As predicted, this makes her turn around, hope shining bright in her gray eyes. I’m a sadistic bastard, aren’t I? The look on her face must show her I’m teasing, and she deflates.
An odd tinge of guilt pierces my chest. What’s wrong with me?
“What would make this more tolerable for you?” I ask her, extending an olive branch. “Servants? Games? Books?”
The look she gives me would shrink a lesser creature. “How about my freedom, you brutish man?Geôlier maléfique.”
Evil jailer. That’s a new one. And she’s hurled plenty of insults my way these last few weeks.
With a long, drawn-out sigh, I throw myself down on the bed next to her. Simone stiffens, and I can hear her heart thundering in her chest, see the vein pulsating at her neck. Someone hurt this woman. I’ve wondered, but now I’m certain. She’s been hurt in ways that make her body fearful of a man’s presence. And it infuriates me. But I have to keep calm, or I’d only make it worse.
“I would love to make your stay here more pleasant,” I say, keeping my voice light.
“Why?” she asks, desperation leaking into her voice. She turns to face me, though she makes sure our bodies don’t touch in any way. “Why not let me go? I’m just a girl, still human despite whatever celestial blood flows through my veins. Why me?”
That’s a good question. And one I can’t answer to myself, let alone her.
“I want you,” I tell her, my voice raw and honest. I see the apprehension on her face, but she doesn’t look surprised. She is gorgeous—more beautiful than any angel or demon I’ve seen. She must be used to men’s reactions to her beauty.
The thought of other men leering at what’s mine enrages me.
“Like this?” she asks, voice small and hollow. “Unwilling?”
I roll to my side so I’m facing her but still keeping a small distance between our bodies.
“Simone,” I breathe. “I can smell how you respond to me. You may not want to be attracted to me, but you are. And sooner or later, you will give in. Hopefully sooner,” I end with a wink that seems to make her angry. Good, I prefer it over seeing her sad.
“You know how good-looking you are, you insufferable buffoon,” she seethes.
My lips stretch into a wide grin. “So you admit you think I’m good-looking?”
Simone rolls those beautiful gray eyes before turning her back to me again. But I think we made some progress today.
She’s wearing one of the beautiful gowns I gave her—probably because she tried washing her leather garments in the stream the other day and they got ruined.
“How do you like your clothes?” I ask conversationally. “Any preferences?”
“Yes,” she mutters, still facing away. “Would it kill you to give me some leggings and T-shirts? These are all heavy and awfully uncomfortable.
“Hmm,” I muse. I guess I can admit that my desire to see her in extravagant ball gowns outweighed any consideration for her comfort. I sigh. “Very well.”
I snap my fingers on both hands, and more clothes appear—this time designed for comfort.
Now, I don’t need to snap my fingers; I’m not a djinn, but I like giving her cues she can follow.
Simone sits up, looking at the new clothes. I can see it on her face: she wants to try them on, get out of what she’s wearing now.
“Go ahead,” I say magnanimously.
She turns her head and lifts an eyebrow, looking at me with confusion evident on her pretty features.
“Try them on,” I finish, smiling widely.
My smile turns into laughter when she picks up a jewel-toned pillow and slams it into my face.
“Fine, fine,” I say, extricating myself from under the deadly onslaught. “I’ll leave you alone in exchange for you eating something today.”
She shoots me a glare, crossing her arms. It only serves to draw attention to her cleavage, pushed up by the gown’s corset. She must feel my gaze on her, because the pale skin there flushes pink.
