Page 47 of Touch of Death
“No. She gets the bed, and we will make do elsewhere. It is not right.”
“Speak for yourself,” I snort, the atmosphere softly filling with the calming presence of flowers, thanks to Persephone’s use of her own magic on me earlier. “I do not hold myself to the same standards. I am going to sleep in my own bed, regardless of what you decide. I will not sacrifice my comfort for the sake of your own moral quandaries. So, you can either watch me sleep with her or join us. It is as simple as that.”
Though my use of Persephone’s power is not nearly as strong, it is enough to keep him from stopping me as I slip into bed next to the girl. Still, as I turn on my side, my back facing them both, I can practically hear the crack of his clenched teeth as he decides what to do next.
It takes all of what little self-control I have not to shoot him a look over my shoulder to help sway his decision.
After a breath, the bed dips, and I hear him let out a deep sigh. I am almost impressed by my own work. I was starting to think he did not have it in him to join us in bed.
Perhaps my plan just might work after all.
21
Death
Iam woken by a soft gasp, my body instantly freezing as the sound turns into a stifled moan of pleasure. Intense heat burns into me, filling my lungs with the heavy scent of indulged passion.
Hesitantly, I turn my head to find Hazel wrapped in Eros’ arms, one of his hands held over her mouth as the other teases her breast.
My heart stops as rage bleeds through me, but before I can act, Eros’ pale eyes lift to meet mine, and suddenly I find myself paralyzed. He gives me a devilish grin, teeth flashing as I struggle against the binds of his gaze, but to no avail.
I watch helplessly as he thrusts into her from behind, his other hand tracing over her curves before dipping between her legs. Her whimpers of pleasure break against his palm, shattering me to my core.
Eros’ eyes remain locked on mine, forcing me to watch as he brings her to the edge of pleasure before joining her over it.
My heart races back to life as Eros’ gaze releases me, and I hear him whisper his love to her before dropping his lips to hers.
Seeing black, I can’t stop the wave of hatred and jealousy that crashes through me at this. My body returns to life, and I launch myself at him, only to suddenly find myself alone as I stare at a dark ceiling.
Frowning, I glance around me to realize I am back home in my own bed.
Hazel.
I turn my head to find her lying next to me, but as I lift myself up to look at her, I watch in horror as she slowly turns to bone before my very eyes.
My heart lurches as I reach for her but only come away with handfuls of dust as she slips through my fingers.
I let out a roar of anguish as I realize, yet again, that I have lost her.
I start, my breaths coming heavy and strained through my mask. Glancing beside me, I find Hazel still fully clothed in the silk nightgown she had been given by one of the succubae when we returned earlier.
Her breathing is soft as she sleeps peacefully in the middle of the bed, and it takes me a moment to realize what I saw was nothing more than a nightmare.
Though here, even a nightmare should not be disregarded too quickly. I glance over at Eros, who appears to be sleeping soundly, but try as I might, I am still unable to put my mind at ease.
Unable to resist the urge to protect her from my nightmares, I reach out and pull Hazel against my side, the heat of her burning into me as my heart finally settles. Pushing my mask up slightly, I take a deep, calming breath and fall asleep once more.
This time, with Hazel tucked safely by my side.
22
Hazel
My eyes flutter open to utter darkness, a shiver racking my body as I find myself tucked against something hard and cold. I tremble again as another icy chill washes over me, blinking the sleep from my eyes as I try to make out the dark shapes around me without success.
I suddenly realize that I must have kicked off the blankets in my sleep. Blindly, I reach out a hand in search of them.
Instead, sparks of warmth shoot through my arm as my fingers find a wall of heat on the opposite side of me. I can’t tell what it is in the dark, but my mind pushes this care aside as I wiggle closer to it. Pressing my back up against it, heat mixes with the numb chill that’s crept into my body to leave me perfectly content in the ensuing warmth.
