Page 108 of Black Castle

It’s still not Lucan.

The dark soulless gaze of Zev collides with hers, and disappointment knots her stomach.

He doesn’t wait for an invitation. He strides in like he owns the place, not caring that she clearly doesn’t want him here or around her.

“I need to see him,” she says, shutting the door and crossing over to the living room.

Zev slides his hands into his pocket, the diamond watch on his wrist catching the light. He tilts his head, gaze raking over her face, and something dark flickers behind his eyes, his jaw clenched.

“You need a doctor.” His voice is low, but the edge in it slices deep.

“I’m fine,” she grits out. “I want to see him.”

His lips twitch, his brow lifting in mock confusion “See who, exactly?”

“You know who?”

He tuts, taking a slow step forward. “You’re hurting my feelings again, ladybird.”

The air shifts again, heavier, more dangerous as he draws closer, until his body heat begins to seep into hers, until she can smell the whiskey on his breath.

“Here I am.” His voice tinge with something possessive, something unhinged. “All of me, standing in front of you. And yet, you’re asking for another.”

His hand rises, his palm cupping her cheek.

“Let me see him,” she pleads, a shiver skating down her spine. “Please.”

His jaw twitches, anger flashing in his eyes. Then his hand slides from her cheek, wrapping around her throat.

“He’s not coming.”

Her chest tightens. “Why?”

“He’s never coming back.”

The words land like a punch to her ribs. She barely registers the pain in the jaw with every word spoken anymore. What does he mean Lucan, her sweet, sweet Lucan is…gone?

Zev leans in, his warm lips grazing her ear, his breath warm and laced with cruelty. “We made a deal.” His thumb rubs on the vein flexing below her right ear. “And I won.”

A slow, satisfied smirk tugs his lips.

“I told you, you were mine, ladybird.” His grip tightens, just enough to make her gasp. “You didn’t think I was bluffing, did you?”

A soft chuckle echoes from his lips.

“If you were not already doing that, then from now on, I’m the only man you will ever think about.” His lips brush the tiny blister on her right jaw, her eyes fluttering as heat licks at her skin. “In every waking moment, every lonely night when you wanna be wrapped in someone’s arms, you will fucking think about me.”

Her pulse stutters beneath the weight of his fingers.

“Don’t let another man get in my way,” the darkness in his voice grows, and her heart hammers against her ribs. “Lucan did, and that’s why I got rid of him.”

“W-what?”

“Shhh.” He cuts her off, dragging his thumb across her lower bottom lip. Then he pulls her face closer, claiming her mouth in a bruising kiss. It’s possessive, all-consuming, brands seared into the soul. By the time he pulls away, her lungs are heavy, her lips raw.

Panting against her lips, he studies her for a moment. Then suddenly, he slowly releases his hand from her throat, stepping away.

He straightens his cuffs like nothing happened, like he didn’t just set her world on fire.

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