“What is this place?” From the outside, it’s simply a tomb, but I find myself being guided down a long, narrow corridor. We come to a set of stone stairs that lead us underground. Aside from the glowing light from the torches, it’s too dim to get a good look at my surroundings. He holds my hand and helps me down each one, until we come to another sooty tunnel.
This may be the craziest thing I’ve ever done. I can’t believe I’m allowing someone, gorgeous or not, to lead me down an ancient underground pathway with no idea what’s to come. But it’s not fear I’m overwhelmed with, it’s excitement for the unknown.
The pathway becomes too tight, and I’m forced to walk behind him. We suddenly come to a stop, and Macareus pushes open a large, vaulted door. Long, scintillating bursts of light flash before me. When my sight returns, I can’t take in my surroundings fast enough. We’re no longer bordered by darkness and cramped walls, but in a room, clean and spacious. A sweet-smelling scent surrounds me as I circle around, taking in the jeweled green velvet cloth draped across the vast, high ceiling and falling in waves behind a regal size bed. This isn’t a grave, it’s a bedroom fit for a king.
Strong hands wrap around my waist, locking me in place. His cool breath fans against my shoulder blade. “Tell me, cherie, what is it you’re fantasizing about?”
My eyes get lost on the velvet material decorating the large bed, curious how my bare skin would feel draped across it. My nipples harden through my thin top, and I bite down on my bottom lip. I twist in his hold, bringing my eyes to his. “I want to undress you.”
A shiver races down my spine at the intensity of his hard stare. I sense he wants to rip my clothes off thread by thread, but he’s allowing me to be in control. “I’m all yours,” I say, provoking him to make his move. He releases his grip on me and raises his arms to offer me free rein of his body. My nerves spike, and for a minuscule of a second, I wonder what the hell I’m doing. I’m in a strange city, an even stranger place, embarking on a crazy sex escapade with a stranger. “’Tis impossible to be strangers when you’re meant for me.”
I cut him off by throwing my hands against his chest. “Shut up. No freaky mind reading.”
His devilish grin almost causes me to back out. Maybe I’m not as confident as I thought. Maybe I’m actually—
“Stop thinking. Undress me. Take what belongs to you.”
He’s right. I want this. Bad. And I need to take it.
I shut my brain off and lock away any lingering doubt. My hands are on the move, working the buttons of his dress shirt, exposing his chest, inch by glorious inch. How can one person be so painstakingly beautiful? Everything about him is like marble—smooth to the touch and solid rock. Muscular and lean, just as I imagined. I grow braver with each touch, and slide his shirt down his arms, indulging in his strong biceps, exposing an intricate tattoo covering his entire right shoulder. I get lost in the diabolical design, my fingers grazing over the initials ML.
“What does this stand for?” I ask, my curiosity getting the best of me.
His hand reaches out, forcing my fingers away from his tribal marking. “Someone who holds a lot of power over me.” The stormy gaze in his eyes warns me against asking any more questions. I want to kick myself for being so nosy. I bite down on the inside of my cheek, pretending my nerves aren’t starting to fray. He’s this perfect man, dominant and confident. He’s gorgeous in a sense I don’t deserve, and I’m scared I won’t be enough for him and ruin it by opening my stupid mouth.
His hand extends forward, taking hold of my neck. His thumb rests against my pulse as he tilts my head to face him. “I only worry you will be too much for me.” He leans forward, using his lips to calm my overworking mind. His kiss is soft and painstakingly slow. He breaks the barrier, and I weaken at the knees when our tongues collide. He dances with ease around me, his tongue greeting mine with pleasure. My fingers claw into his arms, needing to hold onto him for balance. “That’s it, love. Fight. Show me you’re not fragile anymore.”
His challenge ignites this fierceness inside me. My nails claim his flesh, clasping harder, and I take his mouth deeper. I kiss him, taking control until it’s me who has to break apart in need of air. My hands shake as I undo his pants, exposing how aroused he is. Like a feline in heat, I lick my lips at the thought of him, long and thick, filling me to the brink. A white spark ignites from the torches behind us, and a blast of light flashes inside the room.
He claims my neck once again. “I am not a gentle man. Heed that warning. I am the danger you seek and the retribution you deserve. Accept what’s to come, and I promise you this will be a night that will haunt you for a lifetime.”
I angle my neck, allowing him to do his worst. I’m so aroused, if I didn’t walk out of this place tonight, I would be content.
“Enough talking,” I reply, my voice dripping with purpose. I stare into the heat of his eyes, knowing he hears my thoughts loud and clear.
I’m not scared of your threats. I relish in them. If I’m choosing my own path, I choose you.
He throws me onto the bed, no gentle petting or foreplay, just primal desire as he tears at my clothes. My shirt is gone, then my jeans. He stalls to drink in the sight of me before he rips
