Page 133 of Filthy Royal

She jerked her hand free and slapped it against the scanner.

Light flashed, the needle jutting out and retracting so fast her eye barely caught it.

She pressed her lips tight against the gag and trapped in the hiss. She’d been in this position a thousand times. The sting of the sharp point driving deep never lessened.

Blood welled on her fingertip.

Again, nothing new.

Except, in the next breath, her wrist was caught. A low, angry growl issued from the male at her side.

One glance and her heart slowed.

He looked feral, outraged, his red-streaked amber eyes glittering.

“No… pain.” He guided her fingertip to his mouth and sucked gently, the slight pressure chasing away the sting.

Her breath hitched.

The wounds inside her deepened, the darkness inside awakening as if it wanted to claw its way out and exorcize this new pain as he stood there looking at her as if he actually cared. As if it bothered him that she’d bled to gain them access to the elevator.

They were over and done.

So why did every cell come alive at the warm, sweet sensation of his mouth on her? At his obvious distress over the scent of her blood?

Their gazes locked.

His grip tightened as his tongue flicked out to taste more, and the shadows inside her slid into something else. Something reckless and wild and far from wise.

Scarlett watched, breathless, as her finger slid deeper into his mouth.

Heat coiled between her thighs.

“Access approved.” The elevator doors slid open. “Scarlett Stormhart, prime omega to Kadon Stormhart, you are approved for entry.”

She froze.

As did Damien.

Then, expression hardening, he withdrew her finger with a popping sound, the shock of cold air against her skin something she felt all the way to her heart. “Scarlett Stormhart. Right.”

It was just the reminder they both needed.

Chin tipped high, she returned his stare, cursing herself for forgetting that they were not who they’d once been. That this was a male who’d done nothing as her friends were taken away. One who cared more about his own selfish revenge than protecting omegas caught in the crossfire of a war between Alpha brutes. And, in the process, extinguished the tiny flame of light and love she’d guarded safely inside herself for the past four planetary rotations, casting her into utter darkness.

It all hurt. That last blow, perhaps most of all.

“Let’s go.” Shoulders tight, Damien turned toward the open elevator and gestured for her to enter.

16

SCARLETT

Their ride up was no less awkward.

“Next step.” The instant the doors closed, Damien removed the cloak and threw it over his shoulder; two heartbeats before palming her neck so she stared straight at the eye scan until it beeped.

Then they were on their way, rising fast.

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