Shifting, she turned and found Blaéz watching her. Her chest swelled with love, it spread from her heart and saturated her very being. God, she wanted every day to be like this, to awaken every morning with him.
But the hopelessness of their situation hit her hard. The conduit disc The Morrigan had given her hung like a millstone around her neck because Blaéz would never accept his soul, not when he knew what that meant for her. Worse, the disc didn't have a long shelf life, just a week. One week. At the thought, pain suffocated her.
“Blaéz—”
“No.” He cut her off. “We’re good. Everything is as it should be.” Obviously, he knew what she planned on saying. He changed the subject. “You have that engagement party to attend tonight, right?”
“I don’t care about that!” The words burst out of her. “Blaéz, that demon is desperate to get at you — he won’t wait for the next blood moon. Please, please accept your soul, we’ll find another way for me.”
He pulled back. All the warmth in his eyes from moments ago disappeared, leaving them stony. “You think I'm that weak? After I fought off the bastard for three and a half millennia?”
She sat up, anxious to get through to him. “I'm not questioning your strength — God, Blaéz, listen to me—”
“No. And don’t ask me again.” He pushed off the bed and stalked toward the bathroom, shutting the door.
Darci slumped back on her pillow and stared at the vaulted ceiling. She didn't want to fight with him, but it was so damn hard. If he didn't take his soul, then he left her with little choice.
Burdened with her guilt, she dragged herself from the bed and shuffled to the bathroom filled with the sound of rustling water. Blaéz stood in the misty shower cubicle, a tall, motionless silhouette, his fists braced on the tiles, head lowered as the water beat down on him.
As if sensing her, he looked over his shoulder. Even with the foggy glass between them, the intensity of his stare stroked her like one big caress. Heart heavy, she made for the sink.
“Darci.”
Just her name in his lightly accented voice, and like a hypnotic lure, she could do little but turn. And found him holding the shower door open.
When she didn't move, he stepped out of the stall, water running down his hard, muscled body. God, but the man was pure sex. It made her body melt into a puddle, made her want to lick every drop off him. He pulled off her nightshirt, tossed it aside and swept her off her feet.
Desperately needing to forget, if only for a while, Darci kissed him. A low rumble of approval left him and he took over. His tongue sweeping into her mouth, he stepped back into the rustling shower…
***
Later that evening, Darci stood in front of the open closet, not really seeing the clothes in there. She didn't have the heart to go to Irina’s party, but Blaéz had insisted after he’d gotten back from whatever errand he had in the city. He wanted everything to be normal.
Would things ever be that way again?
Taking a deep breath, she shut it all out as best as she could, determined to enjoy this evening with him.
She pulled up her hair and with a few twists, secured it into a topknot. Selecting a matte gold, sleeveless cocktail dress from the closet, she wiggled into it, zipped up the low V back then smoothed the fabric of the bandage-style dress over her hips. She skipped the stockings and stepped into matching stilettoes, then brushed on mascara before applying a tinted cherry lip-balm. There. All done.
Movement at the doorway caught her eye. She wheeled around, teetering on her heels. And gaped.
Yep, gaping was allowed. Blaéz stood in the doorway, hands in his pants pockets, watching her with a lazy, sensual stare that created a deep flutter in her belly. Whichever designer he wore, he looked downright scrumptious in black on black formal wear. Tailored pants hugged his long, muscular legs, and his suit jacket did little to conceal the hard, sexy body beneath it.
He walked to her with that unconscious grace, turned her so she faced the floor-length mirror again. A hand on her churning stomach, Darci watched him. His handsome face, dark hair and clothes a striking contrast to her own golden brown appearance.
He trailed his fingers down her bare spine and desire spread goose bumps over her skin. He fiddled with her zipper and pulled it up. She must have left a little undone. He kissed her nape, meeting her gaze in the mirror. “You’re beautiful, a leannan.”
Darci pivoted in his arms, his warmth and masculine scent wrapping around her like a silken caress made it difficult to think beyond wanting to tear his clothes off.
