Smoothing my hands around it, I twirled, liking the way it feathered around my exposed legs. The Academy skirts were a bit short, hitting me midthigh. Hence, I’d requested some knee-high boots to—
“Not bad,” a deep voice murmured behind me. “But I personally think you would look better in my family color, which is purple.”
I spun around to find Shade lounging in a chair that didn’t exist a moment ago.
“How did you…? Where did you…? What…?” I shook my head, biting my lip to keep from issuing another unfinished question at the willow stump sitting a few feet away from me.
“The collar is a nice touch. Does that make you my pet?” he asked, pushing to his feet to draw closer. “Or is Kolstov trying to claim what’s mine?” His fingertips brushed the leather around my throat, sending a hum of energy across my skin and eliciting a hiss from his mouth. “Bastard.”
Shade grasped the back of my neck before I could even think to react, pulling my body up against his in a move that stole my breath.
Electricity zipped down my spine from his hold and the rioting device around my throat. It didn’t hurt so much as send an unpleasant sensation across my skin. “Shade…”
“How are you, love?” he asked, walking me backward into a wall. “Are they treating you all right? Apart from the collar, of course.”
Some of my senses started to return as he pressed his body into mine.
He was the reason I had to wear a collar.
Because he had bitten me against my will.
And now he had the audacity to show up and ask me how I was doing? Like he gave a damn about my feelings?
“Oh, you!” I planted my palms against his chest and tried to shove him away. “You’re the reason I’m in this mess!”
“You seem to be enjoying said mess,” he returned, glancing down at my blouse and black skirt. “Playing fashionista on the royal dime. How fun.”
“Because I need an outfit for the Academy I have to attend because of you.” I attempted to push him again, but he didn’t budge an inch.
Instead, he leaned into me more, his hips aligning with mine as he anchored me against the wall. “Still upset, I see.” He drew his nose across my cheek, his breath fanning my face. “Allow me to make it up to you, little darling.”
“Make it up to me?” I repeated, my nails digging into his blazer. “You’ve destroyed my life. Possibly even earned us both a death sentence. There is no living way you could make it up to me, Shadow.” I was panting by the end of my statement, not because of his close proximity or the way his thigh had slid between mine, but because of the anger heating my blood. “I hate you.”
He chuckled and kissed the space below my ear, his palm leaving my neck to grip my hip. “Wrap your arms around me.”
“No.”
“Mmm.” He hoisted me into the air with both hands on my waist. I grabbed his shoulders in response, gasping as he pressed his groin into the apex between my thighs. “Grip me with your legs, baby, or you’ll fall.”
“Put me down.”
“Not a chance.” He captur
ed my mouth instead and took full advantage of my shock by slipping his tongue between my lips.
What is happening?
Why is he doing this?
And oh, no, this… can’t… be… happening.
Dizziness shot through my mind.
Adrenaline fueled my limbs.
I wanted to hurt him.
Needed to fight.