Page 161 of Terror at the Gates

“You did,” he said. “But you are also a vicious tease, and I wanted to know you were serious.”

“Iwasserious,” I breathed.

I didn’t know how I could have made it more obvious, but then he had been obvious too and still rejected me.

My breath caught as he slipped his finger inside me. It felt so good to have him there, gently caressing the slickest part of me. Then he used that wetness to circle my clit and I became tense and supple all at once.

I gripped the back of his neck, kissing him despite the awkward angle.

It was a slow and sensual build, like Zahariev was taking time to learn what I responded to most, but right now I’d react to anything because it was him doing the touching, the teasing, the exploring. All of it felt good but some of it felt great, and that’s where I begged him to stay.

“Yes,” I whispered. “There. There.There.”

My feet were pressed against the tub, and I rose on my toes, back arching as my shoulders dug into Zahariev’s chest. Everything inside me contracted, contributing to the high of this sweet pleasure.

It helped that Zahariev’s mouth was near my ear, that I heard every groan and growl as his body rose with mine.

My orgasm hit so hard, I felt like I’d been split in half. I shook uncontrollably, probably because my soul had to find a way back into my body. Zahariev rode it with me, each splintering wave, releasing me only when I relaxed against him.

Finally, I opened my eyes. If I had kept them closed, I would have gone to sleep. We were quiet, catching our breaths. I wasn’t sure what changed, but the silence that followed felt like a chasm opening up between us. Zahariev must have felt it too because his arms tightened around me.

“We should get back soon,” he said.

“I know,” I whispered, though I didn’t want to leave. I felt selfish, but I had loved our time together. There would never be another like it because it had been our first. I wasn’t usually sentimental about that sort of thing, but then I’d never had sex with someone I cared about in this way.

Unfortunately, Zahariev’s comment turned my thoughts to reality and what would happen in the daylight now that my dad was dead and my mother was missing.

“We should spy on Lisk,” I said.

Zahariev chuckled. “That’s what you’re thinking about right now?”

He cupped my breasts as if to emphasize the point.

“You’re the one who mentioned going back,” I said. “I’m just throwing out ideas. Don’t you think it would be helpful to know the company he’s keeping?”

“Sure,” he said. “Can you manage surveillance without trying to kill him?”

“I have self-control, Zahariev.”

“Self-control goes out the window when emotions are high.”

“Your faith in me is so reassuring,” I said dryly. “I understand the greater goal here.”

“I’m not asking because I don’t have faith in you,” said Zahariev. “I’m asking because Lisk isn’t an ordinary demon. I’m not sure even you can predict how you will react when you face him again.”

Last time, I’d frozen.

But last time, I hadn’t been prepared to face my abuser.

“This is just surveillance,” I said, though my voice sounded weak. What would I do if I witnessed Lisk with another victim? I wasn’t sure I could keep myself from reacting, even if it meant dire consequences.

“It’s Sunday,” said Zahariev. “Lisk will be at the cathedral most of the evening.”

I perked up. “So his house will be empty?”

“Unless he’s holding people captive in the basement,” said Zahariev.

I wouldn’t be surprised to discover that was true.