Page 48 of Devour (Blood and Roses #1)

Ariel

T he ride is quiet, except for the sound of Luca’s heavy breathing and the occasional sigh. I can feel the tension radiating off him in waves. Through the window’s reflection, I catch him reaching for me—only to stop himself.

I’m glad he did. I need a moment to think clearly. “Am I your property now?” The words slip out before I can stop them, the need to say it burning inside me—especially after he bought me at such a high price.

The moment the words leave my mouth, he pulls me into his lap, gripping me like he’s afraid I’ll disappear.

“You’re more than that,” he says, voice low and rough. “You’re mine, in blood and in bond. No price can measure what you are to me.”

His words tug at my heartstrings. My throat tightens, and tears prick the corners of my eyes. When I blink, one slips down my cheek. He brushes it away with his thumb, then presses a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead before wrapping me in a fierce, protective hold.

“I love you,” he whispers. “Always have. always will.”

He rocks me gently on his lap, his hands steady despite the storm I feel simmering beneath his skin.

“How did you find me?” I ask quietly.

He stiffens at the question, gaze darting away like he’s done something terrible.

“Luca… you don’t have to hide things from me,” I say, reaching for his jaw to turn his face back to mine. “I know the kind of man you are, and I want to know all of you. Not just the sweet, protective version. I want the truth, even the ugly parts.”

He exhales slowly, like it hurts. Then he mutters, “Finn.” That name slices through me like a blade. My body goes rigid. A cold shiver crawled up my spin and he noticed.

“Did he… do something to you?” Luca asks, his voice dark, trembling with restrained rage.

“He… he touched me.”

He finally meets my gaze. His blue eyes are the coldest I’ve ever seen.

“He ra—?”

“No.” I cut him off quickly. “No, he tried. But the older man didn’t let him.”

“But he touched you.” His voice is barely human now—guttural, gutted, deadly.

“Where?”

I can’t say it. Instead, I lower my hand to my center. Luca’s breath stutters. His muscles turn to stone beneath me.

“He shoved his fingers—”

“Shhh,” he cuts in, pulling me hard against his chest before I can finish.

I feel his body shake with each ragged breath he draws. He’s barely holding it together.

“I’m going to skin him alive,” he whispers against my hair. “That’s not a threat—it’s a promise. I’ll make him beg for death, then deny him mercy.”

I grip his shirt, my tears soaking into the fabric.

“I shouldn’t have been there… I never should have left you.”

“I just want to go home,” I whisper.

“You are home,” he growls, cradling my head. “Right here. With me. And no one will ever hurt you again.”