Page 41 of Thorns of Blood

He straightened from where he’d been leaning against the doorframe, shutting the door behind him, and his eyes darkened as he strode closer to me. I was braless under the oversized shirt he gave me after yesterday’s near-drowning saga, and my nipples hardened against the material.

His gaze darkened as it settled on my chest then dipped down to the boxers I wore—also belonging to him.

Then he sat down in a chair, like a king studying its subjects from his throne.

“I like you in my clothes.” His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine, and the reaction pissed me off.

“Enough with the macho shit,” I grumbled. “The only reason I’m wearing this is because my options are limited. Since youkidnapped meand are keeping me here, or did you forget?”

He smirked.

“I’ll order you new clothes.” He stood up and moved closer, making me flinch on instinct. “Relax, Liana. For the love of God, please stop treating me like I’m some feral dog in heat. I have more self-control than that.”

My retort was swift. “Are you sure about that? In my experience, menaredogs.”

“Some,” he agreed. I rolled my eyes and was about to respond when he moved even closer. “The weak ones who don’t know how to handle a woman.”

“Handlea woman?” I snorted. “And I’m sure you’re about to tell me how you’re not like the other guys?” I scoffed, my cheeks warm.

“I can promise you I’m not.” His smile turned smug. “But you don’t have to worry about that. After all, we’ll have plenty of time to get you used to me.”

Typical misplaced confidence. He wasexactlythe same.

“And if I don’t?” I challenged.

Suddenly, he sobered, his eyes softening ever so slightly. “If you give it a chance, you will. Your body already reacts to me.”

I winced at his perceptiveness. “It’s just biology.”

“Then let me promise you something, wildflower.”

“What?”

“I already told you before, but I want to ensure you understand that I will never… fuckingever… touch you without your consent.”

The sincerity in his voice and his eyes had me pausing for a heartbeat… or two… but then I shook it off. No man was to be trusted, least of all this one.

He intrigued me, even if he slightly scared me. He was strong, smart, and cunning, all wrapped up in a package that could easily deceive you. And then just when you least expected it, he’d attack and shred you into pieces.

“I’ll always have your back,” he added. “You’ll be under my protection and I swear, I’ll sooner rid this planet of every living being than let anyone hurt you. And I hope, with every bone in my body, that you’ll seriously consider my proposal. I believe we could… work well together.”

“Don’t say things you don’t mean,” I snapped.

“I’m serious. I want an equal partner, acrossallareas of a relationship.” His expression darkened. “And I’m willing to take it as slow as necessary.”

“Right.” I rolled my eyes, clicking my tongue.

My parents’ history showed me exactly what to expect out of a relationship, and I wanted no fucking part of it. And don’t even get me started on my ownblessedmarriage. In my entire miserable existence, I had yet to see a single loving one that didn’t go up in flames.

“You’re stubborn, Liana, but you should know… I am too.”

I jutted my chin, reluctant to admit that I was warming to the concept. Knowing what I did about Giovanni and his position at the head of not one but two criminal organizations… He’d be a valuable asset on my side, if nothing else.

“You know, I eat men like you for breakfast,” I stated while my brain worked overtime, contemplating all the ways I could use this man. Maybe he really could help me get Amara back.

“By all means.” He smirked. “But if I’m your breakfast, it’s only fair you’re mine.” For the first time in forever, heat rushed to my cheeks and set them aflame. His eyes fell to them andI narrowed my eyes, daring him to say anything. “You know, maybe I went about this marriage proposal the wrong way.”

“You make it sound like you’re giving me a choice.” I snickered. “However, maybe we should set some ground rules.” He looked at me with a cocky grin and I was tempted to claw it off his face. “I want you to help me get Amara back.”