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“Now that I have said it, will you accept my mark? You are beautiful in this dress, and I would like to take you in it.”

He would always prefer her naked, but he knew trying to get under her skirts out in the open was hard enough as it was.

The fact she is not trying to stop me now is remarkable.This hallway was not often a thoroughfare, but the occasional person liked to wander through. Plus, there were many people here this night who were curious about the palace.

There were also guests who would be staying in the apartments further down, who needed to venture through it.

“Yes, you may claim me,” she answered, and the sweet, unhidden smile she gave him was enough to undo him.

Pretty woman.

Instead of being sweet, though, Geryon spun her around. He pressed the front of her torso against the wall while he bunched the skirts of her dress up so he could snake his hands underneath it.

He kissed the back of her neck. “Apparently, it hurts,” he warned her.

Just that fact alone was almost enough to make him want to wait until they were in the privacy of their lavish suite. They had been moved to a spacious room on the third floor.

He wouldn’t wait any longer.

The night was still early, and there would be many more hours he would have to spend in the ballroom to keep it safe.

“I have been waiting for this since I discovered you wanted to claim me, Geryon.” She turned her head to peek back at him. “I do not care if it hurts, so long as the mark is yours.”

He had to settle his hands and press his forehead against her shoulder blade so he could groan against it.She has been waiting for it?

Why did hearing that make his cock throb deeply within his breeches?

Pressing his lips to the back of her shoulder, he shot his hands up until they rested on the centre of her back. He spread his fingers while he lined his thumbs together.

He felt the magic he needed come to life when he mentally recited the lengthy yet ancient chant. His heart. His mind. His body and soul. They all knew exactly what he wanted.

Under his palms, Valerie visibly flinched before she grew taught. A sharp gasp came from her at the warmth even he could sense in his hands. It would feel as though he was burning her skin, although he wasn’t.

She didn’t scream or cry. She persevered through it by gritting her teeth and pressing her face against the corner of the walls. Her strength called to him, and he knew he’d made the right decision on his female.

Now, you are mine.They were called the Flames of Binding. Eventually, these burns would turn into a black tribal Dragon marking against her back.

When the magic faded and her body grew lax once more, Geryon turned her without moving his arms from under her skirt.

“I do not think I have wanted you more than I do this very moment.” He licked his lips, his tongue darting out.

But if the pain was too much...

Valerie wrapped her arms around his shoulders and jumped, forcing him to catch underneath her thighs.

“I did not think I would have to wait for your cock afterwards.”

Ungh! Wicked Witch!If he didn’t have to go back to the ballroom, he would have ripped his breeches open to free his cock.

Instead, he had to carefully unbutton the ones he needed to be able to free himself, a lopsided grin marring his lips. Vibrating with desire and love for the woman in his arms, he chuckled. “You are going to regret saying that.”

Valerie rested against the many pillows cushioning the headboard of their shared bed. With her knees curled up, her feet tucked under her backside, her side laying upon the pillows, and a chalice of bitter wine in her hand, she awaited Geryon.

Naked, presenting herself for him, a small smile curled her lips, and she quickly had to hide it behind a sip of her drink.

Since she’d left the wedding ball earlier than him, she had already wiped herself down and stripped to await him in their bedchamber.

It was neither of their old suites, but one on the very top floor of this palace. Bradwick only permitted a select few trusted people to live on the same floor as him, and of course, Geryon was one of them.