Almost drunk on the scent of blood pounding through the dancers’ veins, Carina raised her hands over her head as she enjoyed the addictive rhythm. Marcus’s growing arousal filled her awareness as she grooved to the music. Her body moved sensuously to the beat as she seduced him.
I’m so going to spank that ass.
Daringly, she turned her back to him and wiggled her assets just for him. Teasing him was definitely worth a red bottom.
Chapter
Twenty
Everyone had disappeared, leaving them alone in Nightfall. The gigantic spaces were quiet. No one lined up at the bar or shimmied on the dance floor. Shivers of apprehension zinged down her spine as they walked through the public areas.
Carina hadn’t ever noticed the dark doorway her Daddy had led her through. She lost track of their path as they progressed down a labyrinth of passages. This hallway was shrouded in shadows with ancient-looking runes drawn on the walls and ceiling. They smelled like blood. That couldn’t be. Right?
“Where are we going, Daddy? You’re not going to spank me here, are you?”
“After teasing me all evening, do you think you deserve to be punished?” Marcus asked.
Carina bit her bottom lip. “Probably. I’m sorry?” she apologized, hoping that would help whatever was going to happen.
“I’m glad. Press your hand to the glowing pad, Little girl. Do not remove it until you receive the sign.”
She looked at the lighted rectangle suspiciously. “Do I have to, Daddy?”
He didn’t answer but gestured to the pad. “I’m waiting, Carina.”
Lifting a shaky hand, Carina trusted Marcus would take care of her. That was his job as Daddy, wasn’t it? Gritting her teeth, she set her palm against the light. It heated under her hand after a split second, and a blinding flash lit the darkness. Refusing to give in to her fright, Carina kept her hand in place.
“Welcome, Carina, mate to Marcus.”
The sound flowed around her. Carina looked for a speaker but couldn’t locate one. The powerful voice sounded mystical. A shiver went down her spine. Carina understood something important was happening.
The doors split apart as the glowing pad turned cold and black. Carina checked with Marcus. When he nodded, she pulled her palm away.
“Good girl. Well done.”
He pressed a hand to her lower back and escorted her through the portal into a room lined with dark wood. When the doors closed, trapping them in a small square space, she scanned the walls in desperation. Surely, he wouldn’t have brought her inside the one thing that terrified her. “Is this an elevator?”
Her stomach dropped as the car descended smoothly. She grabbed his hand, squeezing it hard as she tried to keep herself together.
“Marcus! I’m petrified of elevators! Let me out of this awful thing!”
“Carina, take a deep breath. Listen to your heart beating.”
“No. I can’t do any calming tricks. They don’t work. I need out of here.”
Marcus wrapped his arms around her, dragging her against him. He easily controlled her flailing arms. “Listen to your heart. It’s not racing.”
“What?”
Shocked, Carina stood still. She took stock of how she felt. She inhaled easily. Her breath didn’t come in panting gasps. The usual rush of adrenaline that flooded her body hadn’t attacked her. Her pulse was steady and strong.
“How are you doing this?” she demanded, looking up into Marcus’s concerned face.
“I’m not doing anything but holding you.”
“You’re not in my mind, calming my fear? Keeping the panic from overwhelming me?”
“Not at all,” Marcus said, calmly. “Can I let go?”
