Page 107 of Cruel Knots

We brought her here against her will. Even if we offered her protection, she probably wants to live her life the way she desires it. Is forcing her to stay here making me the same kind of man as her brother?

A part of me resents how easily she nullifies my hatred toward her. I want to bond her, break her, and then toss over the pieces of her heart to Callum. That way, I’ll get over my grudge and continue living my cursed life.

Instead, I covet her and lock her up in my manor.

I struggled for years to erase her memories from my mind but failed miserably. The way she smiled and called my name, the way she’d hug me all the time, the way she’d secretly watch me and my brothers, the way it felt to kiss her for the very first time...

Lucia is here now, my mind whispers as I stare at her. She can never escape. She can never leave. She’s mine...

A rush of victory chases away my doubts.

Lucia stirs in her sleep. The blanket covering her shifts, revealing the thin straps of a silken nightdress.

Lucia is such a princess. Even though she bought those ridiculous clothes from Ryder’s gay brother, she ended up buying something as classy and timeless as this lavish lavender-hued nightdress.

Asleep, she can’t see my face. This way, I won’t have to witness the terror and disgust in her soulful emerald eyes. For the first time, I’m realizing how alluring she looks in her sleep.

I’d been desperate the last time I took her. The adrenaline from fighting and killing Morelli’s men sent me over the edge, making me drag her into her little room and fuck her.

I could’ve almost imagined the look of pleasure in her eyes back then. That’s what it was, I remind myself. Your fucking imagination.

Leaning down, I reach out and gently slide the blanket away from her.

Her nightdress rides up high over her thighs, allowing my eyes to greedily take in her long, silky legs before reaching out to touch her.

Lucia lies still as my fingertips glide over the curve of her knee and her bare thigh. How can she allow herself to sleep so peacefully with a predator so close by?

A soft sigh escapes her as my hand slides over the dip of her waist to reach her full breasts spilling out from the low-cut neckline. My bare touch on the silky skin sends a shiver through her. Still deeply asleep, she nuzzles her face deeper into the pillow.

She’s soft and pliant as I capture her shoulders and ease her onto her back. Her head falls to the side but she continues to sleep, her breathing deep and even.

I gently part her thighs and run my hand over the satiny fabric of her panties. Gently digging my fingers into the elastic waistband, I pull them off her.

Bringing her panties close to my face, I inhale her intoxicating scent before bunching it up and stuffing it into my back pocket. This is going to be my little keepsake.

With the slowest, most patient moves, I lower the straps of her nightdress and proceed to pull them off her. Lucia remains in deep sleep, heightening my excitement.

If only she could be this pliant and accepting when she’s awake, I think with desperation, staring at her fully naked body.

Lucia is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her skin is flawless and soft. I want to bite every inch of her body and mark her as mine.

My gaze falls on the silver scars adorning her shoulders and the column of her neck. They were the bites my brothers and I gave her during her heat. We’ve already marked and bonded her to us. No matter how much she hates us, she’ll never truly be able to stay away from us.

The primal urge to drive my cock into her pink, inviting pussy overwhelms me but I need to stay patient and not wake her up. Lucia must stay asleep so I can enjoy her this way.

I climb onto the bed and settle myself next to her. Leaning in, I swipe my tongue over the apple of her cheek.

Lucia swipes her cheek and continues to sleep.

Next, I press my lips to hers. My tongue traces over her bottom lip, gently coaxing her to open up to me.

Her warm breath fans over my face as she unconsciously parts her lips.

My tongue languidly swirls around hers, deepening the kiss. Warmth floods my body as I let my hand gently cup her right breast. Little moans escape her and I swallow them all.

“You taste so sweet,” I whisper and lick her lips.

She makes a small humming noise and suddenly throws her arms around my neck. Still asleep but probably in the throes of a dream, she pulls me down with surprising strength.

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