Page 33 of Virgin Lust

“About your curse,” I started.

“What about it?”

“Who do you normally go to and how often?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“You’ll come to me from now on.”

“W-what?”

After learning about her curse, her reaction surprised me. Her face reddened, and she clutched her weapon tightly like she needed something to hold on to.Why was she so nervous?I wanted to be the one to help her when she needed it. My bond would tear me to pieces if I thought of Payne or another male taking care of Prudence’s needs.

“With your permission, of course,” I blurted, letting her know I’d never take advantage of her sin. “You came to me, so I thought—”

“Yes, I did,” Prudence said, looking down.

My heart sank. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, but I needed to talk about what happened between us. Did she remember anything?

“I need to know,” I said, “were you aware at all during—”

“I was,” she interrupted.

I sighed.

She continued, “But my curse muzzled me. I couldn’t talk or control my body, but I was there inside my mind. Does that make sense? It’s not easy to explain.”

My forehead wrinkled. “Is it always like that for you?”

“Hades, no!”

Thank God! I really,reallywanted to know and touch the real Prudence.

“I normally never let myself get that bad. The curse has changed, so I have to make new rules. Don’t worry, though, I won’t let myself get that far gone again.”

Why would I worry?

She lowered her head again, and I fought the urge to lift her chin.

I wondered about her reasons but couldn’t figure them out.Unless…A storm raged inside me, twisting and growing until my jeans were uncomfortably tight. She said again. Could I take that as confirmation she would come to me? As I watched her fiddle with her cloak, I realized Prudence was nervous, which was surprising given her curse. What was she hiding behind that facade? Someone a lot more bashful than the wild version I encountered at the bar? Someone needier? Grumpier? I yearned to know. I needed to see every facet of her personality.

First, I should probably give up some of my secrets—like the bond. While I readily accepted it, she might not. Prudence was my reason for being alive. Her existence fueled a thirst for life that had died long ago. Someone needed me. I belonged somewhere.Me.As the knowledge eased the weight on my heart, I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms.

But my princess had already seen some of my memories. If I hadn’t stopped her when I did, she would have been disappointed. The idea that she might reject me snagged something within my chest. I wasn’t proud of my past choices, but I refused to let her see actions that might drive her away from me.

“Good,” I responded.

Prudence kicked the dirt with her boot. “Why?”

She didn’t look up. Once more, my mate came across as quite bashful. My body stirred and itched to hold and shield her from everything wicked, except me. “Because I want you andyourreactions to my touch. Why else? Wouldn’t you rather be the one in control instead of your sin?”

Lifting her head, Prudence exclaimed, “Yes. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

A rush of energy slipped over me. I grabbed my chest, thinking that my heart might beat right out of my ribcage, but the rhythm was steady. The excitement faded slowly, and then it hit me. Thanks to the bond, I experienced Prudence’s enthusiasm. I sensed it through our connection. “Then that’s what I want too.”

She frowned. “Why?”

How hard was it to grasp that I wanted to please her?

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