Page 30 of Slay Me

But this—this is not enough. I want more. All of it. I want flesh on my flesh, hands on my body, tongue on my skin. Licking, touching, tasting. I am desperate to know what it would feel like to have this man worship my body.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Fury,” he whispers.

“It’ll be worth every moment.”

He walks me forward, keeping me pinned against his body until my front is pressed against the wall, his hard body caging me in. The Ringmaster thrusts against me—harder now—his length rubbing against my ass and turning the throbbing between my legs into complete and total agony. “Your very existence is fucking torture. You have no idea how difficult it is to control myself in your presence.”

“I’ve never had anyone look at me the way you do,” the words leave my mouth before I have a chance to stop myself. Something that is becoming a continuous problem in his presence. Everything about this is a mistake. One I will likely regret come morning. But right now, all I can focus on is my need to be closer to him.

“How do I look at you?” he asks.

“Like I’m worth something.”

He pulls back, so I turn to face him. “Everyone else is a fool,” he says. “You are priceless.”

“And yet, others have put a price on me.”

The Ringmaster places both hands on the wall and drops his head. After a few deep breaths, he looks up at me, eyes blazing. “I wish I could erase everyone else from your fucking mind.”

If he only knew the sleep I lose over what I want from him. Over all the ways I want him to touch me despite my desire to flee this place and everyone here

And if I weren’t such a coward, I would tell him now. Confess that I’ve thought about this moment as well. “Why me?” I question. “Valentin—”

“Is not a blip on my fucking radar compared to you. Ever since I found you in that alley—” He trails off and closes his eyes. “I’ve been unable to think of anyone else. No one compares to the way you call to my beast.”

Between my legs is drenched, so wet the friction of my body suit is nearly too much to bear. I clench my thighs together, craving yet another touch from him. All the touches. Everything.

This man is ruthless.

A monster.

My captor.

Still, I’d be nearly willing to trade my soul for a single night with him.

“I can smell your arousal,” he whispers, leaning in close enough his hot breath fans over my cheek. “I want to bury my face between your legs and taste you when you come.”

I want that, too. More than I could ever put into words. But somehow, admitting that seems impossible. So, I clear my throat. “We’re going to be late to curtain call.”

He doesn’t move. “Nothing that was spoken of tonight can be repeated. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Even if he hadn’t told me to keep quiet, I still would have. Telling the other performers I want to screw the man holding us here would only put a massive target on my head. Especially if they think they can use me to barter for their own freedom. Something I’m beginning to believe would be an option.

The Ringmaster pulls away, releasing me, so I take my leave, walking as quickly as I can without running down the stairs and out into the courtyard. Killian grins at me as if he knows exactly what just happened, but I don’t bother stopping to chat.

By the time I make it into the performers’ area of the tent, Apollo is already waiting. “There you are! Where the hell did you go?”

“Had to run back up to my apartment.”

His nostrils flare, and his eyes narrow on my face.Shit, please don’t say you can smell my attraction, too.

“You okay?” he asks.

“Yeah.” I plaster a smile on my face. “Just in time for curtain call, right?”

My partner nods, his shoulder-length golden hair swaying as he does. “You sure you’re fine, Liv?”

No. I’m so turned on that the friction of walking might set me off.“Absolutely. Let’s do this.” Together, we rush up to the metal balcony. Uma offers me a smile and a wave as I climb onto my lyra, sitting on it like it’s a swing. Apollo holds my lyra then shoves me out. I fly, the lyra slowly being lowered toward the ground.

---