Page 190 of A Touch of Poison
His smile became a wicked grin. “I’ll fuck you in front of them all if I have to—if you’ll let me.”
The image of Caelus watching me ride Bastian’s hand burned into my mind, making every inch of me flush as hot as any brand.
While I tried to regain control of my racing pulse, I fussed Vespera some more, then we headed to the grand hall.
“Or,” he said, bending close, “I’ll settle for having you in nothing but those boots tonight.”
I bit back a laugh and lengthened my stride, suddenly keen to get back to our rooms. I really had nothing to worry about.
Oh, how the world must’ve laughed at that thought, because as we entered the grand hall, a pair of faces awaited me that I’d forgotten to look for.
The red hair caught my eye first. I followed it. Blinked.
My stomach fell through the floor, and the pulse in my ears became a close roar.
Uncle Rufus.
And at his side, bland, hateful face pinched, was Robin.
I must’ve stopped, because Bastian turned, a few steps ahead. “Kat? What’s…?”
He followed my gaze.
I couldn’t move, especially not as Robin’s gaze landed on me and he nudged Rufus.
With both of them looking my way, an entire world hit me, as cold and solid as ice.
Sit straight.
Knees together—you’re not a whore.
You need to learn.
Keep still.
Bastian’s lips moved, but I couldn’t hear what he was saying.
They started towards us, and it was like the rest of the pillared room drifted further away.
How?How?
I thought I’d left them in Albion. Last I’d heard, Robin had fucked off on more of his travels, and Bastian had warned Rufus off so thoroughly, I’d barely seen a strand of his red hair since the night he’d tried to force me to Caelus’s rooms.
No.No. I clenched my hands into fists and pulled on that word.No.
I seized my anger and breathed life into its embers.
Because I was not the woman they and my father had squashed into a mould. I was not quiet and meek and mild.
I was fucking furious.
Maybe I didn’t know everything about who Kat Ferrers was, but I knew that much.
With a pop, my hearing cleared.
“—here with you,” Bastian said, voice low and vicious. “No matter what, they can’t hurt you.”
It was a triumph to see Robin’s step falter as he met my glare. Uncle Rufus wasn’t the slightest bit affected. I’d take one out of two.