“You…” She slipped her hands beneath his suit jacket and stroked his silk-covered chest. “Gorgeous. Hot. Sex on legs.”
“Sex on—” Dry amusement lit his gaze. He nipped her unadorned earlobe. “Let’s go before I throw you on that bed and ruin your dress and hair.”
Her mind in a whirl, Darci grabbed her evening purse as he led her out into the corridor, a hand on her lower back. She gave him a playful look. Taunted. “Since when did that stop you?”
“Well, then.” He moved so fast, she squeaked as he crowded her, steering her back into the bedroom, reprisal etched on his face. Laughing, she tried to duck under his arm, but he anticipated her move, blocked her, and pressed her up against the corridor wall with his tough body.
Sighing, she wrapped her arms around his neck, whispered against his lips. “How about we leave now, come back early, and I’ll let you have your wicked way with me?”
“Wicked way?” He kissed her. “Indeed, always my favorite kind.”
As he took her hand and headed for the stairs, Darci’s grip tightened on her evening purse that held the disc. Too afraid to let it out of her sight, and yet so afraid of it.
***
The hotel’s elegant ballroom swarmed with guests relaxing now that the formalities and dinner were over.
Darci had congratulated Irina and her fiancé, Thomas, when they’d arrived earlier that evening, then she’d introduced Blaéz. It was only natural that people had stared, some in fascination, others warily.
Now, as the engaged couple swayed on the crowded dance floor like two matched bookends to some slow ballad, Darci wanted more than anything to be in Blaéz’s arms. She leaned her elbows on the damask tablecloth and glanced at him seated beside her.
At his raised brow, she said, “Dance with me?”
“I don’t dance. Ask me to fight, and you’d have a better response.”
Darci had to bite back her smile. The response was so like him. “How would you know, if you won't try, huh?”
“Because—” he lightly trailed his fingers down her back, sending shivers skating over her bare skin, “if I hold you in my arms, then I’ll want to make love to you, that’s how I know. It’s not worth it when I’ll be left wanting.”
A tremulous laugh escaping, Darci wheedled. “Don’t think about that, just keep some space between us and it will work. I promise.”
“Doubtful.” His pale eyes heated like a rising thermostat. “All I can think of when I hold you is touching you, and very inappropriately I might add. And that’s not for others to see.”
Warmth rushing to her face, she gave up and hastily studied the décor instead. But with nothing to distract her, the knot in her belly started to tighten again. No matter how much she tried not to think about what was at stake, to just enjoy this time with Blaéz, the truth hovered in the back of her mind like a malignant virus.
Her fingers tightened on her champagne glass, knowing soon it would all be over. Tears thickened her throat. A damn week. Or Grace would lose the baby and the demon would finally claim Blaéz.
“What’s wrong?”
At Blaéz’s soft question, she swallowed more of the bubbly liquid to steady herself before she looked at him. She forced her lips to curve in a semblance of a smile. “Nothing. I'm just wondering if Nora is here yet.”
“I'm sure she’ll find you,” he said, his gaze narrowing. Unable to bear his scrutiny, knowin
g he’d ask and she’d tell him and ruin this night, Darci pushed to her feet. “I need the restroom.”
He rose. She patted his arm. “No. Stay. Take notes on the dancing, maybe you’ll change your mind.”
“Unlikely.”
She sighed. “I'll never get to dance with you, will I?”
He shot her a hooded stare. “Later, in our room… we’ll dance.”
Despite the yearning seeping through her, sadness took hold. Yes, they would have tonight… maybe this week, then…
“Be back in a minute.” Swallowing hard, she picked up her purse and made for the restroom.
Darci shut the door, leaned her hands on the marble basin in the elegant washroom, and inhaled a harsh breath, a huge invisible fist of despair squeezing her lungs. Rinsing her shaky hands with cold water did little to ease her. She lifted her gaze and stared at her reflection in the mirror, the staggered colors of her sunflower-hued eyes more brilliant now with unshed tears.
She took a tissue from the box on the counter, and mindful of her mascara, she dabbed her eyes then walked out of the restroom.
