Stryker focused his sights on Eli’s cousin next. The poor fae was shaking like a leaf. He put his hands up in surrender and kept his head down.
“Don’t kill him!” I shouted to Stryker, trying to stand but unable to because my waist was chained to the seat. I was still processing the two quick deaths but Stryker looked murderous and ready for more blood. “That’s, Caleb, Eli’s cousin. We can get information from him.”
The Ethereum lord looked at me for the first time since entering the room and it was like a kick to the gut. There was so much emotion there. Regret, anger, need.
“Did he hurt you?” he growled, motioning to Caleb.
I shook my head. “No. It was her.” I pointed to the now headless fae whose blood-coated gems littered the floor.
Stryker sent bands of shadowy ropes around Caleb’s body and then told his men who were waiting just outside the room to come and take him.
My heart fluttered wildly against my rib cage and I felt dizziness overwhelm me. Stryker dropped to one knee before me and used his shadows to cut the chains that held me as his men hauled Caleb from the room.When he saw my bleeding wrists he shot the dead woman a glare that I prayed he would never send my way.
Although I was immensely grateful for his saving me, I was still emotionally battered that he’d handcuffed me to the bed after almost kissing me.
“Thanks,” I muttered, keeping my gaze away from his.
“Aribella,” Stryker breathed, standing up. I could feel his eyes on me.
“What?” I snarled. Now that I was going to live, anger flared to life inside me and I stood up to meet him face on.
We were alone in the room, except for the two dead bodies. Stryker rested his hands on my hips and yanked me forward so I was almost pressed up against him.
I gasped, looking up into his heated gaze. “I never meant for harm to come to you. Had I known …” His voice broke and my heart thawed a little.
I nodded. “I know. But the truth is,” I held my bleeding wrists up to his face, “this pain is nothing compared to the one you left me with in that room last night.”
A strangled sound left his throat and his fingers tightened on my hips. I could have pushed his hands off, but I didn’t. I liked them there, they felt like they belonged there, even though I didn’t want them to.
I held his gaze, daring him to do something so stupid as kiss me. I would strangle him.
His gaze fell to my lips and I forced mine into a thin line,gritting my jaw. I’d fallen for this sick trick once before, I wouldn’t again.
I turned my face away from him, giving him my cheek.
He leaned forward, pressing his lips to my temple, causing my heart to flutter and practically short-circuit. He was so tender.
“I told myself I’d never fall again,” he breathed against my temple and the breath caught in my lungs. “But I don’t know how much longer I can resist you.”
I felt my resolve crumble under his confession. He pulled away from me at the same time I turned to face him. I’m not sure who moved first, but the next thing I knew his lips were on mine.
Soft, but demanding. Sensual, yet careful.
He slid an arm around my waist and hauled me against him. His free hand dove into my hair, tilting my head to deepen the kiss.
This wasn’t a simple kiss, this was an awakening. Icy fire raced through my veins, making me feel more alive than I ever had been. My heart beat a furious cadence, but for once I welcomed the chaos. Reveled in walking the thin line.
My whole world narrowed down to one thing and one thing alone in this moment: Stryker.
The way his hand pressed into the small of my back as he held me close. The way he tasted like cinnamon and cloves. The way his stubble created a delicious friction against my smooth skin.
His mouth moved against mine again and again. Each time we broke apart and came back together was more intense than the last.
I couldn’t get enough. I’d never get enough.
Something bright flashed behind my eyelids, startling me, and Stryker and I pulled apart to see we were covered in a fine silver mist.Like ground stardust that hovered in the air for several breathless moments before disappearing as if it was never there.
Stryker’s face was washed in awe. “I didn’t think it could be true,” he said almost to himself.
