Page 74 of Paramour of Sin

Maybe I didn’t want him to save me. Maybe I wanted to save myself.

“I want to be in charge of my own exoneration,” I decided out loud. Then I turned my back on them both and stalked upstairs to change into my “killing” clothes.

At least my bedroom didn’t feel quite so overrun with demons. I slammed the door behind me and ripped my shirt off over my head, throwing it to the ground on my way to the closet. I was sliding hangers around, going through my more scandalous wardrobe for the best little black dress, when the door to my bedroom opened and Lord Zebulon stepped inside.

I glanced over my shoulder and rolled my eyes, then returned to my dress searching.Go awaywas on the tip of my tongue but felt a little too juvenile, so I didn’t say it out loud. Instead, I pretended he wasn’t there.

They wanted to call me a child.

I’d act like one.

Well, only Zane actually referred to me as such. Lord Zebulon just called meinnocent, which I translated to mean the same in his language.

And was I acting like a brat right now? Sort of. But I was done relying—

Iron-like fingers laced around my forearm as Lord Zebulon whirled me away from my closet with a single practiced motion, slamming my back against the wall. All the breath left my lungs, not just from hitting the hard surface, but from the heat in his gaze.

He stepped into me, all that dark power swirling around my senses like a drug. He leaned his hips against mine, pinning me into place with his fingers still immovable on my arm. I couldn’t have broken his grip even if I tried.

“Darling Guinevere,” he murmured, his breath tickling my ear. His lips marked a path down the side of my neck. “While I like this delightfully feisty side of you, I am still your lord.”

“Yes, and I’m very aware of your penchant for control.”

He pulled back to arch a brow at me, and the expression was hot and infuriating all at once.

I fought to keep my temper in check, even as I melted in the circle of his arms. “You told Zane he couldn’t touch me, which you had no right to do.”

“Didn’t I?” Lord Zebulon growled. The possessiveness in his tone left no room for interpretation.

“You can’t tell someone not to touch me just because you want me for yourself.”

“Actually, I can.” Lord Zebulon fisted a handful of my hair and yanked. “Or do you need another reminder of who I am?”

Desire unfurled in my core. He pulled hard, until my face angled upward toward the ceiling, until I couldn’t move my head out from beneath the force of his grip. I was completely at his mercy, locked against the wall by his powerful hips and his grip on my head.

“Fine,” I relented. “Maybe you can. But you can’t do that and then treat me like some fragile doll that can’t be touched by you either. I’m not breakable, Zebulon.”

He finally released my arm and then drew a finger down my torso, a line of heat following along my skin. “Oh, I’m very aware of your resilient state, Guinevere.”

I still couldn’t move my head. His finger left flames licking at my skin, trailing over the mounds of my breasts pushed up from my lacy bra, down my bare abdomen, and dipping into my waistband. I swallowed, my mind fracturing beneath his touch.

No. I’m mad. Remember? Very mad. Taking charge. Not wantingthis.

“Stop being—” I didn’t have a chance to finish my admonishment.

Because Lord Zebulon kissed me.

His mouth was hot and demanding as his grip tightened in my hair, opening me to his exploration. This wasn’t just a kiss—this was a point being made. He drew it out, long and hot, showing me exactly what he could do with his mouth. Marking me with his tongue. Destroying me with his touch.

I melted against the wall, grasping at his dress shirt so I wouldn’t fall under his devastating ministrations.

He would own me if we continued down this path. I could feel the promise of that ownership in the way he was possessing every inch of me with power.

Finally, Lord Zebulon broke away from the kiss, leaving me a gasping, disoriented mess.

Zane leaned against the door jamb across the room, his heated eyes watching our every move.

“What is it?” Lord Zebulon said without turning around.