Page 34 of Bound and Beguiled

“It can’t be worry about your cousin or your car, both of which are being handled.” Kynan’s voice was steady, conversational even. It made me want to kick him.

His claws raked down my back, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I waited for the hot drip of blood, but there was only stinging.

“It can’t be worry about what will happen in two days. That would mean you doubted we’d keep you safe.” Kynan’s hand flexed against my back, all five sharp points digging into my tender flesh. “Surely you haven’t been that bad?”

I whimpered.

He stopped, fingers clamped over my ribs, and shook me slightly.

“Answer me.”

“No, Sir.”

“But you have been bad, haven’t you?” His hold relaxed, the velvety palm stroking down my back so slowly I held my breath.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Tell me.”

My breath rushed out at the caress of his voice. His hand slid around me, fingers toying with the button of my jeans, and I sucked it in again.

“Khalon told me I couldn’t leave,” I forced out in short gulps. “I already knew, but it messed with my head. Stupid.”

Smack!

Kynan’s hand came down so hard my legs slipped out from under me and I sprawled flat on the steps.

“Nobody insults my girl,” he growled, hauling me back up by my jeans. His lips brushed my ear as he spoke. “You want to try that again?”

“Kynan...” My head spun. I was breathing so fast I was close to hyperventilating. But I had to do as he asked. Had to make him happy with me. “I freaked out. I kept remembering that room—the one in the Temple. I felt...trapped. I couldn’t make it go away.”

That rabbit in a snare sensation rose up again, sealing my throat. My eyes stretched wide, but I saw only darkness.

Kynan’s hands turned gentle in an instant, each petting stroke a tether pulling me back into my body as it was now, in the stairwell with him. I was no longer trapped, shackled by lies and false promises to a path I never wanted.

“Shh, Reza, you’re safe. That’s my good girl. So honest with me. So brave.”

I soaked up the words, but at the last my stomach twisted, shame coating my tongue like bitter aspirin.

“I’m sorry I was scared,” I whispered into the wood beneath my cheek.

The hands petting me stilled. I wanted to weep at the loss.

Then I was being turned, until Kynan’s impenetrable stare was inches away. He held my face in his hands, not letting me hide.

“No,” he said, undeniable fierceness resonating through the single word. “You never apologize about your feelings, Reza. Not to me, not to anyone. You were a bad girl because youliedto me.” His fingers tightened, the pricking of his claws warning me I was not yet forgiven. “You’re allowed to tell me to fuck off. You are not allowed tolieto me. Is that clear, Reza?”

I tried to nod, but he held me fast. “Y—yes,” I pushed between trembling lips.

His mouth covered mine, warm and tender. The wet slip of tears painted our kiss like morning dew, washing away the lost feeling.

When Kynan pulled back, it was only far enough for the dark expanse of his eyes to come into focus. Surrounded by short, dense fur, they delved past my defenses, straight to my still unsettled, fidgety center.

“I think my bad girl needs a bit of release,” he mused, the corner of his mouth kicking up.

I squirmed, not willing to admit he was right, but unable to deny it.

“I want to try something,” Kynan said, letting go of my head and settling back on a step. He pulled me close, one knee on either side of his hips. “Will you trust me?”

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