Page 83 of Devil's Iris

“Hmm,” he rumbles, making me peek through my lashes. But he’s already lifting the diamond ring from its velvet nest. I don’t dare breathe, holding still as possible as he fits the new jewelry into my navel. Not because of any potential pain, but because of the pleasure. So much pleasure. My toes curl so hard the joints creak audibly.

The new ring clicks into place like it was always meant to be there. “There.” His voice carries something I can’t name until I meet his eyes.Possessiveness.“Now you’re truly mine.”

I swallow hard around the lump in my throat, the air feeling so heavy, charged. The ownership burning in his gaze sends hot licks of fire straight through me. He’s looking at me like he has no intention of letting me go at the end of our year. Which is crazy. I must be projecting.

But the slight weight of the diamond pulls my gaze down,and my breath catches as I take in my transformed belly. The jewelry is beautiful, yes, but it’s more than that.

I feel different. Marked.His.My body doesn’t even feel like mine anymore; it only knows how to react to him now. And somewhere in the haze, I realize my life, my body, my being will forever be split in two, regardless of what happens between us.

Before Romero.

After Romero.

It should terrify me. Iamterrified.

And yet a wild, dizzying liberation whirls through me, making the room spin as I sit up, hyper-aware of the ring shifting against my belly. He’s on his knees next to the bed, watching me with eyes that seem lit from within.

Without thinking, my fingers slip into his hair and tug him up—hard. He comes willingly, and when he sits beside me, I scoot closer to press my lips to his. He remains still, watching.

“Thank you,” I whisper against his mouth.

For what exactly, I don’t even remember. I just know my heart is bubbling over with too much—affection, lust, gratitude…love. That last one is as dangerous as it’s sweet.

I want to give him something back. Make him feel the way he makes me feel.

And suddenly I know exactly what I want to do.

“Can I suck you?” The words tumble out in a rush, uncontrollable and desperate.

His brows shoot up towards his hairline, genuine shock flickering across his features. “What?”

I’d laugh if my heart wasn't racing so hard and my lungs weren’t struggling to keep up. Instead, I tug him deeper onto the bed, shifting to make space for him. He follows, and my gaze skims over the hard expanse of his golden chest, the ink trailing his arm, before dropping to the unmistakable bulge straining against his black silk pajama pants.

I did that to him.

I place my palm flat on his chest, right on where his heart is thudding even harder and faster than mine. Heat coils in my stomach, my core clenching when our gazes collide. “Lie back,” I whisper, breathy but insistent.

“What are you doing,bellezza?” His voice is thick, though he lets me push him onto his back. Heknowswhat I’m doing, or what I’m trying to do. Still, I try to explain. My lips part, but the words stick to my tongue.

God, I’m so nervous.

I’ve never done anything like this before. What if I screw it up? What if I disappoint him?

My throat tightens, fingers trembling just a little as I trail them lower down his heated skin. The ridges of his abs flex harder beneath my touch, and I can’t hold back a sharp breath.That… that’s actually so fucking hot.

“I want to taste you,” I finally manage.

When my hands reach the waistband of his pajamas, I glance up for permission. He nods jerkily, chest heaving with his breath, eyes so dark now they look almost black.

I tug at the fabric, and he lifts his hips to help me. His cock springs free—thick, hard, angry, the tip already leaking precum. A stunned inhale catches in my throat as I stare.

I had that inside me last night. How did I even…?

“Still want to taste me?” There’s a thread of dark warning in his voice, but it only fuels the ache inside me. I lick my lips hungrily as I nod, unable to drag my gaze away.

“It’s so…pretty.” God, what a pathetic word, but it’s the only one that comes out. The thick, veiny length is this flushed, tempting pink that makes my mouth water. When I drag a finger along it, I jolt.So hot.His cock twitches, more precum beading at the tip as he lets out a choked groan.

Wow…I did that. Just a single touch and he’s?—