Page 28 of Tempt Me (Dark Odyssey 4)

I know my skin is crimson, and I’m so hot my throat feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton, but he’s unaffected except… except for that look in his eyes. The predatory one that’s looking at me with hunger, the type that wants to own and possess.

He rises to his feet with a wild smirk and comes close to my face, close enough to brush his cheek against mine.

“Ava Knight, I accept your offer. You’re mine. Mine to doanythingwith.” He speaks in a low husky voice. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I don’t fear you, but I want you too.”

I gaze deeply into his eyes. That makes his smile lift, deepen, and I wonder what the hell I’ve gotten myself into.

“I think we’re in for a very interesting time. You’ll get the terms and conditions of your stay at dinner tonight.” He backs away from me, and something clicks. It’s reality.

We just agreed to this arrangement, made this sinful contract, but how long for?

“How long?” I ask as the panic rises within me. “How long do I have to stay with you?” The words come on the edge of a stutter, and he chuckles.

He chuckles and doesn’t answer me. He walks away, leaving me standing there wide eyed and naked against the wall.

The door closes, clicks shut, and fear claws away at my insides.

What the hell did I just do?

What have I done?

What did I agree to?

Chapter Six

Vincent

I don’t know how I didn’t just take her against the wall.

What stroke of control could have come over me to resists such temptation.

Fuck, fucking fuck, maybe this is a bad idea, but now that I’ve tasted her, do I want to go back on my acceptance?

I own her.

Own her like she’s mine to do with whatever I please. My damn dick is twitching at the thought of all the things I want to do to her, and we haven’t even gotten started yet.

I walk down the corridor with the taste of her sweet nectar in my mouth and the hums of her pleasure ringing through my ears. In my mind is that look in her eyes of desire she’s trying so hard to resist. I may be a monster, but at least I’ve never been a liar.

Never been one to resist, so I give myself credit for walking away, but it’s only half credit because I know I want more. Greed fills my mind, and it makes me want more. Especially when just the taste of her has steadied my nerves in some sort of way.

I head to the playroom, where Marguerite is with Timothy. She’s watching his train set go around the tracks I had built into the walls. The whole room is set up for it so the little red and black train set can drive around the room like it’s real. There are mountains and a little island. Each stop has people he can put on the train.

It’s one of his favorite things that makes him smile every day. Today is no different. He giggles in that seriously cute way kids laugh as the little train passes by some trees. My boy’s face lights up though when he sees me. As he sees me, all thoughts of his favorite toy are forgotten, and he rushes over, his little feet carrying him as quickly as they can.

“Papa, Papa…” he bubbles, and I pick him up. Marguerite smiles at us when Timothy’s little arms circle my neck.

“Awww, this is always so beautiful to watch you two,” she beams and brings her hands together, pride filling her face.

I chuckle at Timothy’s wide grin. He looks exactly like me when I was a kid. When he was born, he looked like Sorcha, then as the months went by, he became me.

I press my head to his. It’s like we haven’t seen each other in years. I don’t spend enough time with him when he’s awake, and I need to change that.

I look back to Marguerite. She has the look I expected her to have on her face. Cautious, but with an air of disapproval.

I wouldn’t expect anything other from the woman who’s like a second mother to me after seeing Ava. I know for a fact that if Ma were here, she wouldn’t allow me to do whatever it is I’m doing.

She’d go mad even though she knows Giordano men have some very unusual ways. We’re all sex crazed, even the ones who are happily in love with their dolls. It never started with a date and kiss.

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