Page 48 of Poisoned Empire

Just as she’d spotted the exit, it appeared someone was entering through it. She hid behind foliage, spying his backside as he passed—truly a feast for the eyes. His long dark hair swayed as he strode by, lovingly sculpted musculature on display; thick thighs, powerful shoulders and a pert bottom. Thankfully, he wasn’t the perceptive sort, allowing her to look her fill. Adjusting her garments under her arm, Selene crept towards the exit. A bottle fell from her bundle, crashing noisily on the rough rock floor, shattering splendidly.

Her last greedy impulse had doomed her.

As if he were part beast, the man leapt from the spring and was upon her before she could flee. He pinned her to the ground, cheek shoved onto the smooth stone. A very embarrassing squeak made its way out of her before she realised he was touching her bare skin. Poor fool didn’t know what was about to happen to him.

“Delectable rear or not, I’ll have you begging for mercy if you don’t unhand menow.”

“Somehow I think not, Selene,” Belisarius growled.

Disbelieving her ears, Selene craned her neck to the side to catch a glimpse of the man holding her captive. And what a glimpse it was! Who knew the peacock had the body of a demigod? She’d seen his bare, chiselled chest but this was something else. A mind-blowing, sculpted masterpiece crouched atop her. Thoughts of licking those slick muscles crept unbidden into her mind. She’d always been weak to the fit ones.

Damn! No!

He was a peacock first and foremost! His impressive manhood came into view, nestled in a ‘v’ of dark curls. Selene sucked in a breath.

Her mouth watered. She grew slick with desire.

She would never admit to it.

“I think I need to insert lye directly into my eyes,” she mumbled.

“Of course, it would beyouwho worms her way into a forbidden area! Which of my people did you poison to gain entry?”

She almost snorted. Forbidden indeed.

“I got lost! Would you let off? If you don’t-”

“What? What will you do? Poison me? I dare you to try.”

Selene grinned.

“My pleasure.”

But nothing happened.

“The fuck-”

“I am theoneman you can’t use your damn poisons on. Care to try a different tack,darling?”

She paused to think.

“I am but an unarmed, weak young woman being manhandled by the prince of Lethe. One who is suffering from a ruinous lack of undergarments. Whatever shall I do?” she simpered.

“Have you never taken any matter seriously in the whole of your life, woman?!”

He pressed her further into the floor. Her nipples hardened. She very seriously considered the state of her sanity in that moment.

“Well, you’re not an antidote mage, or whatever those flunkies call themselves these days. The hell kind of mage are you?”

“Answer my question!”

Gooseflesh rose where his hot breath fanned across the back of her neck.

“I very seriously want you to let go of my arm. It’s damned uncomfortable.”

The prince grunted in anger, releasing her. She turned around to find he’d grabbed a towel to cover himself, but only just. Most everything else was bare to her hungry gaze. Unfair.

Damn! Focus!He was crossing his arms and glaring, his partially wet hair glistening jet black on his chest. She wanted to sink her teeth into his perfect pectoral. Fuck it, she needed to either poison him or ride him, maybe both. She tried the first but was unable to produce it. The mystery deepened.

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