Page 109 of The Assassin's Dancer
When I don’t reply, his gaze darkens. “Answer me.”
“No, sir.”
He pauses for a minute, smiling. “So now you have put me in a difficult position, you see? I had expected to need to beat you into shape, but the fear in your eyes when I cornered you in the gardens – that was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Your innocence was… delicious,” he marvels. “Only now thatmanhas ruined you for me, and the experience I expected, the one I thought I’d paid for – handsomely might I add – has been stolen from me.”
He strokes my cheek, his gaze slipping to my lips. “I don’t like to be stolen from. So now you will have to pay.” His voice drops to a whisper as he leans closer. “And I will fuck you in every hole, using your body in every depraved way I can think of until I feel the debt has been settled.”
I shudder, but remain silent. He can do whatever he wants to me, I don’t care any more.
“Blossom will be accompanying us to my palace, though. I’m sure I can convince your father if I tell him it’s the only way I can guarantee him an heir,” he continues, ignoring the way my face pales. “And perhaps one of the other girls too. Eden has a lovely smile, but it would look even lovelier wrapped around my cock.”
I almost choke. “Please, Ori— Sir.” My voice is a soft squeak. I don’t miss the way his grin widens at my begging. “Please don’t bring them into this.”
“Oh, but you see I have to,” he breathes. “If it is the only way to make you submit?—”
“It’s not,” I blurt. “I submit to you.” Dipping my head, I clench my fists. “I’ll do anything you ask. I’ll be the perfect bride. Just don’t make them come with us?—”
“Your lies are as sweet as honey, Amaryllis, but unfortunately not as sweet as the thought of me taking your sisters’ virtues while you watch tied up against my bed frame.”
Horror claws up my insides while my thoughts rage like a hurricane. There’s nothing I can do. Father will agree with Orion. My sisters will suffer, and it’ll be all my fault. If only I’d never left for Night Alley. If only I’d stopped seeing Kaz after Hugo’s death. If only Kaz were here so he could?—
No.
Metal digs into my breasts as my chest heaves.
I don’t need Kaz to rescue me.
Steadying my breath, I let a tear slip down my cheek. “I understand, sir.” My tone softens to something weak, pathetic.Perfect.
Orion’s brow raises. “You do?”
“Of course.” I keep my gaze on the floor. “I have been awful to you, and I must be punished. And you, being the wise prince you are, know that the best way to punish me is to use my sisters.”
Orion narrows his eyes. “It is.”
“But if I may request one thing, sir? Before we leave for your palace?”
“Go on?” he presses.
“I am so frightened after today. Everything has happened so fast, and I wish I could just forget it all and start again.” Rising slowly from the bed, I wring my shaking hands together. “I do want to be good for you. Truly,” I breathe. “So will you grant me one kiss?” I glance up to meet his surprised eyes. “Please kiss me so we may start again, so I can learn how to be a good wife for you. I truly wish to make you happy, sir.”
He studies me for a moment, but the tremble in my lower lip must be convincing enough as he guides me back until I’m pressed against a wall. Drawing closer, his hands flatten against the wall either side of me.
“One kiss?” His voice deepens.
I nod. “Let me be good for you, sir.”
His lips twitch, but only for a heartbeat, before he crushes them against mine.
I gasp, letting my body soften beneath his. Closing my eyes, I part my lips as his tongue invades my mouth. He tastes awful. Like cinders and stale whiskey. But I force my gag into a moan as his hand roams up my bodice.
“Allow me.” I push his fingers down to my hips, using my other hand to adjust the ties of my bodice.
Orion lets out a hungry moan. “I thought you just wanted a kiss.”
“I just want to please you, sir,” I reply breathily. “Please let me give myself to you.”
“It seems you’re learning after all,” he says with a grin, rolling his hips against mine.
