Page 24 of Bellamy

I knew that burn would come eventually. It was inevitable. When gasoline was thrown onto a raging fire, it caused an inferno that scorched everything in its wake. Total destruction. That was the only ending for us if we ever went down that road.

“Aren’t you worried what that long-haired dickwad will do once he learns you helped me?”

Phoenix took a small step back. “Don’t disrespect my king.”

“Or you’ll do what? Spank me?”

“Must you always be so belligerent?” Phoenix neared the claw-foot tub and started the water, getting it hot before putting in the drain stopper. “I have my reasons for why I’m here. And no, you aren’t entitled to them.”

A wave of exhaustion crashed into me, and I leaned against the counter. While he was preoccupied with the tub, I looked around for something—anything—to grab. Hell, even a hairbrush could be a weapon if you swung hard enough. But did I really want to hit him hard enough to knock him out cold? Could I?

“Whatever you’re thinking, you can forget it.” Phoenix looked at me. “Take off your clothes.”

Ah, fuck.Those four words sent all the blood rushing to my cock. Lust was ravenous. Desperate for a good fuck. Dammit. I was too.

But not with Phoenix.

Never with him.

Holding eye contact with him, I popped the button on my jeans and moved toward the tub. His gaze darkened as it raked down my body, lingering on my crotch as I pushed my pants off my hips and exposed the bulge in my briefs. I’d been naked in front of too many people to count. However, I hesitated as my thumbs slid beneath the waistband of my briefs. Baring it all to him seemed… different.

Phoenix closed the gap between us and replaced his hands with mine. “Looked like you needed help.”

“What I need is for you to back off.” But damn if my voice didn’t get thick as I said it. My pulse quickened.

“If that’s what you want.” His hand fell away from my hip, and he stepped back. “I’m not pleased with this arrangement either, just so you know. I’d rather you be out of this realm and back in your own.”

“Why? Me being your prisoner gives you an advantage.”

Phoenix didn’t respond.

He kept his eyes averted as I finished undressing. It shocked me, him being that respectful. Only once I was submerged in the tub did he look at me again.

“Do you need help washing yourself, or can you at least manage that much?”

The thought of him washing me had my blood heating even more. My cock twitched. “I think I can manage.”

“Good.”

Phoenix disappeared, leaving me in the bathroom alone. I suspected he hadn’t gone far though, just in case Ididtry anything. Joke was on him. I was too worn-out to plan an escape. And I really did stink. A bath was priority.

I softly groaned and sank down lower in the tub. The hot water felt fucking amazing on my tight muscles. I washed my hair, my strength waning more and more. My mind wasn’t in the best place either. Phoenix had distracted me, but now that I was alone, the disturbing shit Belphegor had forced into my head returned. My brother dead. His blood on my hands.

I scrubbed my hands. Then scrubbed them again. The cuffs connecting my wrists made washing a bit difficult. The runes glowed a brighter shade of purple as I tried breaking open the lock.

“You’re wasting your energy.”

I glanced to my left. Phoenix had returned with clothes slung over one arm. Something in my expression wiped the snarky look from his face. He set the clothes on the counter before approaching the tub.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” I said, lathering the soap directly on my skin.

“What did Belphegor make you see?”

“Does it matter? He didn’t break me, and he never will.”

“It doesn’t have to be like this,” Phoenix said. “Just tell him what he wants to know.”

“Ah.” A weight settled over my heart. “So that’s the reason you’re being so nice. You thought you could show me some kindness and earn my trust. Then try to convince me to give in?”