I should have been disturbed by the implications, but instead, I felt a perverse thrill. The reminder of what Malphas truly was—the power he commanded, the fear he could inspire—was oddly arousing.
“That’s… good,” I said, my voice slightly hoarse.
Malphas tilted his head, studying me with those inhuman eyes that saw too much. “You’re not afraid,” he observed. “Even after seeing me like that. Even knowing where I’ve been, what I’ve done.”
“Should I be?” I asked, meeting his gaze steadily.
“Most would,” he said. “Most should.”
“I’m not most people,” I reminded him, pressing closer. “And you don’t scare me, Malphas. Not anymore.”
Something flashed in his eyes—satisfaction, relief, desire, all mixed together. “Perhaps you should be scared,” he growled, his voice dropping to that demonic register that made my skin prickle. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten what I truly am.”
His hands tightened on my waist, and suddenly I was lifted, my back pressed against the wall, feet dangling above the floor. Malphas held me there effortlessly, his body caging mine.
“Is this what you had to show them?” I asked, breathless but unafraid. “Your power? Your dominance?”
“Among other things,” he murmured, his mouth tantalizingly close to mine. “Would you like a demonstration?”
The question was serious despite its playful delivery. I could feel the barely restrained power thrumming through him, more evident than ever before. This wasn’t my domesticated demon who fretted about lawn care—this was Prince Malphas, Commander of Forty Legions.
And god help me, I wanted him.
“Yes,” I breathed, arching against him. “Show me.”
Something dark and hungry flashed across his face. “Are you sure? I’m not entirely… myself right now. The lower realms affect me.”
“I’m sure,” I said, wrapping my legs around his waist. “I want all of you, Malphas. Every part.”
That was all the permission he needed. His mouth crashed against mine in a kiss that was nothing like his usual controlled passion. This was primal, almost feral, his tongue demanding entry, his teeth nipping at my lower lip hard enough to sting.
I responded with equal fervor, my hands gripping his shoulders, pulling him closer. He growled—an actual growl that vibrated through his chest—and suddenly my shirt was torn open, buttons flying.
“I liked that shirt,” I gasped as his mouth moved to my neck, biting and sucking with an intensity that would definitely leave marks.
“I’ll buy you a hundred more,” he rumbled against my skin. “Right now, I need to taste you.”
His hands were everywhere, shoving fabric aside, seeking bare skin with an urgency that took my breath away. My jeans were next, the button popping off as he tugged them down my legs. I helped kick them away, now dressed only in boxer briefs that did nothing to hide my arousal.
Malphas stepped back slightly, his eyes raking over me with unconcealed hunger. “Mine,” he growled, the single word filled with possessive intent.
“Yours,” I agreed, feeling oddly powerful despite my vulnerable position. “But you’re overdressed.”
A feral smile curved his lips. “Then undress me.”
I reached for him, pulling his shirt over his head to reveal that magnificent crimson torso. My hands explored the familiarterrain of his chest and abdomen, tracing the subtle patterns in his skin that became more prominent when he was aroused.
As I unbuckled his belt, I noticed something different—the markings on his skin were glowing faintly, pulsing with an inner light I’d never seen before. The effect was mesmerizing, beautiful in an otherworldly way.
“You’re glowing,” I murmured, tracing one of the patterns with my finger.
“A side effect of the lower realms,” he explained, his voice tight with restraint. “My true nature is… closer to the surface.”
“It’s beautiful,” I told him honestly, pushing his jeans down his powerful thighs.
When we were both down to our underwear, Malphas lifted me again, carrying me to the sofa. But instead of laying me down, he sat, positioning me to straddle his lap.
“I want to watch your face,” he said, his hands gripping my hips. “Want to see your pleasure.”
