“Because I desire it.” Caspian surveyed her with interest, as if she were a puzzle he was trying to solve. “Do you not?”
She lifted her chin stubbornly. “It is not part of our deal, nor am I interested.”
Caspian raised his brows. “Why?”
She narrowed her gaze in revulsion. “Because you’re a…” she trailed off, not wanting to voice the insult at the forefront of her mind.
She refused to say it, her lips clamping shut.
“A monster?” he said softly. “Is that what you were trying not to say?”
She nodded reluctantly.
“And you do not want to kiss or lie with amonster. Is that it?”
Not trusting herself if she looked into his eyes, she looked away. “Physical intimacy is not part of our deal. I checked the contract twice.”
“I could have sworn you liked our last rendezvous. Begged me not to stop, if I recall.” His words were arrogant, as if he knew her innermost desires.
She shook her head a little too hard.
“You’re a little liar.”
He stepped closer.
“A lovely, littleliar.”
She inhaled. He smelled divine, like woodsmoke and leather. Her resolve faltered, and suddenly she wanted him beyond all reason. She wanted nothing more than to bury her face in his chest and have him wrap his arms around her.
“Kiss me.”
Pinching her lips together, she pushed her attraction away and resolutely crossed her arms over her chest. “I willnot.”
He copied her stance. “Kiss me,” he commanded once more.
The ire in his tone somehow amused her. A mocking smirk crept onto her lips, and she slowly shook her head.
He frowned and lifted a palm. Black fire gathered at his fingertips, as if he were trying to frighten her.
“I said, kiss me,” he said sharply.
Something surged inside of Elizabeth when he said those words. Was he using his powers on her? Every fiber of her being ached to cave, and give him what he wanted, if only to get him to stop looking at her with those eyes. They pinned her in place. The authority in his gaze seared into her, almost painful in its intensity. But he was a male used to having his every whim obeyed, and she would not betray her dignity.
She glared back with determined indifference. It left her feeling terrified and exhilarated all at once. “I really don’t think I will.”
Caspian stared at her, waiting.
Before she could stop herself, she found herself asking, “Why does it matter? Why not take blood from me and leave?”
“Because I desire to watch you break and give in to me,” he said darkly.
She recoiled, affronted. “What? Why—”
He stepped forward, and morbidly curious as to what he was about to do next, she froze.
She could hardly breathe as he leaned over her. His lips grazed the shell of her ear as he whispered, “Be a good girl for me.” His breath was warm against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.
When he straightened, he looked smug as a cat.
