Page 107 of Conjure

Camryn steps back and opens the door farther with one hand, that sinful smile hooking me as much as the quirk of her finger. She spins around and walks deeper into the kitchen, glancing at me over her shoulder. The invitation in her darkening eyes dislodges my feet, and I step over the threshold.

She walks around the kitchen table with a smirk, and when I slow to a stop, my heart thuds harder as she pulls a knife from the wooden block, inspecting the sharp blade in the ambient light. Her eyes lock on mine, and she points the blade in my direction with a wink.

What has gotten into her? I’m intrigued, but also wary. Camryn isn’t usually this forward.

“We should talk about last night,” I say.

“Talking is overrated,” she replies, walking up to me.

My throat goes dry as I watch her hips sway with each slow step.

When she’s close enough to touch, she lifts the knife and slides the tip of the blade down my chest, a dark smile twisting her mouth. “You trust me, Dom?”

I hiss when she nicks my skin.

Blood beads on the surface cut as her sinful smile widens, taking on a darker, more dangerous edge. She leans in and drags her tongue through it then trails it across my skin until she reaches my nipple. With a teasing flick, she looks up at me through her wispy lashes. “Do you trust me, Dom?”

She circles the small bud and drags the flat end of the knife down my chest.

“I trust you,” I breathe, burying my fingers in her long hair.

Overhead, the light flickers, but I’m too drunk on Camryn to pay attention to the faulty electric.

She bites me, and the sharp sting twitches my dick. “Silly boy.”

I watch through heavy lids as she interlaces her fingers with mine and leads me toward the door at the back of the kitchen.

“When will you learn, Dominic?” She sinks her teeth into her plump bottom lip. I’d do fucking anything to taste it, to kiss her, to brand myself on her skin.

“Learn what?” I ask, trapping her with my arm against the door and cupping her cheek.

She taps my lips with the blade and lifts her gaze. The knife trails a slow path down the curve of my chin, over my Adam’s apple, and between my collarbones. All the while, she keeps me hostage with her big eyes.

If only she knew the hold she has on me.

“Not everything is what it seems.” She reaches behind her and turns the handle. “Your desire blinds you.” The door opensto the basement, and she pulls me forward with a taunting smile, engulfing us in darkness. But not before I see her change form into something truly horrific.

I turn to run, but it’s too late; the door slams shut, refusing to budge no matter how much I pull on it. “You’re not Camryn…” My voice trembles as I try to control myself. “You tricked me.” Slowly turning around, I press my spine against the wood.

“He finally catches on. But don’t worry,” the demonic creature says, digging the sharp blade into my side and darting its forked tongue out to lick my earlobe. “I’ll be gentle with you.”

THIRTY-TWO

CAMRYN

Dominic staresat me from across the breakfast table.

His eyes, usually a shade of hazel, now seem to hold a sinister edge I can’t quite decipher. It’s not the color, but the enigma that lies behind it.

Dressed in combat shorts and a black T-shirt, he plays with his Zippo, lighting and flicking it shut again while a smirk reveals the killer dimples in his cheeks.

I try not to be affected by the intense way he traps me, but something about his demeanor has me on edge.

Scalding coffee splashes against the sides as Mom fills her mug. The sound seems heightened in the tense silence, but as always, she remains oblivious.

“I’m sorry that I’m away so much. It’s temporary until they hire more staff.” She frowns. “Where’s Bruno this morning?”

“I haven’t seen him,” I reply.