Page 98 of The Fallen
His mouth twisted in a sharp smile. “We shall see about that.” His fingers slipped from her waist, and then dipped lower.
"What are you-"
"Shsh, mistress." His other gloved hand rested on Belladonna's lips. "Did you know? The base of the tailbone is an erogenous zone." He began tracing it, unbearably slow. "A small touch here can have the most profoundeffect."
"Enough of this debauchery.”
Desmond didn't bother to take his hand off, and he continued the dance. Belladonna could've swore Desmond's slippery fingers inched even lower as the music increased its pace. She gave the demon a sharp, warning glare, but curiously, made no protest.
The rhythm builded up to its climax. The crescendo hit, and Desmond dipped Belladonna without warning. Back arched, Belladonna drew in a sharp breath, his eye patch loosening, and involuntarily grasped Desmond's lapels by both hands to steady himself.
For longer than a few decent moments, the duo stared at each other, holding fast to their positions. Obsidian tendrils of hair fell upon Belladonna's forehead. Desmond's face hovered over hers, the scent of eau de cologne, Twinings tea, and that distinct musk of Desmond wafting under her nose. Intoxicating.
Desmond withdrew himself from her, and she suddenly felt empty, her hands falling to her sides.
“And that,” he said, “is how you seduce.”
“Sod off.”
“Your awaited guests are here, mistress. Follow my lead.”
Lucretia, dressed in a gown of shimmering emerald green, was laughing with a group of friends. Her husband, a pompous man with a smug expression, stood nearby, sipping champagne.
Belladonna approached them, her voice a honeyed drawl. "Excuse me, but I couldn't help but notice your lovely gown. It's quite exquisite."
“As is yours,” said Lucien.
Lucretia narrowed her eyes at her husband, then flicked her gaze to Belladonna. "Thank you. It's a new acquisition." She paused, her gaze lingering on her face. "You look... familiar. Have we met before?"
Belladonna's heart skipped a beat. "No, I don’t believe so.”
Desmond stepped forward. “It would be impossible since we're new to the city, my lady."
Lucretia studied him, her eyes growing dilating as if to take more of him in. Belladonna ought to be used to that reaction by now, but it still pricked her whenever she saw ladies—and on occasion, gentlemen–giving Desmond thoseparticularlooks. She waved away her annoyance. For now, at least, they had managed to fool them. But she knew that her disguise could only last for so long. She would need to find another way to get close to them.
Desmond was already on it.
“Would you care to switch partners?” he said, his voice dripping with a casual charm that belied his true intentions.
Before Lucien could agree, his wife quickly answered for him, her eyes heavy-lidded with desire. There was no denying that Desmond was utterly handsome, and Lucretia, clearly affected by his charm, was eager to dance with him. A serpent coiled around Belladonna's heart as she watched them begin to dance.
"I hope I can distract you from them," Lucian murmured into her ear, his voice low and smooth.
"You're already a pleasant distraction," Belladonna replied, choking the words out. She forced a coy smile at the vile man as she took his offered hand.
He pulled her in for a waltz, his body pressed against hers. She bared it, the man that had destroyed her family now touching her with his filthy hands. She would need a scorching bath after this.
"How do you find this town so far?" asked Lucien, his voice a smooth baritone.
"I am finding it has a lot ofinterestingsights, my lord.” She looked at him coyly through her lashes, trying not to flinch at his disgusting smile. "Perhaps you can suggest other pursuits one might indulge in here?"
He grinned and gripped her waist closer to him. "That depends what you are looking for, my dear."
Bare it. It will all be worth it.
She traced a button on his shirt, my fingers lingering a moment too long. "I am told, my lord, that you head a special society for a select few."
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "Who told you this?"
