Claren scoops up Pumpkin without a moment's hesitation.
“And you.” His lips brush my ear. There’s a danger in his tone that makes my heart flutter. “You will behave yourself tonight. If you are to be my wife, then you must at least try to appear to my people that you respect me. Because if you do not, then I will happily play the role of the wicked captor that you seem to so desperately want me to play.” I feel the collar around my neck tightening, forcing me closer to him. “The only reason that you are still standing and not crawling naked by my boots is becauseIwill it. You, my darling, will not leave my side. Understood?”
The butterflies in my stomach turn to ash, along with any hope I had of my plan working.
“Understood.” I glare at him, until a new plan sparks in my mind, burning like fire.
If he wants respect. I’ll give it to him, and far more.
But I bet he won’t like it…
“I mean, of course, my lord.” I curtsy, smiling meekly. “Your wish is my command.”
His dark eyes narrow, but he doesn’t challenge me. Instead, he marches down a tree-lined path, pulling me along with him.
I give you one hour until you’re sick of me, demon.
14
DAHLIA
The night market could’ve been torn straight from the pages of a fairytale. Stalls lit up by hanging orb lights fill the huge forest clearing. Flowing fabric drapes over the stalls in soft purples, muted greens, and blues, and each shop is tended by a shopkeeper who watches over their various wares.
I wish Eden were here to see it. Or Fern. Or even Blossom. We’ve barely been here five minutes, and I’ve already spotted a dozen gifts I’d buy for my sisters. There are books for Heather, perfumes for Camellia, and short dresses that any of us could use as dance gowns.
Claren trails a few feet behind us while demons potter around the clearing, chattering and haggling over prices. But there’s not just demons here. At first, I thought they were humans – tall, beautiful, humans with strange, glimmering clothes. But when we pass another slender couple peering at crystal bottles on a wine stand, my stomach drops. Their pointed ears force me closer to Tauren.
“There is no need to fear the faeries,” he chuckles, brushing his fingers over my hand. “You are safe while you are with me.”
“I thought this place belonged to your court,” I ask nervously. “Why are there faeries here?”
“The night market marks the border between our two courts,” he explains. “Demons and fae gather here to trade and share stories. We’re not enemies.”
A handsome, brown-haired faerie passes us, dipping his head respectfully at Tauren.
“See?” he murmurs, nodding back in greeting. “You’re safe here.”
Discomfort churns inside me, but I don’t have time to worry about faeries. Besides, they can’t be worse than the monster beside me.
Forcing a grin, I rub my hand against his cotton shirt. Time to start acting. “Where will you show me first?” I purr as his brows pinch together. “I want you to show meeverything.” I lean against his chest, peering up deviously.
“I told you to behave yourself.” Warning dips in his tone.
“Am I not being good?” Pouting, I turn to the nearest shop and tug him towards it. “Can we look here first? It smells delightful!”
He doesn’t respond, just follows me with narrowed eyes until we reach the stall. Freshly baked goods cover the table. Everything from blueberry tarts to sugary iced buns to chocolate-drizzled muffins that smell divine. If I were at home, I’d eat one of everything.
“Stars,” I moan as Tauren tenses behind me.
He draws closer. “Would you like one?”
“Hmm…” Seizing the opportunity, I press my rear against his hips while I look over the table. As I hum in thought, I rub my backside against him in subtle up and down motions.
His breath catches.
I’ve never done this to a man before, only ever read about it in romance books, but it seems to be working. His hands dropto my hips as I feel something hardening beneath his breeches. Something big enough to make my stomach flip.
“Dahlia,” he growls, but he doesn’t step back.
