Page 49 of Marked
One hand raises. His knuckles flow just above my skin, bringing heat but no actual touch. “The good Captain, little bird. His blood sings for you.” His eyes flash, and the first trace of fire rolls through his irises. He stares down at me. “But I can still taste your desire. It’s sweet. So very sweet. Innocent, almost. And it’s calling me.”
He reaches for me, and I duck out from under his arm.
I backpedal. “Caine. Stop.”
He draws up short. “Oh I will not bed you, little bird. You are spoken for, regardless of what the Captain may believe. And even as a demon, I have my honor.” He sweeps a sarcastic bow. “But allow me a taste. Just one sip to ease the coldness in my veins.”
I stop walking. “You want to ... drinkmy lust?”
He trembles. “Only a bit.”
We stare at each other.
I bite my lip.
Am I crazy for even considering it?
Probably. But it would be nice to deal with Ruin with a level head. “Does it hurt?” I ask.
His answering smile is all Sin. “I have been told it is rather pleasurable.”
My thighs clench as that word seems to resonate into my core with more force than it should. I shiver. “Shit. Did you do that?”
“Do what, little bird?” he asks, closing the distance in a rolling glide of his hips. His eyes pulse and my knees weaken.
His arm flows around my waist, pulling me against a lean, chiseled chest. My palms press against the bulletproof vest covering him, rubbing against the ridges of Velcro. I stare at him, lips parted.
“Do I have permission?” he asks, searching my face.
“I—”
“A taste, little bird. That is all.”
My body burns. But not for him.
“No.” I push at his body, and shockingly he steps back with but a gentle hold on my arm to keep me steady.
His smile is self-deprecating. “You are a delight as always, little bird.” He starts to walk off.
“Wait.”
He peers at me. “Yes?”
“That’s it?”
“Is what it?”
“You’re not going to force me? To rant and rave at the unfairness of humanity?”
His head falls back and he laughs. “I am Asmodai, little bird.” His hellfire eyes pulse and heat courses through my veins until I cannot breathe past the need. “If I want you, believe me, I will have you.”
I tremble, hands fisting and un-fisting at my sides as I try to work through what he said.
“But, as I said …” He smiles. “You are already spoken for. And even I have my honor.” He bows in a truly sarcastic sweep and walks from the room.
The heat inside me snuffs out like a candle. It leaves me cold. Quaking. I go back to my alcove and curl up in the seat, arms around my body.
I’ll give Ruin an hour to come back. If he doesn’t, orders or no orders, I’m not staying in here another minute.
