Page 21 of Prince of Envy

My nerves were shot, and my head was pounding. Aside from a shower, I needed sleep.

WherewasI going to sleep?

Vassago started the shower as I looked behind us to the king-sized bed. Several thoughts ran through my mind: How long had he been staying here? And with who? Who was the other prince of Hell? Had anyone else ever slept with him in that bed?

“I’m going to get you a T-shirt then leave you to wash up.” He paused but finished his thought quickly when I sucked in a worried breath. ”But I won’t be far away.”

“Okay.” I let my shoulders relax and watched his back disappear around the corner.

I set down the pair of sweatpants I’d been holding onto for dear life and pulled my arm out of my torn blouse. It had been one of my favorites. White with blue and purple flowers. It had fit me loosely, which meant I could tie it at the front or tuck it into a skirt. Now, the buttons were either missing or hanging from frayed threads. There was a sizable hole in the middle where Duncan’s fingers had ripped through the delicate silk. It was for the best. I never wanted to see it again after tonight.

“Celeste?” Vassago’s voice came softly from behind me, a gentle nudge that he was there.

I turned around and handed him the garment. “Can you get rid of this for me?”

He nodded and took it between his long fingers.

“And these.” I pulled off my underwear, noticing the spot of dried blood.

My bra was next. I didn’t feel any less naked than I had while wearing those items of clothing. In fact, I felt more powerful standing bare in front of the man I knew would go to the ends of the Earth for me. His eyes never dipped below my face, and the welling emotions in my chest threatened to break the dam of tears.

“I’ll be right on the other side of the door.” He took a step back.

My arm flew out to stop him. “Leave it open.”

Another cautious nod from him.

I stepped into the shower. My eyes and lips were swollen from crying, but the warm water soothed more than just my inflamed face. Duncan’s stench on my skin fell to the tile and slid down the drain with the expensive unisex soap that had been sitting on the shelf.

“Do you shop for yourself?” I called out.

“No,” he answered from the other room.

I wanted him closer. “What?”

“No, I don’t do the shopping.” His voice echoed around me. “Is there a brand you prefer? I’ll get it for you.”

I peeked through the stream of suds running down my face. He was leaning against the doorjamb, his arm resting at the top of the frame. He’d taken his shirt off and put on a pair of sweatpants. My stomach fluttered.

“Who shops for you? Are there little sprites or fairies that go to the store?” I grinned and scrubbed the rest of the eucalyptus-scented shampoo out of my hair.

He smiled. “Actually, a lesser spirit in my brother’s legion keeps his house in order for him. My room was primarily for guests until recently.”

“Since I released you,” I realized out loud.

“Since you released me.” He repeated my words, but the dark sound of his voice gave them a meaning that was far different than mine.

I finished scrubbing my body then rinsed before I turned off the tap. Vassago took one large step and grabbed the towel from the counter and held it open for me. I stepped out, letting him envelop me in the plush fabric. The luxury wasn’t lost on me. The whole house had more indulgence than what seemed necessary. Then again, they were princes of Hell.

“I know you have a lot of questions.” He gave another intrusively knowing statement. “And I can answer them all tomorrow morning. For now, let’s get you to bed.”

“Where are you going to sleep?” I asked.

“I don’t need to sleep.”

My brows shot up to my hairline. “Ever?”

He laughed, a warm but sinister chuckle that added to his inhumanity. “I don’t need to sleep tonight.”

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