Page 141 of Filthy Royal

“Of what?”

“Of some things I don’t care to have shared with the galaxy. Or you. Hence why I want them.”

“So you’re suggesting Darvish has some kind of hold over you?” She wouldn’t be the first captor to try to excuse their behavior and buy sympathy by pretending to be the victim, but he got the worrying sense she was telling the truth.

“I am notsuggestinganything.”

“You’re a lot mouthier than you used to be.” He’d meant it as an insult. But instead, his voice emerged way too husky for it to be anything but approval. He liked that she was finally opening up to him a little.

Before he was done, it would be a whole lot more.

Then, because he knew he’d have her on her back, his tongue in her pussy if his thoughts kept moving along as they were, he returned his attention to the keypad. “So, if I can’t shoot it, what can I do?”

“Sit back and hope.”

Not exactly his forte.

She squared her shoulders. “If Darvish changed it, we’re screwed.” Her fingers hovered above the pad. “But if the assistant was his typical lazy, cutting-corners self, we’ll be good.”

The thing beeped. Numbers flashed on the screen.

“Standard operating procedure.” She didn’t look up.

Damien remembered the same determination and grace when she’d danced, though she’d seemed such a sensuous, harmless creature back then. Sexy as fuck, sweet too. But someone he needed to protect and care for. The female staring at the keypad with such fierce focus reminded him more of a warrior.

She’d become so resilient. So fearless and bold.

Pride swelled in his chest.

Then he remembered she wasn’t his to be proud of anymore.

His heartbeat slowed—just as the numbers on the keypad sped up.

More loud beeping.

Fuck him. It looked as if the countdown had started.

18

DAMIEN

“Don’t panic.”

“No problem.” Damien might be impulsive. But he was Alpha. Panicking was for pussies.

Scarlett continued tapping away. “This is just a scare tactic. I’m on to the third sequence now. This is the one Darvish changes most often. I’ll get a few tries before it self-destructs.”

“Comforting.” Damien readied himself to grab her and run from the room. He had no idea if that would be enough, but he refused to go down without a fight.

The numbers dwindled.

The monitors surrounding them flashed, going blurry for a moment before returning to clarity.

Scarlett appeared calm as she worked, but he could feel the darkness inside her growing, seeping out and sweeping against his skin—like a soft hand gliding across his flesh. Shadows flickered on the walls, and the light fixtures rattled.

The evolution of her gift was fascinating—and hot.

For now, though, he preferred not to draw extra attention from the guards. “You need to calm down.”

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