“Hey, you!” Nora slid to a halt in front of her. The green streaks in her hair matched her short, halter-neck dress. Nora’s gaze widened. She looked Darci over and let out a low whistle. “Whoa! Girl, you look sexy — like some golden goddess. The hunk must be close to keep the predators away, eh?”
And just like that, Nora brought her smile back. “He’s here. Why are you so late?”
“Argh, my family crashed at my place late last night.” Nora scrunched her face and hooked her arm through Darci’s. “Let’s go find a drink, I’m dying for several.” Evading the swarm of people in the corridor, they headed back. “So, you and Blaéz are okay now?”
“Yes, we worked things out.” She didn't want to talk about them so she steered the conversation to the engaged couple. “Did you see Irina, yet?”
“Sure did. I doubt if she noticed me, though. Her attention was all on Thomas.” Nora grinned, pushing open the door to the reception drenched with laughter, music, and perfume.
Darci couldn’t blame Irina for being so wrapped up in Thomas when all Darci thought of was Blaéz.
“There’s the bar,” Nora said, like she’d seen utopia. It probably was with her troublesome family around. They cut through the milling bodies and Nora plunked herself on a seat. Snapped her fingers. “Vodka, lots of ice” — then she lowered her voice — “and give my friend here a Screaming Orgasm.”
The waiter’s gaze darted to Darci. She had to bite back her smile. “Really, Nora, stop saying it like that to the guys.”
Nora grinned. “Come on, it’s fun — admit it, yeah?”
Darci shook her head, still a little embarrassed when the bartender came back with their drinks. “Can I have a whiskey, too?” she asked him. “No ice.”
Nora guzzled back her liquor. “Needed that. I can't stay long, Dars, I told Irina, too. I have to get back home. Families are a pain in the backside, I tell ya.”
Irina, walking past, did a U-turn when she saw them. A wide grin split her attractive face. “There you guys are.”
“Lemme see the ring again,” Nora demanded.
Her face flushed in happiness, Irina held out her hand, the diamond solitaire sparkled in the light.
“It’s exquisite.”
“Beautiful,” Darci agreed, trying to ignore the hollow pit in her chest.
“Dars, I bet you will follow in my footsteps soon, right?” Irina teased. “Blaéz can't seem to keep his eyes off you.” She looked past Darci and grimaced. “Seriously, you better hurry back. My cousin’s heading for him — the man-shark!”
Darci’s stomach dipped. Naturally, she glanced his way. Sure enough, a slender, dark-haired woman spoke to Blaéz. She knew exactly how he’d be, all coolly polite and nothing else. His gaze met hers across the room. She smiled. He stared. “I guess I’d better go rescue him.”
A cell beeped. Nora held up a finger and pulled out her phone from her evening bag. She stared at her text. Her lips tightened. “I’ve gotta go. I'm so sorry I can’t stay and meet your man, Dars. But soon, yeah?”
“It’s okay.”
As Darci turned to take her drinks, Nora grasped her arm. Her dark gaze flared fiercely for a second, then she hugged Darci tightly. “I'm so glad we’re friends. I never had one that didn't bite, scratch, or try to cause trouble.”
“Me, too. Not the biting and scratching parts. But I'm glad we are.” Darci returned the embrace, wondering why Nora seemed so angry for a second. It had to be her brother. He never gave her friend a break. Darci was just glad Declan loved her.
So much that he kept a soul-destroying secret from you? She pushed that thought aside.
“Here,” Nora handed Darci her drinks. “Have fun.” Then she disappeared into the throng of people.
***
Blaéz leaned back in his seat after he’d declined the female's invitation to ‘get to know one another’, and watched his woman at the bar.
He’d scanned the hotel the moment they’d arrived for any threat. There were a few demon guests here, too. No surprise there since friendships had formed with demons living so many centuries on the realm, but nothing that made his Guardian senses tingle.
Being inactive, that portentous tug in his psyche — the ties to Hell continued to hammer through him. With a massive effort, he managed to tighten his shields. He refused to let anything ruin this night.
