Page 109

“Really,” Eryx says. He prowls toward me like a panther.

I back away slowly, but there’s not far for me to go. “Yes, I detest you. I’m only doing this for selfish reasons. There’s no reason for me to give any more than I already have. You’ve taken enough from me as it is.”

My back hits a wall and Eryx’s arms come down on either side ofme. He leans forward just as his horns sprout from his head. His lips trail across my neck before coming up to my ear. My hands instinctively curl around his arms, I thought for the purpose of pushing him away, but they simply hold on.

“I don’t need another woman in this room to consummate our marriage. I don’t want anyone else in this room with us.” He hovers over my lips but doesn’t touch me again.

“That was just a story.”

“A pitiful one at that. The madam almost didn’t believe it. As if anyone would need help with such a thing when it comes to you. Have you seen yourself?” His lips skim the top of my head. “Silky raven hair.” They reach my forehead. “Golden skin.” He kisses a closed eyelid. “Brown eyes that sparkle when you’ve something mischievous to say.” He hovers above my mouth again. “Ruby lips.”

Still he doesn’t kiss me.

I open my eyes, thinking perhaps he’s moved, but his face is still right there.

“I know my secret is safe with you, so let me assure you that your secret is safe with me,” he whispers.

“What secret is that?”

He licks his lips. “That you like me.”

“I do not.”

“The doctor and I had an interesting chat before he left today. You told me a wicked lie.”

“I—”

He kisses me then, and I don’t even try to push him away. Because he knows. He knows, and that means I can’t pretend anymore. Not with him, and not even with myself.

I can’t deny it: I want him.

Just right now. Just for tonight. Let me have him before I get rid of him once and for all.

And once the decision is made, I let go.

Forget about the money or the manor or anything else. In this room, there is just this man and me. This man who is also a monster. My fingers slide through his hair, bumping up against the root of a horn, and for some reason that only makes this more exciting. Because I am taming this beast. This beast wants me.

Andgods—I want him.

I kiss him with everything I have, but it doesn’t seem to be enough. His kisses don’t soothe. They set me aflame. I might combust right here if he doesn’t do something.

But he doesn’t attempt to remove my clothes. He barely touches me with his hands, as though he’s too scared to break me. How hard is he fighting to keep the monster in check? And what might happen if he finally let go?

The thought is thrilling, and I step away, prepared to tell him to throw caution to the wind.

But seeing him, I realize that there is still something I need from him. The final piece of the puzzle to getting rid of him, and my body is the only incentive I have at this point for obtaining it. Once he has me, he won’t give up anything more.

“You’re holding back,” I say.

He blinks through a sensual haze, likely reining in his instincts. “So are you. I have a monster to keep in check. What’s your excuse?”

I pull out my acting skills, let them wash over me. “I’m sorry about the laudanum lie.”

“You weren’t ready for me to know you actually wanted me.”

“I wasn’t.”

“And now?”