I rummage through the makeup and find a small palm-sized compact with a mirror in it.
“That will have to do,” I huff.
Makeup done, hair brushed but still damp, it’s time to get dressed. I pick up the dress and look around for underwear.
None.
A gentle knock at the door makes me jump. I frown. “Just a second.”
Quickly, I slide the dress on. It hugs my curves, the deep V so low I couldn’t wear a bra even if I wanted to. I slide my feet into the heels and pause, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves before making my way to the door.
When I open it, Lucian stands there, his dark hair a tousled mess. My gaze travels over him.
“The jacket,” I breathe.
He’s wearing that dark, gothic embroidered jacket I wore when I tried to flee. Shirtless beneath it, his unique tattoos on display, fitted black ripped jeans and boots completing the look. Standing before me, he is every bit the vampire biker.
My eyes slowly travel back up to his. The amber in his gaze burns with a hunger so intense my breath catches in my throat. His eyes flicker to my mouth.
“Blood red,” he rasps.
“I figured the lipstick would go well with the shoes,” I say with a small smile, a flutter of anxiety bubbling in my stomach.
Suddenly I’m in his arms, my body pressed up against his, my palms flat against his bare chest. I look up at him, heat and hunger so fierce in his eyes I’m unable tolook away.
“You look…” He pauses, swallowing. “Delicious,” he rasps, his voice rough like gravel.
His fingers glide my hair away from my neck. Leaning in, he presses a soft kiss just below my earlobe. It’s so gentle, so delicate. A stark contrast to the dangerous monster standing before me. My body melts into him, burning desire coiling within me.
He leans back, and the short space between us suddenly feels like a canyon.
“You are mine. Tonight. You stay by my side. I must know where you are at all times. Do you understand?” His tone is rough and firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
I give a small nod in agreement, instantly reminded that to him I am nothing more than his captive, to do with as he pleases. Too many times I keep losing my head, forgetting where I am and who I’m with.
Getting lost in his touch, his eyes, I clear my throat and take a small step back, putting more distance between us, pushing my shoulders back and lifting my chin. He frowns slightly.
“So, you going to take me to this party, or did I get dressed up for nothing?” I ask, forcing a tight smile onto my face.
Assessing me, he reaches for my hand. Reluctantly, I allow it, convincing myself the only reason I’m lettinghim is because I have no choice, and not because I want it.
He leads me down the hall, vibrations from the loud music echoing off the stone walls. I can’t help but smile as we enter the main living area. I’ve not been in here before, only passed it by, but I always noticed the bar; a deep rustic brown, like something straight out of a period drama, with carved pillars and statues.
Giggling draws my attention to the left side of the room, where women stand with or sit on the laps of the other club members. All of them are dressed in the tiniest dresses I’ve ever seen. One wrong move and it’s flaps akimbo.
Lucian leads me to the bar, and Diesel greets us with a smile.
“What can I get you, ma’am?” he asks jokingly.
“Something strong.” I grin back.
I feel Lucian’s hand on my lower back, a subtle yet powerful reminder of his presence. No amount of alcohol could make me forget that.
Diesel places a shot glass on the bar and fills it with tequila. I snatch it up, knock it back, and wince at the burn before slamming the glass down.
“Another,” I demand.
Diesel nods and refills. I do the same. Again and again. The welcome buzz relaxesme.