His gaze stayed on Darci and her two friends… one of them a demoness. He frowned, watching the female hug Darci. She appeared to be of no threat, but he would never take a chance with Darci’s life. He’d find out who she was.
Her friends left, and Darci made her way to him, skirting people and tables with drinks in both hands. Amazing, even in this room, decadent with its smell of heavy perfumes, alcohol, and food, it was her light lilac fragrance that took a hold of him.
Her warmth, her nearness eased him. Smiling, she handed him his whiskey. Her fingers brushed his. Even though he knew what to expect, it still left him shaken, the intense flood of emotions he felt for her coursing through him. Happiness… anticipation.
To know she literally owned his soul made him even more possessive.
He’d find a way to break that damn binding, protect Darci with his life, and when she finally left this earth, well, maybe then those damn law-keepers would get their wish.
“What is that?” He nodded to her latte colored drink in the shot glass, just to get his mind back on track with what he wanted to do. His visit to the city that afternoon had been successful. It had taken him a few days and several phone calls to hunt down what he wanted, but it was worth the effort.
“The bartender gave me a screaming orgasm — I’ve had one before.” Darci’s teasing voice had him narrowing his eyes. “They’re excellent.”
“Lucky for you it’s just the drink, but let me not leave my woman wanting.” He rose, grasped her hand and pulled her to her feet. Hazel eyes widened in shock. “You can't be serious! Here?”
“Then you shouldn’t have taunted me.”
Out in the corridor, he headed for a door just past the reception room. He’d already checked it out when she’d gone to the ladies’ room. It led into a darkened dining room in the process of being refurbished.
Blaéz willed on the lights. Grabbing one of the dust covers on a table, he tossed it aside before setting his drink down. He took Darci’s and did the same, aware she watched him warily, probably wondering what the hell he was up to. The heavens knew he wanted to lay her on this table and put his mouth between her thighs, give her the screaming orgasm she’d taunted him with, but he set that need aside for later.
He saw her seated, popped the buttons on his suit jacket free, then hunkered in front of her and studied her for a quiet second. “From the moment I saw you, you tugged at me. Maybe I was drawn to you at first because of my soul, but it eases me to know that all these feelings are mine. I may not be able to soul j
oin with you—”
“Blaéz, you don’t—”
“—but this I can do,” he cut her off. Taking her hand in his, he pulled out the vintage ring from his pocket and slid it on her fourth finger. In the soft lighting, the enormous emerald-cut diamond set on a split platinum band looked perfect on her.
Oh, yes, he definitely liked the visible sign that she belonged to him.
Her mouth dropped open. Eyes rounded in shock. “I don’t understand?”
“It’s an engagement ring. It’s what mortals do to show their commitment to each other, isn’t it? This is mine to you. You are the mate of my heart—”
Her lips trembled. She flew into his arms, toppling them both to the ground. “You didn't have to do this. I don’t need an engagement ring.”
Blaéz sat up and pulled her onto his lap. “Perhaps you don’t. But I do.” With a finger, he angled her chin back up to him so she had to tear her wide-eyed gaze away from staring at the ring. “You are more precious to me than anything. When I'm with you, my world is complete.” Tears shimmered in her gorgeous eyes and slid down her cheeks. He swiped away the wetness with his finger. “This wasn’t meant to make you cry.”
“I know,” she sniffed, “I… I know.”
He kissed her gently then reached up for her glass and handed it to her. Since she’d brought him the whiskey, he drank it. Setting their empty glasses aside, he pulled her to her feet. “Let’s go home, mo chridhe.”
Chapter 29
As they headed back to the castle, Darci twisted the ring on her finger. Worry, along with guilt gnawed at her. Dark and heavy, it weighed down on her. How could she have known he would do something like this? Declare his commitment.
He hadn’t said those three little words, but everything he’d done showed his love for her.
A calloused palm covered her restless fingers. “You okay?”
She glanced at him. He’d gotten rid of his jacket and tie the moment they’d left the hotel, and he’d undone the top two buttons of his shirt and folded his sleeves to his elbows. No matter what he wore, all it took was just a look from him and her heart beat faster.
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