Vector stood, careful not to jostle Raven as he gathered her in his arms. She barely stirred, her body still tucked against his as he carried her from the dungeon, away from the cold, away from the danger.
Raven awoke to warmth.Comfort. The soft embrace of silk sheets, the familiar smell of cedar and spice surrounding her.
She blinked, her mind sluggish, then stiffened.Vector.
He was beside her, fully clothed, watching her with that same unreadable expression. But there was something different now. The chains were gone. He was no longer a prisoner. They were lying on a massive, king-sized bed, soft light filtering through a series of tall windows. She was wearing soft, dark blue clothes that weren’t hers. She had no idea where they came from, or how he’d managed to get her into them without waking her.
He held her, his arm draped loosely around her waist.
Her pulse kicked up.
“Where are we?” she whispered. “What’s happening?”
Vector’s lips quirked and he dropped a quick kiss on her lips. She instantly wanted more. “We’re leaving.”
She sat up abruptly. “Leaving?”
“We are going to spend the day together. I have plans, my lady. To spoil you.”
She frowned. “Why?”
A shadow crossed his face. “Because I want to.”
Something about his certainty sent a shiver through her. He acted like she was precious. Like she belonged to him.
Like the madness that happened in the dungeon was more than just sex.
She swallowed. “I?—”
His fingers brushed her cheek, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. “Let me take care of you.”
Her heart pounded. “Why?”
His gaze darkened. “Because you are mine.”
By the time Raven was dressed, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air. She followed Vector down a long hallway into a grand dining room where sunlight streamed through the massive windows, glinting off the polished silverware. A lavish spread was arranged on the table—flaky croissants, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, eggs cooked to perfection, and steaming cups of rich espresso.
Erik was already there, standing near the window, his gaze fixed on the sprawling landscape beyond. He turned as they entered. “Welcome. I see Vector is taking good care of you.”
Vector moved close, his eyes trailing over her with a slow, assessing look that sent heat curling low in her stomach. “I intend to.”
“Eat,” Erik said, motioning to the table. “I have business to attend to.”
When they were alone, Vector guided her toward the table and held out a chair. “You should take our host’s advice. You’ll need your strength.”
She hesitated, eyeing the extravagant spread. “Do you always eat like this?”
His lips quirked as he took a seat. “When we have company.”
She slid into the chair, pleased when he gently settled her in place and took the seat next to hers. She lifted a steaming cup of coffee to her lips, savoring the bold, rich flavor. “And what exactly do I need my strength for?”
Vector sat as close as possible, his movements measured, controlled. “We have a long journey ahead of us.”
Raven cut into a piece of buttery croissant, watching him carefully. “You still haven’t told me where we’re going.”
His gaze locked onto hers, something unreadable flickering in the depths. “Does it matter?”
She set her fork down, leaning toward him while batting her eyelashes. “It does to me.”
