Page 41 of Bed of Thorns

Gripping my hands, he brought first one then the other to his mouth, pressing a series of kisses against my palms. He wrapped his legs around mine, keeping me cocooned. “Tell me what you’d do. In your wildest dreams, what would you love more than anything? The sky’s the limit. Dreams are free at this point.” He was so animated, his body electric.

I couldn’t help but get swept up in his instant joy, laughing as he twisted his mouth, making faces to try to push me into telling him. “Painting. I’ve drawn for years but I’d love to be a painter.” The only real painting I’d done other than dabbling was the one of Edmond.

“Then the king will bring his queen everything she needs. Can you imagine how beautiful your pictures will be? Just being here should give you inspiration. Maybe you can open a small art studio or better yet, a little store to sell your gorgeous paintings. Maybe you can have a little café so people can sit and enjoy, drinking wine. That would be incredible.” He pulled me to my feet, swinging me around and around. He was almost manic, jabbering away about the future until my head was spinning. “I’ll give you everything you need, your entire world.”

Your entire world.

A sudden flash jolted my system, an argument from a long time ago I’d heard, creeping to the door in my bedroom, daring to stare at my mother and the asshole she was dating.

“I’m your entire world. Do you hear me? You are nothing without me.”

Gasping, a cold shiver trickled down my spine, my heart racing. Where had that come from?

He cupped my face, finally staring into my eyes and for the first time since he’d returned to my life, I was terrified to my core. His eyes had changed in the space of a few seconds. Gone was the beautiful, dazzling light, a rainbow of colors as hope snagged his soul. In its place was something dark and angry, fighting for control. Fighting for permanent dominance.

“I’ll give you everything as long as you belong to me.”

I no longer recognized the rugged teenager who’d wanted out of Port Christy, igniting the world of football.

The change was dramatic, the past wrapping around him like a tight vise.

He was turning into his father.

A monster…

CHAPTER10

Edmond

Change.

All I’d known for the past eight years was the same thing day in and day out. I’d been kept in a tight box, my thoughts the only thing that I owned no one could strip away from me. Now I was excited, thrilled at the possibilities, but her anguished sobs had almost brought everything to a halt, destroying all hope before we had a chance to explore our new world.

She was regretting her decision. I’d seen it in her eyes.

Sighing, I pulled her into my arms, hating the way her body remained stiff. “I can’t give you everything I want right now, Mercedes, but I’m a man who keeps his word. Just bear with me as I figure it all out.”

Even as she continued to cling to me, she pushed away, darting her eyes back and forth. She was searching for truths. I wasn’t certain what to tell her that would help ease her pain or her fear I was losing my mind. Maybe I was. Maybe that abyss I’d worried about was creeping closer, prepared to drag me down, only this time, she’d be an unfortunate victim along the way.

“I don’t need things, Edmond. I only want to see you happy.”

Her vulnerability and trust were remarkable, two traits that could allow her to be a victim in a war she didn’t deserve to be a part of. But I would do it the right way. I’d ruin my father, taking away the only thing he’d ever given a damn about. Money.

“I am happy, at least as much as I know how to experience. I’m not perfect, Mercedes, and most would say I’m not a good man, but I will never hurt you.”

She cupped my jaw, the tension in her face leaving. “I believe you. Just… be you for you.”

“I promise.” Was that the truth?

“How about some coffee? Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to find some.”

I yanked her against me, sliding my hand around the back of her head, pushing my erection against her stomach. She squirmed in my arms, issuing soft mews as she pushed her palms against my shoulders.

“I want you,” I whispered, dropping my face into her neck, nibbling on her ear. She smelled of sunshine and sex, the combination far too irresistible. Growling, I nipped her earlobe then rubbed my teeth across her chin, capturing her mouth. Just to have her in my arms meant the world to me. How many times had I almost lost my shit while behind bars just because I hadn’t been allowed to exact my revenge on the asshole who’d stood her up for her prom or my own flesh and blood because he’d yelled at her?

The taste of her infused all the goodness that she offered into my bloodstream. She was light while I was darkness. She was an angel, and I was the devil. Being with me could destroy her, but I couldn’t let her go. I wouldn’t allow anyone to take her from me.

While the kiss was just as passionate as the night before, she remained tense in my hold, uncertain she’d made the right decision. Why did she have to doubt me? Why couldn’t she understand that I was the only one who could keep her safe?

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