Page 105 of Bonded Chaos

“Come, Temptress,” I said as I removed the belt that had bound her hands.

My fingertips softly caressed the sensitive flesh of her wrists until a pink flush warmed her skin.

I stood from my crouched position and extended my hand to Cadence. To my surprise, she took it and allowed me to help her stand.

My Temptress was already surrendering herself to me, and she didn’t even realize it.

Chapter Forty-Two

Cadence

Ryker was a godsdamned animal.

A dangerous beast who couldn’t be tamed. He showed no regard for my discomfort. In fact, if the knowing smirk he wore was anything to go by, he reveled in it.

I yanked the laces of my boots tight, nearly snapping them, before straightening and snatching up Riordan’s cloak.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Ryker growled.

I stared at him in confusion, unsure of what had offended the unhinged asshole now. Ryker scowled, then marched over to me and ripped the cloak from my hand.

“You’re not wearing that.”

My mouth dropped open, but no words came out as I gawked at him.

“You can’t be serious,” I protested. “He’s your brother.”

Ryker stalked closer, eliminating the little space left between us. “Oh, I am. And if you want to see just how serious I am, continue to press me, Cadence. You aremymate, and I won’t see you draped in the clothing of another man. Brother or not.”

“Ryker, there is something seriously —”

My words were cut off as Ryker’s calloused palm covered my mouth. I struggled against his hold but stilled when he whispered in my ear.

“We’re not alone in these woods.”

My eyes widened as I glanced around, trying to locate any movement in the shadows, but the forest was silent.

“Wraith Borne,” Ryker hissed.

The venom that dripped from Ryker’s tongue had my spine straightening and my magic stirring to life beneath my skin.

“Don’t make a sound,” he murmured as he let his hand fall away.

He reached down, his fingers disappearing inside his boot, and reemerging a moment later with a small, pointed dagger.

“Take it,” he said as he pressed the cool steel into my palm. “And Cadence.”

I raised my eyes to meet his grey ones, and the concern I saw reflected there made my brows furrow.

“If anyone comes near you, you end their lives, no hesitation. Understood?”

When I remained silent, he added, “Tell me you understand.”

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and nodded. “I understand.”

Ryker’s mouth crashed against mine, and his tongue pushed at the seam of my lips until they parted for him. He kissed me like he was going to war, and I was the enemy. Ryker conquered me with his tongue, destroying me until I yielded to him.

All too soon, he pulled away, leaving me breathless and wanting.

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