Page 37 of A Deal in Darkness
“You are precious, baby. I don't want you to feel worthless.” His irises darken and the flecks of gold shimmer, dancing like they're made of starlight. “I choose you, Adriana. I could claim anyone—in this or any world—but I want you. And I waited for you. I gave you a chance to be free.”
His fingers lift my top and Enzo strokes my stomach before bringing his mouth to the curve below my belly button.
“You didn't want it, baby. You gave yourself to me so easily. Too easily. I want you and I have you and I will keep you, even if another tries to take you from me.”
Enzo kisses my stomach, biting and sucking as his mouth trails over my abdomen. I moan and glance down, surprised to find my fingers weaving through his hair. Encouraging him. Holding him. Caressing him.
His logic is twisted and his reasoning warped, but maybe this is love when you're a demon. He might be trying to solve the puzzle I seem to be, but I'm left trying to solve one of my own.
One that captivates me, if I'm brave enough to be honest with myself.
“Best behavior tonight, Adriana. For me.”
“Okay,” I mumble.
“Okay, Sir. Or okay, Daddy. Tonight as well. Use my title properly, baby. You know I prefer the latter.”
Enzo nips at my skin and I shriek.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Better,” he replies, licking the pain away.
Enzo stands and I crane my head back to hold his gaze. The asshole smirks, aware the height difference between us puts me at a disadvantage.
“Kiss me.”
I move my head a little closer and he has the audacity to stay still, making me do most of the work. I'm forced to go on tiptoes and I plant a quick kiss on his lips, hurriedly withdrawing.
“More.”
I kiss him again, and this time he slides a hand around my neck, holding me in place. His lips part mine and he forces his tongue into my mouth, deepening the kiss as he takes what hewants. He's rough, dominant, and earthy. A tangy mix of spice and heat, of cinnamon and chocolate.
“Better, baby.”
He turns and walks away, pulling the door behind him.
“Remember what we are tonight, Adriana. Why you must behave.”
I nod.
“Take whatever time you need this afternoon, but I expect you to be downstairs by eight. Hair and makeup done and wearing the gifts I've given you. I'll leave them in your closet.”
The door slams and I stare at the white gloss panel, adrift in the middle of my room. Enzo hasn't put me at ease and I'm not looking forward to tonight.
A storm is coming and I'm not sure I'll be able to weather it. I'm not even sure how bad it is and I turn back to the window, praying I'm wrong about how bad tonight will be.
10
A NIGHT TO REMEBER
ADRIANA
It's almost eight and I'm dreading tonight. I adjust my hair again, looking for any reason to stay in the bathroom. I don’t want to face the horror that waits for me outside this room.
Having dinner with one demon is a nightmare. Having dinner with two might be the worst thing I can imagine.
Enzo's stayed away, giving me the space I wanted. It hasn't helped me settle and I don't feel any calmer. The time's gone by too fast and not nearly quickly enough, and now I've only got a few precious minutes to myself.
