* Song: Darkside by Bring Me The Horizon
26
ANIYAH
Lucus groaned as he grabbed my face and kissed me. This time, it wasn’t angry, desperate, or trying to prove something. It was sweet, almost soft. He gave instead of took.
Our tongues tangled, the mix of our tastes saturating my senses, and for once, I let go. Let myself fall into him, let him hold me, keep me.
“I’m sor—” he started, but I pressed a finger to his lips to cut him off.
“I get it,” I breathed, curling into his chest like it had been carved just for me. “I know what it’s like when the dark thoughts take over. When you need to dole out punishment, not just to make a point but to feed the beast inside.”
His gaze drifted away, jaw tight like he was biting back a thousand words.
“I liked it, you know,” I murmured, guiding those sterling silver eyes back to me as I cupped his cheek. I traced the shape of hismouth, stained red. “Watching my posh businessman vampire unravel…. Seeing that dark side? It was exhilarating.”
That heat returned to his eyes, not as volatile as before but just as intense. I giggled and kissed his chest, just a light peck. “And can we talk about how hot that was? If that’s what angry couple sex feels like, maybe we should fight more often.”
He huffed a quiet laugh right as Van popped in beside us. “Let’s not,” he deadpanned, arms crossed.
I burst into laughter, clutching my stomach. “Ugh, buzzkill. This was amazing, and you know it.” I reached over and kissed Van, tasting myself on his lips. The groan that left me? Unfiltered and feral.
Van faltered, lips chasing after mine, hands hovering near my face like he was seconds away from dragging me back under. I wassoready for that round two. Maybe with a rose petal bed? I’d always liked the feel of them on my skin.
Lucus’ voice shattered my daydream. “How were you able to use your magic on her?”
Van held out his arms, but Lucus growled and pulled me tighter, his protective instincts bristling.
I yawned, the first rays of morning sunlight slipping through the windows. “I need a shower and a nap. You two wore meout.”
Lucus looked me over, his expression souring as he took in the blood and bruises. I wasn't complaining, but itwashis fault. With a reluctant nod, he passed me off to Van.
“I wasn’t using magic on her,” Van explained, pointing to my wrists. Each wore a delicate, permanent chain, one plain andone adorned with a tiny moon charm. “I used the magic on the bracelets.”
I’d had them put on as a siblings activity for Ezra’s last birthday. Even Calix got one. It was something plain enough to go with everything and delicate enough to not stand out when I wanted to feel naked. I didn't know they would come with extra, sexier benefits.
“Ooohhh, Iloveloopholes!”
He chuckled and opened the door. I peeked over his shoulder and pointed. “Lucus, can you grab my nightdress?”
It was draped over his arm in a flash. He kissed me again, a soft brush of lips, and followed us inside.
“Did you savages have fun?” Ras’ voice echoed through the hall.
I turned my head to find him posted up just out of view of the glass doors. He was close enough to see everything while remaining hidden in the shadows. His eyes raked down my body, cataloging every bruise, every smear of blood, like he was building a kill list.
The look on his face said he’d been watching the whole damn time. When my smile turned wicked, his eyes flicked to mine, and a blush started blooming on his cheeks. A shiver of pleasure rolled through me. What a delicious, filthy little stalker.
Van grumbled under his breath, “I was the least savage of the three of us.” Which, fair point. Lucus and I had been busy playing power games while Van had taken on the full load of making me come for the first timeandkept the pleasure rolling until Lucus lost his shit and claimed the second by force. His jaw probably felt a little stiff.
I pushed up from his arms and kissed him under his chin. “Thank you for making that feel so good.” I dragged my thumb across his lips, pulling the bottom one out to tempt myself. “You’re soverygood with your mouth.”
His eyes gleamed with pride as he nestled his face into my hair, inhaling deeply. “I just want you to feel good, Ni.” His voice dropped, all gravel and heat. “You taste like the sweetest sin, with a hint of something otherworldly. It makes me want to live off your cunt morning, noon, and night.”
Well, that was the kind of poetry I could get behind.
I tugged him down, deepening the kiss until I had his bottom lip between my teeth. By the time I let Van go, he was dazed, stumbling a little. That was when Ras had enough.
