Page 9

The stupid dream never remembered my previous visits — all things and people completely reverting each time.

"You know what?" I said, desperation clawing at me. I didn't want to go back yet! "On second thought, I'd like to take you up on your offer for sex tonight. Not later, though. I want you to fuck me, right here, right now."

Yes. A good fuck was exactly what I needed. That cock — those piercings — the perfect way to soothe that ache inside me.

Jaiel's eyes went wide, and he shook his head. "Princess! I had no idea you liked being watched! How scandalous … and very much something I would like to accommodate." He leaned closer, gaze dancing. "However, I have a feeling we wouldn't get very far before the guards rushed in and ruined our fun. Trust me." He winked. "I know from experience."

I sighed, ignoring the brief pang of jealousy in my gut. He always refused like that — making up some excuse. Even in my fucking dreams — he was a damned gentleman PRETENDING to be a rake!

So disappointing.

"Fine, fine," I grumbled. "How about another dance, instead?"

"Of course, Princess." He held out his hand, but I pushed it away, choosing to guide his hands to my hips. I moved closer, letting my hands drape around his neck — forcing our bodies flush, as I lifted onto my toes until my lips were just inches from his.

He went rigid but didn't pull away — letting us stay like that, a breath apart.

"I'm sorry, Princess," he whispered. "I cannot kiss you. Not tonight. No matter how charming you are —"

Frustration bit at me as I dropped from my toes. I could have sworn he'd asked for a kiss at some point. But perhaps that was just wishful thinking …

"I know, Jaiel. I know," I sighed. "Just dance with me."

He eyed me skeptically but nodded. And once again, I rested my head against his chest, letting myself be lulled by the sound of his heartbeat.

The music started, and I let my mind drift again.

With each night spent in this place, repeating the same event over and over, the dream seemed to be helping less and less.

Lately, it had started feeling a bit like another prison …

But at least I wasn't alone here.

I looked up at Jaiel, with his sharp jaw and wide lips pursed with concern, and the gnawing worry in my stomach grew. No matter how many times I told myself it was just my imagination, I just couldn't shake the terrible feeling that Jaiel was not okay. And it only got worse with each visit.

I buried my face into dream-Jaiel's chest, breathing in the scent of silk and tea, squeezing my eyes shut.

"You better be okay, Jaiel. Wherever you are, you'd better be okay."

"What's that, Princess?" dream-Jaiel asked.

I shook my head, embarrassed, as I blinked away tears. "Nothing."

"Why can't you ever do things the easy way?" a new voice grumbled.

I jumped. The voice was strange — almost warped. And it made the hairs on my neck stand on end.

That was NOT part of the memory!

Heart racing, I looked up to find a tall figure cloaked in black robes standing just behind Jaiel.

Dream-Jaiel didn't even react …

Yanking him behind me, I dropped into a fighting stance — or the best imitation of one I could manage in a fucking gown.

"Who are you?!" I demanded. "What do you want?"

"The storm is coming," he said, the low and inhuman voice emanating from his large frame. "You can't hide here anymore."