“She gave you some information you desperately needed, in exchange for one of your most precious memories. A memory oflove.” She sneered.
Obviously, she wasn’t a fan of romance.
“Your sister has one of my memories?”
“Yes. And now, so do I.”
“How?”
“We share all things. All of us have been harmed irrevocably by the males who should have protected us. So all of us enjoy the fruits of our labor.”
“Mmhmm. And I suppose you want to share this memory freely with me out of the goodness of your heart.”
She laughed. “I will share this memory with you in exchange for one thing.”
“What?”
“Freedom.”
“I don’t have the keys.”
“Oh, but I believe you will. And when you do, I want to feel the sun on my face. I want to taste fresh air once more.”
I didn’t understand. She sighed. “War will come to this place. And when it does, you will set me free.”
I couldn’t imagine having the opportunity to do that, but I nodded. “IfI ever have the chance to free prisoners from this dungeon, I will open your cell.”
She studied my face. “Done. Now come closer and take your memory.”
I trembled, and she tutted at me. “One must face their past with courage, witch.”
“Even if they don’t know what their past holds?”
“Especially then. What use is courage if not used to face the unknown?”
I leaned closer to the bars, and she took my head between her hands.
And there was the demon with the silver eyes. Again. And I was frowning at him. Pissed off by how much I needed him. I was almost shouting, my voice passionate, tinged with desperation.
“You infuriate me, challenge me, annoy the shit out of me. You’re bossy and controlling, and dealing with your ego is no fucking picnic, let me tell you.”
He raised one eyebrow, and I threw up my hands, turning away to pace.
“Just a few months ago, if someone had told me I’d fall in love with you, I would’ve told them to get their head checked,” I muttered.
“I’m not sure if that’s complimentary.”
I ignored that. “And now… I miss you when you’re not around. I had to actively fight with myself not to come to this tower every damn day.”
“Danica—”
“I want to fall asleep next to you, and fight with you, and fuck you, and complain to my friends when you’re being your usual, overly possessive self. I want to be yours. But only if you’re mine, too.”
Strong hands gripped my shoulders, turning me, and Samael’s mouth crashed down on mine. He buried his hand in my hair and the world faded away as I lost myself in the feel of him surrounding me. My demon. Mine.
“Is that a yes?” I mumbled against his mouth.
“Say it again,” he ordered, and I rolled my eyes. Bossy demon.
