Page 81 of Made in Malice

“That’s not what you said,” she argues, but I’m not sure what she’s referring to.

“I’m saying it now.”

She stares at him for a long moment, and I think she’s about to get up and walk out, but she doesn’t. Instead, she repeats an earlier sentiment. “As long as I’m useful.”

“If that makes you feel better.” Lucian shrugs with indifference before placing his arm along the back of the couch, coming dangerously close to touching her shoulder.

Well, at least she’s not leaving.

NOVA

I can’t explain why I’m still sitting here, watching a horror movie about a group of people who create haunted house attractions and happened upon a location that seems to come with its own resident ghost. If I weren’t steaming mad, I might admit that it’s kind of creepy and I’ve actually jumped a few times.

I look toward the door for the fifth time. I need to pee, and I’ve been trying to work up the nerve to ask where the bathroom is.

“What’s wrong?” Nox asks, tipping his head to the side.

“Where’s the bathroom?” I ask softly, not wanting to draw Lucian’s attention. He’s been quiet since the movie started.

“I’ll take you. I need to piss.” The grump stands up and stretches. I look at Nox for help, but he just smiles at me encouragingly.

Reluctantly, I trail behind Lucian as he exits the room and heads down the hall. When he enters a doorway I would swear is his bedroom, I slow my steps, then peek into the darkened room.

I don’t spot Lucian, so I assume he’s already gone ahead to the bathroom. Glancing down, I look at my sock-clad toe teasing the threshold. I shouldn’t go in. Actually, I shouldn’t even be here at all, but I am. With a deep breath, I slide my foot over the wood and enter the room.

I’m tempted to turn on a light, but he would probably accuse me of snooping—which I am—or say that I was scared from the movie.

My eyes slowly adjust to the gloom, allowing me to see the outline of the drape-covered windows and the shadow of the four-poster bed. Awareness tingles down my spine, but I still jump when Lucian’s voice sounds over my shoulder. “Are you following me?” His whisper almost sounds playful, but I know not to fall for it.

“I thought you were showing me to the bathroom.” I work to keep my voice even since my heart is beating way too fast.

“How badly do you need it?”

He has a knack for making everything sound dirty, but the problem is, now that I’m up and moving around, I need to pee pretty badly. “I could always go all over your floor,” I warn, even though I would never do that.

“Go ahead, watching you explain that to Gertrude might be worth it.” I feel his fingers brush over my back, and my breath catches.

“Is there one down the hall? I’m sure I can find it.” My voice is too airy, too affected, but my nerves and an embarrassing bit of excitement has me feeling a little light-headed. I start to turn to get away from him and out of the dark room, but his hand trails over my hip, holding me in place with a light touch.

“Too late,” he says while standing so close to me, I can feel him pressed against my back. I’m so still, I’m almost afraid to breathe. “I’ll need to collect payment first.”

“Payment for using the bathroom?”

“We can pretend that’s what it’s for, then you can keep pretending you don’t want me.”

“I don’t—”

“Don’t bother, lamb,” Lucian interrupts my denial as he eases my hair to the side so he can lean in and brush his warm lips against my skin. Before my mind can fully process what’s happening, he sinks his teeth into my shoulder. My body reacts on instinct, and I try to jerk to get away from the slight pain, but his hands are already locked around my hips, holding me still.

I open my mouth to protest, but he releases the bite and his hold on me before backing away. I spin on him, my hand already going to the spot where he sunk his teeth in. “What is wrong with you?” I’m breathing hard.

“I’d say quite a lot,” he admits without shame.

“You bit me.” I think I’m still in shock. It doesn’t even really hurt, but it feels as if his teeth are still in my skin.

“I know, it was foolish.”

I’m taken aback by his response, and my rebuke dies on my tongue.

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