulated throughout the room in a confused whirlwind of misdirection.
I needed to focus on the current of pleasure now. The good, the light, and the intoxicating. It was the only way to push myself forward. When Sebastian entered, his mouth fell open, and his eyes widened. But I remembered the way he’d treated the servant who dropped a tray of elixir, and suddenly Prince Charming wasn’t so charming.
He’d changed into a black suit accented with red detail, a much different look than his usual pastels. The red matched his pulsating energy rather perfectly, and I suddenly felt very, very exposed.
“I’m at a loss for words,” he said, his voice low. He grinned and snapped his fingers, and a mousy girl with dull blond hair entered behind him. She wore a plain white shirt and slacks, indicating her servant’s station, and in her hands was a tray with two glasses of elixir and what appeared to be ornate masquerade masks. One was delicate and feminine, shimmering black with clear jewels around the eyes. The other was white and feathered and provided more coverage.
I breathed through a slight panic, swallowing hard. What in the world had I gotten myself into? “Is this for me?” I met the servant’s cool, gray eyes as I lifted the delicate mask, but she quickly averted her gaze.
“Of course.” Sebastian moved to stand in front of me. He brushed my fingers with his as he took the mask from me and placed it against my skin. He pressed lightly into my cheekbones, and I felt the faintest tinge of magick leave his fingertips. “There. Magick.” He lifted the feathered white mask to his own face next, and I watched as it melded with his skin as if magickal adhesive held it there.
“I—Sebastian, what exactlyisthis after party?” I finally asked.
Sebastian chuckled, his eyes scanning the length of my body again as his lustful energy only grew more intense and fierier. “You’re nervous. Don’t be.” He grabbed the glasses of elixir and handed one to me, his eyes dancing with mischief. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. You can always just watch.”
I gulped.Just watch. Yes, that would have to be the plan. My buzz from the enchanted ball was waning, and the elixir called out to me with promises of release. Maybe I just needed a sip…
No. I didn’t need elixir. I needed to keep my wits about me if I wanted to figure out what the hell Lucius was up to, and especially if I was going to a witchy sex party filled with my enemies.
“You know what? I’ve had enough,” I lied, setting the glass back on the tray.
He shrugged. “More for me,” he laughed, promptly downing both glasses.
I smiled, allowing myself to get high off ofhishigh, tasting the euphoria and release as it flooded his aura and flowed to my own. I nearly had to steady myself, breathing in deeply. The world around me was suddenly more alive, magickal, and powerfully intoxicating. I spun around to look into the tall mirrors, taking in my radiant appearance. The red tones of my hair were bright and entrancing, and the jeweled mask made me appear downrightroyal.My exposed legs were long and toned in my strappy black heels, and the tight black fabric clung to the flattering curve of my breasts.
Sebastian rested his hand on the small of my back as we gazed upon our striking reflection, but I could feel that his hand yearned to travel lower. I knew everything he wanted. Everything he desired. I could taste his truth on my tongue and feel his yearning in the waves of pleasurable tingles coursing down the length of my spine, through my limbs, my every curve and every inch of my bare skin.
“I have never seen a witch more radiant than you, Áine,” he said, and I believed him. “Let’s go. I simply can’t wait to make every witch jealous of my luck.”
Chapter17
