Page 25 of Demon Bound

“Then I will need to feed.”

“Is there something that will give you more power than what I did before?” she asked, blushing faintly at the memory. “Something that I’d actually be willing to do, I mean?”

“Stronger emotions are better,” he said. “The easiest avenues to power are pain and sex. In the hells, demons often torture each other for it.”

“That wouldn’t be my first choice.”

“It is not anyone’s first choice.”

She was beginning to understand why he wasn’t keen on going back there, if losing a fight meant being subjected to that. “Then sex is easiest?”

“Yes. The effect would be greater if I touched you this time.”

Raiya’s heart rate jumped. She saw his eyes flare in response. He already sensed it. “Touch me how?”

“It doesn’t matter. But being in close proximity to you will make the magic stronger. Even better if I am touching your skin.” It was hard to tell if he was excited by the prospect. As usual, his expression was wooden. She wasn’t sure if that made her feel more comfortable, or less.

“Then… let’s do that,” she decided.

He needed no further encouragement.

Chapter 9

Azreth wrapped an arm around her to pull her closer.

The movement startled her. A rush of something—fear or lust—turned her insides to liquid as she braced her hands against his chest. She wasn’t ready for whatever this was. “Wait.”

Azreth canted his head slightly. His hands rested on her back and her waist, waiting. She had not expected him to stop.

She took a breath, calming herself. This was just a transaction. She didn’t belong to him. She was doing this for power. For herself. For her enchantments.

Thinking of her enchantments firmed her resolve. Finally, she had a magic user to power her creations.

When she didn’t say anything more, he turned her around so that her back was against him. Holding her, he sank to the ground, seating her in his lap. He was a massive pillar of warmth against her back, his arms enfolding her and steadying her like when they’d slept together.

“You would like my assistance?” he asked. The velvety softness of his voice penetrated through her body and sent shivers up her spine.

“Yes,” she said. “Please.”

He paused, as if surprised.

“We may as well get it done with quickly,” she added, not wanting him to think she was too eager.

“…Yes.” His arms draped languidly over her as he bent his knee, raising his thigh between her legs. She drew in a breath as thick muscle pressed against her. She got the feeling he wasn’t particularly in a hurry.

“Have you done this before?” she asked.

“Not with a mortal.” His hand moved to her thigh, a firm touch that edged dangerously close to her sex.

“Do you know what you’re doing?”

“You will have to let me know.”

He cupped her through her trousers. Raiya froze, her heart racing. It was the same way Nirlan had touched her in front of him. She knew they were both thinking of it.

Unhurriedly, he pulled her robe up over her waist. She braced herself against him, feeling trapped with him on every side of her. And yet, she liked the feeling.

She closed her eyes as he caressed her sex. They lapsed into a silence that felt very awkward, but she felt that interrupting the moment by talking would be even worse.