“I should go speak to Ragna,” she notes, sounding uncomfortable, before turning on her heel and disappearing into the growing crowd. I’m pretty sure a bunch of the freed prisoners have crashed the party, and now the space looks more like a club than a throne room.
“Ready, kitten?” A low voice whispers in my ear.
Sin caresses the side of my neck, and even though I lean into his touch, I can’t stop the dread that rises in my gut. Once he knows the truth about why I don’t want to fix the mate bond, he’s only going to be more ruthless, and I don’t want to hear him lie to me.
He chuckles, feeling the emotion. “Or we can delay that conversation a little longer, and I can take you up on that invitation.”
Dark promises cling to his tone. My core clenches. “I think I have some room in my schedule,” I answer, my voice coming out breathless.
“Good girl,” he answers in a low growl and takes my hand. “Come with me.”
We stick to the side of the room as we make our way to a smaller set of steps, which lead to the raised platform. I’m assuming there must be some kind ofsecret exit up here until Sin stops directly in front of Need’s throne.
He leans against it, and his eyes feel like a brand as they rake over me.
“Strip,” he orders.
My eyes go as wide, and I look over my shoulder, confirming that we are, in fact, still at a party.
I turn back to look at Sin, fully intent on telling him he’s lost his mind, only to find him watching me with a predatory gaze. It has me seriously considering running, just so that he’ll chase.
“I have a shield up. They can’t see us,” he says, and his smile drips with wicked intent.
My pulse thunders in my ears, the sound drowning out the pounding music.
This is such a bad idea.
But the thought of whatever he might have planned sends a deep, insistent ache between my legs.
Sucking in a shaky breath, I make a decision.
Keeping my gaze fixed on Sin, I reach up to the small clasp behind my neck. My dress falls into a puddle at my feet, and his wicked expression vanishes, only to be replaced by pure, unbridled want.
I’m not wearing anything underneath the dress. All I’m left with are low red heels, a small dagger sheathed at my thigh, and the necklace he gave me.
Behind us, the party rages on, oblivious to what we’re doing. Their voices send shivers down my spine.
Sin’s hands twitch, like he’s reminding himself not to touch me. “On your throne,” he commands in a quiet, gruff voice.
My feet don’t move.
I shouldn’t be freaked out about sitting on a throne. But there’s a weight attached to it, one that reminds me how everyone is depending on me.
The thought terrifies me.
“Not ready? That’s okay,” he purrs, and beckons me. “Come here.”
Even though his words are soothing, the way he says them, like a vow to ruin me, has my nerves lighting up. I make my way over to him, and his eyes track my every move.
“Stand behind it,” he rumbles.
The throne only reaches my chest, giving me a clear view of the party below. I’m practically vibrating from anticipation, but he doesn’t touch me.
“Hands on each end,” he coaxes, moving to stand behind me.
The golden posts are cold against my palms, and glowing red ropes appear around my wrists, holding me in place.
My breath catches as Sin trails his fingers down my spine, the same way he’s been doing all night.
