Page 112 of Vipers and Vendettas

Jules gives a jerky, wide-eyed nod.

‘Is there a hellhound roaming around on my estate?’

She shakes her head. ‘No, he’s in the maze.’

‘Right. Why is there a hellhound in my maze?’

Jules straightens, looking Maddox in the eye. ‘Because he’s my friend, and he was hurt. I asked the maze, and the maze said?—’

‘But you didn’t ask ME, Jules!’

She cringes. ‘I’m sorry,’ she whispers.

‘No, you’re not! You’re sorry you got caught. There’s a difference, and you’re going to learn it, you vexing female!’

He pulls the jacket off her and shoves it at me, his eyes falling on the rip in her dress. ‘Take off your clothes,’ he growls.

She doesn't move.

‘Now, or I rip them off for you.’

* * *

Jules

I feel something inside me unfurl at Maddox’s threat and his fury that I put myself in dangeragain, that I was hiding things from himagain. I’m in the wrong, and I know it, but I stand straighter anyway, stretching my back and shoulders. My eyes lock onto his, and I don’t shy away from his gaze as I rip my dress down the middle in one motion. It falls to the floor at my feet.

‘There you are,’ Maddox whispers as his eyes stare into mine, a little awe in his tone.

His eyes don’t move from my face even though I’m naked before him. Next to me, I hear Iron’s sharp intake of breath, but he isn’t looking at my body either.

‘Succubus,’ he whispers.

‘I speculated on when I might see you for the first time,’ Maddox says, ‘but why is it now, I wonder, while I’m scolding you for making poor decisions.’

‘Perhaps it’s because I don’t enjoy being rebuked like a child,’ I say, though my voice sounds different from usual.

It’s lower. More seductive.

My lip curls in satisfaction as his gaze finally lowers and takes in my bare breasts.

‘You’re getting stronger,’ he remarks.

‘I’m feeding properly, and the little one burns away the magick that kept me in the dark,’ I say, caressing the bump with a fond expression that hardens when I look at Maddox again and I see his surprise that I know anything about myself at all.

‘I read the many books you’ve amassed on the succubi,’ I say.

He looks taken aback. ‘When did you do that?’

I smirk at him. ‘Did you really think I was reading your churlish novels during all those hours we were together in the library, Julian?’

He grins. ‘I underestimated you.’

‘Perhaps it was all those ridiculous books written by fools who sought to ensure a succubus was kept in her place with tricks and beatings,’ I sneer and flick my head. ‘As if a creature like me could be contained for long.’

‘Indeed.’ He looks thoughtful. ‘So, all the times we butted heads, all those occasions you sat before me at my desk and verbally sparred with me. That was you?’

‘Some of the times I was more at the surface than others,’ I admit. ‘But there isn’t so much of a line between us as you think. I’ve always lurked, kept myself from breaking, made sure I was safe and kept my eyes open.Survived. What you saw as a mask or an act was just me.Ikept myself safe.Iwill keep Jellybean safe.Idon’tneed you.’ I sniff. ‘So perhaps you should ensureI want youinstead.’