She twisted her head to meet his eyes, and found that they were glittering with male satisfaction. “You like it,” she accused.
He shrugged one shoulder. “You have the initial of my first name on your ass. What’s not to like?”
Harper shook her head, gaping. “You’re unbelievable. Really.” And so was her inner demon, since the weirdo also liked it.
He pressed another kiss to her neck. “I should have guessed my demon would brand you again. Drew’s presence is playing on its possessiveness.”
“And on yours.”
“And on mine.”
Feeling his cock thickening inside her once more, Harper’s brows rose. “You really, really like the brand, don’t you?”
He scraped his teeth over the crook of her neck. “I want you again. But this time, you’ll ride me while I sit in my chair.”
The entire time she did, his hand cupped the brand on her ass. Hell, yeah, he liked the brand.
CHAPTER TEN
The following day, Knox had Armand teleport him, Levi, and Larkin to Dion Boughton’s private tropical island. As they waited for the bridge to descend over the moat that bordered Dion’s large stately home, Knox studied the building. It looked out of place amongst exotic plants and coconut trees. Instead, it looked like it belonged in a period drama.
“What’s the point in living on a tropical island if you’re not near the beach?” asked Armand. “Why build it smack bam in the middle of the island?”
“Isolation,” said Knox, watching as a blond, tanned, broad-shouldered male crossed the bridge. Nightmare, Knox immediately sensed. Such breeds were rarely powerful, but this one was strong. He was also brave, because he met Knox’s stare without flinching.
“Mr. Thorne,” he greeted simply before giving the others a brief nod. “Please follow me.”
Levi walked in front while Larkin covered the rear as the four of them followed the Nightmare across the bridge, through a pretty courtyard, and into the building. It was extravagant and ostentatious with its marble floors, rich dark woods, and chandeliers. It also burst with antiques, expensive vases, unusual ornaments, and vintage items. Many of the servants were rare breeds of demon—more collector’s items, really.
Knox’s demon liked shiny things, but it wasn’t impressed by the place. Found it far too pompous and flashy. Perhaps it was Dion’s way of compensating for how very average he was.
The Nightmare led them into the parlor, where Dion waited on his throne-like chair. Only Levi followed Knox inside the room. Larkin and Armand stayed in the wide hallway outside the door, on guard.
Clasping his hands, Dion stood and smiled brightly at Knox. The smile seemed genuine. “It truly is a pleasure to see you again, Knox. I don’t particularly enjoy having visitors, but I do like your company.”
No, he liked having the opportunity to observe Knox in the hope of figuring out what he was. Dion was also fascinated by anything unique, and Knox was certainly that.
He gestured for Knox and Levi to sit. “Would you care for any refreshments?”
“No, thank you,” said Knox, taking a seat on the plush upholstered sofa opposite Dion’s chair. Levi stood near the wall, feet wide apart, arms crossed. The sentinel managed to look cool and casual even as he projected a “Make no wrong moves” message.
Dion sank into his chair. “May I ask how your mate and son are doing?”
“They’re both well, thank you.” Despite the fact that Harper couldn’t argue with Knox’s reservations about it, she’d still wanted to come along. Knox had managed to talk her into staying at home, pointing out that they’d left Asher with the sentinels a lot lately and that their son would benefit from some one-on-one time with her. Yes, Knox had thoroughly played and manipulated her. She’d also been well-aware of it. Still, she’d agreed that Asher would enjoy having her to himself for a while.
“I heard through the grapevine that your little boy is quite the character,” Dion went on.
“I can agree with that,” said Knox, ignoring the prompts for him to speak more about Asher. He would do nothing to pique Dion’s interest in his son.
As if resigned to that, Dion let out a long breath. “You told me during your last visit that you don’t do social calls, so I’m guessing this is business.”
“Of a sort.”
Clasping his hands again, Dion offered him a cordial smile. “Tell me, how can I help you?”
“I’m sure you heard about what happened to Alethea.”
Distaste crossed Dion’s face. “Awful. Just awful. And to have such an undignified death be shared with the world … ” He shook his head. “It would be truly maddening to know your final moments would be uploaded onto the internet for all to see, especially for someone like Alethea.”