“Oh, Donoghue, I can feel the hunger coming off you in waves. Do you want to come back to the club? Have another go with one of my girls... or gentlemen, if that is more to your desire tonight?”
“Or I could just take care of you right here,” Henri offered, moving in close.
The temptation to take them up on their offers was strong, but a loud cheer from the crowd pulled all three of us from the lust haze they’d woven around me. The Mercers had taken down the troll in minutes. From the sound of things, a great deal of money was won by some and lost by others.
“So, what will it be, Donoghue? The succubus or moi?”
“Neither, I’m afraid. I’m getting married tomorrow. I require my beauty sleep.”
Henri pouted while Lilith grinned. “Fair enough. You know where to find me when you’re ready to have a little fun.” Her expression brightened, gaze following the two fighters as they walked past. “Oh, Remington, darling! Come over here, love.”
Remington, sweat soaked and glistening, joined us, his brother Bentley standing sentry behind him. “Hey, Lil. What’s up?”
“Lilith. You know better. Honestly.”
A smirk that could only be classified as seductive curled his lips. “Maybe I wanted to be punished.”
“Oh, that can be arranged. You know I’m a fan of the bad boys. Perhaps I’ll give you to Gavin here. He’s very good at delivering pain.”
“Touch him, and I’ll... b–b–break your f–f–fucking hand,” his brother growled. Somehow the stammer didn’t take away from his ferocity. Interesting.
“Bentley, doll, don’t be a spoilsport.”
“He’s not. He’s just protective.”
“He needn’t worry. I’m not Lilith’s to gift.”
Remington raked his gaze over my body. “Too bad. I’m always up for a way to blow off extra... adrenaline after a match.”
I had to admit, he’d look good with my fingerprints marking his skin. But then Roslyn’s amber eyes flashed in my mind, and I schooled my thoughts.
“Remi, h–he’s a f–f–fucking leech.”
The twin’s gaze cooled considerably. “Guess it’s for the best then. Even I have standards.”
My jaw clenched, and I had to swallow back the flurry of insults my honor demanded I hurl their way. These dogs were beneath me. It wasn’t worth the energy required to put them in their place.
“I’d say it’s been a pleasure, chaps, but I’m no liar. I’ve more pressing matters that require my attention.” I caught the eye of the very man I was set to meet on the outskirts of the crowd. “Remington, Bentley, may we never have to lay eyes on each other again.”
“Fuck off, asshole.” That time Ben didn’t stutter.
Storming away from the group, I made a beeline for the entire reason I was really here. A gift for my bride. Something to ensure she never forgot who owned her.
“Donoghue. Took you long enough. I was about to give up on you.” The warlock patted his pocket. “I’ve got what you asked for. Do you have my payment?”
“Do you doubt my word?” My hands flexed as anticipation raced through me. “The money is already in your account.”
He pulled out his phone and made a show of swiping across the screen, clearly checking to make sure I wasn’t lying. Once he was satisfied, he handed me a velvet-wrapped package.
It took everything in me not to open it and inspect the gift here and now, but something as valuable as this couldn’t be flaunted amongst the rabble in attendance here in the undercroft. Besides, I’d much rather admire my purchase as I made Roslyn mine for the first time.
Smiling, I pocketed the treasure, already eagerly anticipating the taste of my bride’s virgin blood.
ChapterThree
ROSIE
A few weeks later