Page 29 of Blood Bonds
“So you agree to help?” He phrased it as a question even though he already knew her response.
“For now.” Her sapphire gaze held his. “And I will only agree to sharing blood to keep us hidden while we determine our next steps.”
He grinned against her lips. “Okay, angel.” If you say so.
He released her and stepped back.
She landed deftly on her feet, her hands falling to her sides. “I also want my knives back.”
“Hmm, that might be an issue.” Because they’re in the condo we can never return to. “But I can procure new ones for you?” he offered.
Her lips pursed as she considered. “Will they be of similar quality?”
“Better quality,” he promised, meaning it. He would never play with dull or lackluster toys. Only the best.
She nodded slowly, her blue eyes flashing. “All right.”
“Excellent. Now I need you to transport us to the other side of the city.” He gave her the address. “I have a place there that Osiris doesn’t know about.” He actually owned several around the globe. “We can shower, change, and eat. Then work on our plan.”
She held out her hand. “I accept.”
“Excellent.” Sethios thought she meant to shake on it, but when he pressed his palm to hers, the world morphed into a tunnel of blue feathers. Apparently, that was her version of confirming her compliance.
Except, the little grin she flashed him at the end said she’d done it on purpose. Her own form of payback.
So, that’s how she wanted to play.
Okay.
“This is going to be fun, angel,” he rasped, breathless from their short mist across Paris.
As soon as his head stopped spinning, he’d start a game of his own. One that would end with her begging him to fuck her. He’d start by giving her space, leave her in constant anticipation of him making a move. Then, when she lowered her guard, he’d tease her until she couldn’t take any more, and only then would he give in to her craving.
And he’d enjoy every fucking minute of it.
8
What Now?
Caro slowly ate the sandwich Sethios had procured for her. It tasted fine—good, even—but she’d lost her appetite some time ago.
His words regarding her council’s motives for assigning her this mission kept taunting her. The logic of his assessment could not be ignored.
If someone else had already attempted her task, why send her to repeat it?
Did they wish to provoke a cause for their intervention?
Torturing another Seraphim was strictly prohibited. Her kind considered it even more dire than sharing blood with humans. If her superiors desired a proper reason to annihilate Osiris, then using her as an instigator proved rational. She’d consider the same avenue, except for the part of subjecting herself to unspeakable pain.
Caro shivered as she took another bite.
Perhaps they had no idea of his treatment of the former Seraphim. She wasn’t aware of one being tasked with a similar assignment, though she wouldn’t be privy to the details. Only members of the council maintained that knowledge.
Sethios refilled their wine and eyed her speculatively. He’d been doing that for the last hour without saying a word. Fine by her. If he wanted to stare at her, then she would repay the favor. He’d yet to put on a shirt, even after taking a shower and changing into jeans. And while it served no realistic purpose, she didn’t mind admiring his physique.
It was quite nice. Especially the way he used it when touching her.
Her lips twitched at the forbidden thought. Luxuriating in the pleasures of the flesh was so very human, and yet, it felt invigorating. The way he made her feel—alive—was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.
