He laughs, and I adore everything about him, but that sound he makes is extraordinary. "Remember who you're dealing with, little wolf. I’m the prince of darkness, a lord, a master." That grin brings back those exact words he'd said to me before we came to this realm.
"You’re just as cocky as when you said that the first time." I lift my chin to him and smile back.
"It worked, didn't it? You melted over me. I remember when you first laid eyes on me; I saw the instant attraction you felt for me, the hunger in your eyes."
I half-laugh, refusing to let him know how right he is. "You're mistaking that for utter shock. I mean, at first, I almost mistook you for Dracula." I poke my tongue at him.
He grasps me by the arm and tugs me against him. "Who is Dracula?"
I burst out laughing. "It's a fictional character who's all dark and broody like you, but drinks people's blood to survive."
“Like the Bloodcursed?” He blinks as though trying to make sense of my ramblings.
"Yes and no. Anyway, I remember you once saying to me that long ago, darkness and light came together and created beauty… a beauty that will destroy this world. You were talking about me. Why didn't you tell me back then I was a fae?"
"Would you have believed me?"
I shrug and want badly to say yes, but it'd be a big fat lie. "So, where's this surprise you promised me?"
His hand slides into mine and our fingers interlace. He guides me toward the door and out into the hallway. “Patience,” he says.
"Will you stay with me today?" I ask as we stride down the corridor where a maid shuffles past us, her head low.
"I'm not going anywhere. Now or ever. Just remember that, little wolf. No matter what happens, you will always have me by your side."
I glance over at him—his words are peculiar, but I think nothing of it once we pause in front of a black arched door.
"Hmm, should I be scared?" I ask.
"You tell me." He pushes the door and it swings open.
Before us lies a round room with white stone walls and floor, along with long narrow windows akin to the ones in the bedrooms. In the middle of the room sits a round pearl-white tub, big enough for five or six people to sit inside. It sits flush on the floor with no feet, and it must weigh a tonne. A small set of wooden steps rests on one end of the bath, and the other has a table with an array of fruit and breads and cheeses.
Steaming heat curls up from the water, waiting for us. "This is so perfect. But seriously, what is it with fae and baths?"
"It's a luxury not many have, and we use it to relax. Now, are you stripping, or am I doing it for you?" He releases my hand and starts grabbing at my top.
I slap his hand and push him away. "Are Ahren and Deimos joining us too?" With the tragic news, I want us all together.
"Deimos has gone hunting, and Ahren needs time alone right now. So you're stuck with me."
I guess everyone deals with death differently, and I welcome a bit of luxury, so I fumble with the buttons on my pants and take off my shoes.
When Luther doesn't move, but stares at me, gaping like he might drool, I say, "You just going to watch?"
"Is that a problem?" He strides toward me, and I back away, recognizing the look on his face. My insides burn up from his intense stare.
"I can get undressed on my own."
"Then hurry." His voice grows deep, like his control is on the verge of vanishing.
I force myself to turn away from him to not give him the satisfaction of seeing everything. Then I muse, "Any chance you could arrange for a drink? Something warm?"
Over my shoulder, I find him looking at the platter of food that lacks drinks.
He narrows his gaze at me and huffs. "I'll be right back."
The moment he shuts the door behind him, I sprint to the bath while ripping my clothes off in record time, leaving a trail in my wake. Up on the steps, I step onto the seating platform that runs along the inside wall of the tub. The water is scorching hot, but at the same time it feels incredible to sink into its embrace. The water is like silk, gliding over my body. I slip my head under its surface and stay submerged for as long as I can hold my breath.
It's a strange thing to crave numbness. I keep telling myself the king might have been my father, but only by blood, yet I also think I should grieve more than I am.
I push my head up and out of the water, my eyes flipping open only to come face to face with Luther staring down at me.
He drags his top up and over his head before tossing it behind him. Then he's pulling at the buckle on his pants as his gaze travels over my body in the water. It's nothing he hasn't seen before, but it doesn't ease the blush spreading over my cheeks. Seconds later, he's naked and climbing in. I tell myself to look away but fail miserably—I can’t help but take in his cock, large and partially hard. I recall how big he gets once he’s at full mast, how incredible it feels inside me. A shiver curls over my clit just at the thought.
I splash around as I attempt to maneuver as far from him as possible to give him space, only managing to slide on the smooth surface of the tub and dip underwater.
Frantically flaying about to get my balance like the most uncoordinated goldfish in the world, I grab for the edge of the tub. Strong hands
