Page 91 of Enchant the Dawn

He arched one brow. “Is that right?”

“You and Ava can’t do it alone.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“No. But no man threatens me and gets away with it.”

“What makes you think I’d ever trust you to have my back?”

“Like I said, you saved me. I owe you a life debt.”

“And once it’s paid?”

She smiled, showing a hint of fang. “A small taste of your blood to show your appreciation for my help would be welcome.”

She was incorrigible, he thought.

“Perhaps you would give it to me before the fight? It would make me stronger.”

“Perhaps. I’ll talk it over with Ava. We’re leaving tomorrow around midnight.”

“I’ll be here.” With an airy wave, Claret turned and walked away, hips swaying provocatively, until she was lost in the darkness.

She was something else, Dominic mused as he returned to the house. And hoped like hell he could trust her. Because he was afraid she was right. It might take more than two of them to bring the Brotherhood down.

* * *

Later that night, when they were alone upstairs, Maddy clung to Dominic. She knew arguing with him was useless. He was determined to confront the Brotherhood with only Ava and Claret at his back. She couldn’t believe he trusted the vampire. Or that two vampires and a witch could defeat the Elder Knight and the members of the Brotherhood. She had overheard Ava mention that the Elder Knight was also a warlock, though it wasn’t common knowledge.

“Maddy, relax,” Dominic murmured. “I’ll be fine.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Trust me, love. I will always come back to you.” Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her lightly. It had been meant as a token of his love and assurance, but as soon as his mouth covered hers, desire exploded between them. She clutched his shoulders, her body yearning toward his.

With a low growl, he carried her to bed and tucked her beneath him. His mouth ravaged hers while she writhed against him.

“Dominic . . .” She moaned as his tongue dueled with hers, fanning the fire between them. A few magical words and their clothing disappeared.

Dominic lifted his head, a glint in his eyes. And then he claimed her lips once more while his hands—those clever hands—aroused her until she gasped, “Now, Dominic!”

He thrust into her, carrying her over the edge, felt her shudder with pleasure before his own release came.

He rolled onto his side, carrying her with him.

Maddy snuggled against him. Sighed deeply. And fell asleep in his arms.

He held her close for a few moments, then tucked her into bed before going to his lair. He closed his eyes and smiled as every breath carried the scent of their lovemaking. He was still smiling when the sun cleared the horizon and the dark sleep carried him away.

Chapter 38

Dominic rose earlier than usual in the morning so he could spend as much time as possible with Maddy before he left.

He found the women in the kitchen cleaning up the breakfast dishes as only witches could. Standing in the doorway, he grinned as plates and cups and flatware were miraculously washed and put away.

“Dominic, you’re up early,” Maddy said, a blush warming her cheeks when she remembered the night past. “Can I fix you anything to eat?”

His gaze moved to her throat and lingered there for the space of a heartbeat.

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