Page 24 of A Dagger in the Ivy (Blade Bound #1)

C Hapter

I gasp and clutch my side. The searing pain of the dagger feels so real, but as my eyes gain focus, the ache disappears. The tingling sensation I always experience shrinks and evaporates. My mother’s desperate voice from my dream still echoes in my head, but it floats away as the cool, night wind tousles my hair. A wolf’s howl reaches my ears.

My head swims. It’s not just the aftereffects of the brandy, but the height at which I am standing. I swallow hard and jerk my head around. My surroundings are blurred and unfamiliar, especially in the dark. Panic surges through me as I realize my night wandering has led me to stand upon the wall of the castle ramparts.

Shit.

If someone sees me…

If I lose my balance…

My toes hang over the edge. Vertigo grips me as I sway precariously, the abyss yawning below, threatening to swallow me whole. My heart thrums, the cold, night air biting at my skin. I clench my fingers, trying with all my might to fight off the blurred vision and weakness in my knees .

A strong hand grasps my arm, pulling me back from the brink. I gasp as I stumble against the solid warmth of Dante’s chest. He holds me at my waist, and his touch sends a jolt of electricity coursing through me, a strange mixture of fear and exhilaration surging through my veins. I’m acutely aware of his proximity, the heat of his body searing against mine, and for a fleeting moment, I forget the animosity that hangs between us.

“Careful, Highness.” Dante’s voice is rough, tinged with an edge of concern that catches me off guard.

I blink up at him, my breath catching in my throat as I meet his intense gaze, the shadows dancing in the depths of his stormy-grey eyes.

My instinct is to thank him, to express my gratitude for saving me from a potentially fatal fall, but his curt dismissal cuts through the words before they can leave my lips. His nearness is thrilling, sending a shiver down my spine as he leans in closer, his presence overwhelming in the dim light of the night.

“What are you doing out here?” His expression is stern, and his eyes search my face, as if he’ll find the answers there.

“Nothing.” It’s not a lie, but it isn’t the truth, either.

“Just getting fresh air, then? Or did our conversation about thrilling adventures make you thirst to do something dangerous?”

He hasn’t released me, and the warmth of his hands is a relief from the cool wind whipping around us.

“What I do and where I go is none of your concern.” Despite my brassy words, I don’t pull away.

“I’m beginning to question how you’re getting past your Royal Ward. This isn’t the first time I’ve witnessed you wandering in the middle of the night, Highness. I’ve heard of sleepwalking ailments. If this is what plagues you, then perhaps someone should be assigned to guard you more closely.”

“Someone like you?”

He smirks. “Would that please you?”

Despite the tension that crackles between us, I can’t help but be drawn to him, to the enigmatic allure that surrounds him like a cloak. In this moment, with the world spinning around us and danger lurking just beyond the castle walls, I find myself inexplicably drawn to Dante, my heart racing with a heady mix of fear and desire.

Wait. Is he doing this?

I pull back, but only slightly. “Stop that.”

His eyes narrow. “Stop what?”

“You’re using your powers on me. Your… Your glamour.”

He smirks. “I’m not, but it’s nice to know I have that effect on you.”

I grind my teeth. “I wish you wouldn’t lie to me. I clearly feel what you are doing.”

His hands, which are still on my waist, drift up and down a few inches. “I assure you, Highness, anything you’re feeling stems from your own deep-rooted impulses.”

My mouth falls open. “How dare you insinuate—”

He lets out a small breath, his gaze floating to my lips. “Let me show you, and then you can say if you are able to tell the difference between the sensations.”

“Wh-What do you mean?”

He steps even closer, his hands moving to my lower back. His features relax, and a low, sultry hum emits from his throat.

I steel myself, wanting to keep in control.

The humming changes into a slow melody, and it’s like the vibrations of Dante’s voice are moving within my blood, caressing my veins and warming my skin. The heat spreads, and a fire comes to life in my core, the flames beginning to consume me. He runs his hands up my sides, and I feel my nipples harden. His fingers travel to my neck, and he gently tilts my chin up so that our lips are only inches apart.

Every inch of me wants to melt into him, to let him devour me with his lips.

He leans closer but goes past my cheek, breathing on my neck. “Can you feel it now?” His voice vibrates behind my ear. “Or is your body responding the same way it does without my magic?”

I bite my lip to keep from releasing a moan.

He chuckles and takes a step back.

The vibration dissipates, and it takes a second before I can register the smug look on Dante’s face.

“Now tell me, Highness. Was I using my powers on you before? Or was it simply the thought of me touching you that got you soaked?”

The flames inside me change to a searing fury. “You ass. You infuriating, arrogant, self-righteous brute.”

He smirks and lifts a brow. “That mouth.”

I grunt and turn away from him, storming back toward my room.

“Should I escort you, Princess?” he calls after me, humor laced in his tone.

“No. I’m perfectly capable.” My footsteps are heavy, frustration and embarrassment battling within me. I can’t look at Dante. Not only because of the stunt he just pulled, but because I can’t explain the feelings he stirred inside me.