Page 78 of Doomed

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Cryptic artist,” he teases.

As Knox’s breathing deepens toward sleep, I remain awake, watching shadows play across the ceiling. How did we get here? When we met, I slapped this man for touching my face without permission. I despised his arrogance, his sense of entitlement, and the way he bulldozed through my boundaries.

Yet now, cradled in his arms, I can’t remember why I fought so hard against the pull between us. The Knox I thought I knew—the shallow, cocky playboy—is only one facet of a man far more complex than I imagined. Once he stopped throwing up walls, it slowly became clear that it isn’t who he is at all. He hides it well, but I would lay odds that other than his brothers, I’m the only person who has seen this version of him—maybe ever.

God, what’s happening to me? I came here determined to resist him, to prove I was immune to his charms. Instead, I’m lying here wondering if this fluttering in my chest, this warmth spreading through me, is what falling in love feels like. With Knox Blackwood, of all people—the last man I should trust with my heart.

26

KNOX

Ablaring horn jolts me awake. Fuck. My eyes snap open, and I immediately check Bianca beside me, peacefully asleep despite the noise. She looks fucking perfect—hair splayed across my pillow, lips slightly parted. Mine.

But we can’t stay here. Not supposed to be in my private chambers—breaks tradition. Xavier would have my head.

I brush my thumb across her cheek. “Wake up, princess. Time to move.”

Her eyes flutter open, confusion clouding them before recognition sets in. “What’s that noise?”

“First warning horn for the feast.” I press a kiss to her forehead. “We need to get you to the baths. Can’t show up looking like you’ve been thoroughly fucked, even if everyone knows you have.”

She blushes, that delicious pink spreading across her cheeks. I could spend hours making that color appear in different ways.

“We’re not supposed to be here?” she asks, sitting up and clutching the sheet to her chest.

“Tradition says prey should be in the communal prep rooms.” I shrug, already pulling on pants. “I make my own rules, but appearances matter.”

I guide her toward the door. The hallways are quieter than expected—everyone else is probably following protocol.

We’re almost at the bathing chambers when Vane appears, his eyes narrowing at the sight of us.

“What the fuck are you doing?” he asks, gaze flicking between me and Bianca. “Prey is supposed to be in prep with the attendants.”

I drape my arm around Bianca’s shoulders, pulling her against my side. “Just giving my girl the VIP treatment. Problem?”

“Playing with fire, little brother,” Vane warns, though his mouth quirks. “Xavier notices, he’ll have your balls.”

“Let him try.” I flash my most irritating grin. “Besides, anyone who touches what’s mine loses a hand. You know how it works.”

Vane rolls his eyes, muttering “fucking idiot” before continuing down the hall.

I feel Bianca stiffen against me, her earlier relaxation evaporating. Interesting. My casual banter with Vane bothers her. I squeeze her shoulder reassuringly, guiding her through the ornate doors to the private baths.

I lead Bianca into the massive marble bath that smells of sandalwood and vanilla. Steam rises from the water, creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere around us.

“In you go,” I murmur, helping her into the warm water.

She sinks down with a soft sigh that goes straight to my cock. Fuck, everything about her affects me. I grab a cloth and some soap, kneeling at the edge of the bath.

“Let me,” I say, voice rougher than intended.

I start with her shoulders, gently dragging the soapy cloth across her skin in slow, circular motions. “You’re fucking perfect, you know that?” My fingers trail after the cloth,memorizing every inch. “The way you gave yourself to me in there—most beautiful goddamn thing I’ve ever seen.”

I wash her breasts with special care, watching her nipples harden under my touch. “Beautiful.” My marks on her skin make my dick hard. Seeing them, knowing I did that, and she loved each one… Fuck.

Working my way down her body, I lift each limb from the water, treating her like a precious treasure, because she is. She’s my masterpiece come to life.

“I’ve never met anyone like you,” I admit, washing between her thighs with gentle strokes. “The way you take everything I give you—like you were made for me.”