Page 282

He narrows his eyes. “I should taste more—”

Three sharp raps knock at the door. I look up at him, he remains motionless, silent, and the footsteps move slowly away.

“The bath is ready,” he says finally, his tone more detached.

I furrow my brow, doubtful.

“I told you,” he resumes, “I will not allow anyone to look at you.”

I stand up, the blanket slides from my shoulders.

“It is not for you to decide.”

“If you wish to see people lose their eyes, go right ahead.”

“The arrogance—”

The sound dies on my lips when Dorian seizes me without warning. His hands slide over my skin with urgency, his grip fierce, and before I can react, he hoists me from the floor. The heat of our naked bodies fuses, skin burning at the contact.

“You said you were cold, but you are scorching, Viscount.”

I try to struggle free.

“Stay still,” Dorian orders.

He carries me toward the door, footsteps decisive, his body holding me suspended as if it were impossible to let go.

“How dare you, put me down!”

“Do not agitate yourself unless you wish to fall,” he replies without looking away.

He opens the door.

“You are not exactly light as a feather.”

We cross a short corridor and he brings me into an adjacent room. A large copper tub, already filled with hot water and scented with herbs, dominates the space.

“I can still walk, Dorian, stop it,” I protest, but his embrace does not yield.

“Still,” his hands tighten further, “I should fix that.”

I bite his shoulder.

“Are you hungry, perhaps?”

He holds me steady as we approach the tub. The beat of his heart vibrates against mine. Dorian inclines his body and slides me slowly into the bath. Water overflows the rim, sliding onto the cold floor, but on my skin, the heat is immediate.

“Get out.”

“Why? All of this is my property.”

“I have no need for a servant,” I retort, trying to put distance between us, but his gaze does not waver.

He kneels beside the tub, and I see his length harden again.

“Who said I was going to be your servant?”

I look away, his hand slides slowly along my forearm. I try to move it, but he does not yield.