Gentle fingers skim down my spine. Tingles race after his touch, and the breath in my lungs has long been forgotten. Soft strings tickle along my flesh before he pulls tight. I’m jerked against his chest, and that breath that I’d forgotten falls across my lips in the form of a lusty gasp.
My lashes lift as I look up at him from over my shoulder.
And then he smiles.
“You really do like it when I tie you up, don’t you, baby?”
My eyes roll hard, and I have to mentally tell myself to take a step forward and stop melding my body into his sexy chest like a needy cat.
His quiet laughter is so tender, it warms my heart though.
Is he letting his guard down around me? Or maybe deep down, he just likes to take care of people. Take care of me.
The material of the gown presses into my chest until my breasts are pushing against the pretty, shimmery lace at the upper half. I feel him working and with every move of his hand, my waist looks more slender and yet curvy all at the same time.
“Done,” he whispers along my neck. His breath is shallow, teasing my skin in a way that makes my lashes flutter hypnotically.
I take a step away from him before turning around to watch the beautiful hem line swirl around my unseen feet.
It’s beautiful.
“You’re beautiful,” he says like a confession even he didn’t expect.
When our eyes meet, there’s a magnetic charge sparking the space between us. I can’t look away. My feet move of their own accord, taking me to him without thought. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want Synder Steel in this moment.
Then a bang slams through the room. A cold wind shivers across my skin, and I nearly drop to my knees and thank god for the interruption of Benton standing in the dark doorway
Logic comes crashing in my mind, reminding me that this man is not a good man.
Benton freezes when he sees me so close to his brother. My face flashes with heat that I hide by dipping my head low to let my hair slide in front of my features.
He rushes past me and is toe-to-toe with Synder in less than a second.
“Are you out of your mind? What is she doing here? Alone. With. You.” Benton pauses just long enough for Synder to open his mouth but not long enough to let him speak. “You saw the way Leavon looked at her! Do you have a death wish?”
“Did you bring what I asked for?” Synder ignores the rush of warning Benton gives him, including the astounded stare he’s still pinning him with.
“Yeah.” Benton reluctantly extends his hand and offers a small bag to his brother.
“Put these on.” A pair of black high heels and a stark black cloak are shoved my way. “And take this,” Synder adds, hiding something in his palm that really spikes my curiosity.
“What is it?” I ask with hesitation for the very first time this evening.
“Realipine. Most of the people in Carnal grow immune to it rather quickly. We have to find other drugs to block out the madness at night but it should still work for you.”
Ah, yes. Reality Rippers do have a formal name. One I’ve already forgotten what it was by the time I’ve swallowed down the tiny dry pill.
My trust in this guy is officially at a worrisome level. If me from two days ago could see me now, she’d kick me in the vag for even standing this close to Synder Steel, let alone taking drugs from him.
My height teeters in the heels that are most definitely the tallest pair I’ve ever worn. I’d normally avoid shoes like this for fear of accidently impaling the male ego with my slim, five-eleven frame.
Still, when I step into the soft cloak Synder offers, he towers over me by several inches, not including his spiraling black horns.
“Perfect,” he whispers against my neck.
When I turn to him, I have the impossible urge to step into him and press my lips to his just to see if this violent man would be as gentle with our kiss as he has been to me all night.
“It’s nearly midnight,” he tells me like I’m a true princess I’ve read about all my life. The spell breaks entirely, though, when my prince speaks again. “You should go.”