Page 137 of Cruel Knots

Damien pats him on the shoulder and turns toward me.

“We’ll pick up where we left off when you come back,” I say, grinning.

He smiles, making my heart throb like crazy.

Leon moves closer to me the moment Damien walks away.

“What were you guys talking about?” Leon asks, watching his brother’s retreating back. “I’ve rarely seen him looking so happy.”

“He might stop locking me up in my room.”

His amber eyes shine with warmth. “You look happy too.”

“I am.”

Sinking back into the couch, I remove my shoes. Leon kneels beside me and stares at my feet.

“They’re hurting,” I say, raising my right foot to rest over my left knee.

“Let me see,” he says, crouching closer. “Shit, Lucia. You’re bleeding.”

A thick crimson slash has appeared on my pale skin. The spot had been burning for a while now but I didn’t think it was bleeding.

With a sudden move, Leon slips his arms under my thighs and hauls me up.

“What are you doing?” I squeal hanging onto his neck.

“Taking care of you.”

I look around wildly, wondering if people are staring at us.

Barely anyone casts a glance at us. Most of the people are busy dancing and the remaining few who’re resting are all staring at the couples on the dance floor.

Leon carries me into a corner and slips behind a tall curtain.

“Wow,” I breathe, looking at the small resting nook hidden behind the curtain. A low mahogany coffee table sits nearby, its surface covered with plates of hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of whiskey.

He puts me down on an ottoman and kneels on the floor beside me. Taking my foot in his hand, he strokes a gentle finger over the crimson slash on my skin.

A shiver runs through me at his touch.

His finger slowly slides higher. “I’ve been losing my mind over this fucking cut in your dress,” he says, his hand caressing the skin of my bare thigh.

My eyes lock onto his. I grab his hand before he can move it higher.

“Let me,” he says with a hint of dominance in his voice.

My hand falls away at once.

His searching fingers settle over the mound between my legs. “Feels like silk,” he murmurs, feeling the fabric of my panties.

A gasp escapes me as he suddenly brings out his knife.

Before I can protest, he slides the blade under my panties. The touch of cold steel sends a familiar throb through my core, making me hyperaware of every sensation.

The knife cuts through the delicate material in one single flick. My panties fall away, baring my pussy to him.

Bending down, Leon picks up my ruined panties. He bunches it in one hand and brings it close to his nose, inhaling my scent deeply.

---