I didn’t hide that desire from Ajax and Az. They knew. And while they both exuded possessive auras, deep down I felt their acceptance.
Melek was already part of me. Already bonded to me on a level that could never be undone.
Yet he thought I meant to reject him, to block him indefinitely from my mind, and force him to live with a one-sided link.
He’d been willing to accept that.
Protecting her is all that matters, some part of him had whispered, telling me his true feelings. Confiding his intentions. Letting me finally unravel the riddle that was the Hell Fae Prince.
Yet he simply stared at me now, like he couldn’t decide how to proceed.
And for an instant, I wondered if he would reject my offer.
It was a mere second in time that gave me an immediate glimpse into how my potential rejection had affected him.
I didn’t like the way it made me feel, the insecurity it inspired inside me, the sensation of confusion that swirled around my soul.
Melek and I were already tied together.
Our only path was forward.
I’d thought he’d bonded me for some nefarious reason, or simply as a means to protect Lucifer. But Melek’s reasoning went so much deeper. It was rooted in his own version of righteousness. His own version ofloyalty.
And saturated in his unrestrainedneed.
Melek was a fae who fought for what he wanted but never let anyone see that fight. Instead, he used games to sway his opponent to his side.
I’d played.
Some might say I’d lost.
But as he took a step toward me, his multicolored eyes glittering with sinful intent, I knew that I’d actuallywon.
He clasped my nape, his palm a brand against my skin as he yanked me into his hard body. The silk of his suit felt decadentagainst my heated flesh, his kiss a benediction I felt all the way to my soul.
Finally, some part of him breathed, the thought one that rivaled my own.
I’d fought this attraction since the first time we’d met. The male exuded sex, his erotic appeal one I’d struggled to deny. But I no longer had to fight this.
He was mine.
I was his.
And I wanted him to show me what that meant.
His hands slid to my hips, his touch hot and possessive as he started walking me blindly around his room. When the back of my knees met his mattress, I smiled with relief.
But then he took a step back to evaluate me with careful consideration. “I can’t tie you up yet, Cami.”
I blinked at him. “Oh.” I swallowed. “Right. Yeah. Of course not. I…” I started looking for the towel I’d lost, my skin suddenly on fire.
However, he caught me by the hip before I could move, his opposite hand going to my chin.
“I can’t tie you up until you trust me,” he clarified, his beautiful gaze holding mine captive.
My lashes fluttered again, confusion lancing my heart. “I do trust you.”
“Not completely,” he replied, wounding me more. “I’m not saying that to hurt you, love. I’m saying it so you know I’ll always put your safety over my own desires. I’ll always protect you, and I’ll never hurt you.”