Perfidious took a step back and openly ogled her luscious body. Those beautiful full breasts tipped with rosy pink nipples, the flat belly, and the succulent spot between her trim thighs. She was tall and lean, her sinful body perfectly proportioned. He ached to feel her against him, to have those mile-long legs wrapped securely around his hips, but he refrained. As much as he wanted to claim her now, he sensed her hunger, knew she desperately needed to feed. How she’d lasted this long without siphoning his energy, Perfidious didn’t know.
And while he didn’t mind punishing her, he damn sure wouldn’t allow her to starve herself to death. If he had to guess, that was her plan.
“I will kill you,” she ground out.
“Doubtful, but I’d love to see you try.” Turning, he paced away from her. “I figure it’s best we get a few things straight.” Perfidious smiled as he pivoted, moving toward her once more. “I’m sure it’ll take some time for me to break you, but gorgeous, I’ve been looking forward to it. The more you fight me, the hotter I get.”
He cupped her chin, dug his fingers into her jaw. Asmia attempted to jerk her head away, but he held it still, immobilizing her completely.
“The first step is for you to accept your new place. Here. With me.” He motioned around the concrete prison. “Don’t worry. I’ve got much finer accommodations underway. In Hell. You’ll like it there. So much to do, souls to torment. Always keeps me busy.”
He raked his gaze over her lovely curves, ensuring she saw his intentions.
“What was that? You’d rather stay here?” He shrugged. “Perhaps we shall. For a while. Now that Eevuhl’s off on his mission, there’s plenty to do to keep us entertained. Since Eevuhl felt compelled to take Seraphina on a road trip, it’s just you and me. Of course, Sirius has to go. I’m not big on sharing. Certainly not you.”
Stepping up so that they were nose to nose, Perfidious tightened his grip on her jaw. “But you are going to have to feed from me.”
“Never,” she snarled. “I’ll starve before I touch you.”
“You’re so loyal, aren’t you? Ready to forsake yourself for your family. I admire that.” He trailed his fingers down her neck, her chest, paused between her breasts. “In fact, I’m eager to have that all to myself.”
“I’ll never be loyal to you.”
Grinning, he tilted his head to the side. “See, gorgeous, that’s where you’re wrong. I figure if the angels can mate, so can I. After all, they’re about as deserving as I am, are they not? At least I don’t pretend to have a decent side.”
“Theyaredecent.”
Perfidious snarled. “Bullshit. God has no mercy. No decency. He cast his own son out of Heaven. How is that decent?” He took a deep breath, calmed himself. “But we do have one thing in common. None of us are above using our own powers to get what we want. And you, gorgeous … I want.”
“Never.”
This time, when he gripped her chin, Perfidious forced her to hold his gaze as he locked onto her mind.
“I’ve given you more than enough time to get used to this. From this moment forward, you’re mine, Asmia. Your love, devotion, that pitiful loyalty, it belongs to me. All of it.”
Her eyes widened, some of the anger burning away as the mind control settled in.
“You are my queen, Asmia. My lover, my mate. From this moment forward, you are dedicated only to me. You’ll remain by my side, bowing at my feet, begging to do anything I desire. It’s no longer a request, it’s a command, one you will follow without complaint. I am forevermore the only male you need, the one who will sustain you. My energy force will keep you breathing for as long as I choose.”
Testing the strength of his command, Perfidious leaned in, pressed his lips to hers. The female didn’t try to move away, her mouth softening beneath his.
Pulling back, he met her eyes. The amethyst orbs were no longer glowing, the purple morphing to an inky black, her very soul being shadowed by his own. As long as he kept it shielded with his powers, the angels would believe she was dead and gone, lost to them forever.
“You’ll forget all about them, Asmia. They mean nothing to you. And should any of them ever approach you, you’ll rip their pathetic heart out without thought or care. You’re devoted only to me. Now say it.”
“I’m devoted to you, Perfidious. Only you,” she whispered softly.
“Good girl.”
He released the hold on her body, allowing her to relax while still maintaining eye contact.
“You’re my mate, Asmia. My one and only. From now until eternity.”
“I’m your mate,” she repeated, her sweet agreement making his dick hard.
“The first thing on our agenda is to feed you.” He reached for her wrists, lifting her limp arms and settling her hands firmly on his chest.
Asmia didn’t flinch, didn’t pull away.
