No. He couldnt.
But could he really wed Synda?
Maybe he should call his friends. They would come. Sienna commanded a legion of immortal soldiers. Harpies could chew through an army with both hands tied behind their backs and their legs hobbled. Anarchy could destroy the world and laugh while doing it. War could be waged against the Fae, and Kane would be able to free Tink without having to wed anyone.
But what if someone he loved was hurt? How would he be able to live with himself? Worse, he would once again prove himself to be a failure, unable to achieve success on his own.
So, no. He had so little pride left. He wouldnt go that route unless absolutely necessary.
Okay, youve gone from turned on to pissed to dejected in three seconds. Its quite entertaining, and Im flatteredIve always known you were crushing on mebut now I want in. What are you planning? William asked.
I wish I knew.
Well, figure it out. The sooner you do, the sooner we can leave. If I have to go down on the queen one more time... He shuddered. Dont get me wrong, its usually one of my favorite pastimes, but shes given my tongue frostbite.
You think Im not trying to figure this out? he snapped. Whatever road he chose came with terrible consequences, and he was getting whiplash from deciding on one route, then changing his mind, then changing his mind again.
You dont want to know what I think.
Youre right. If you arent thinking about having sex, youre thinking about getting sex.
I like that you know me so well. By the way, the queen and princess are playing some kind of game in the gardens tomorrow morning, and your Tinker Hell will be involved somehow. I suggest you make an appearance.
Another attempt to humiliate Servant Josephinaand if he heard that title again he was going to erupt. I will. And you do me a solid and keep your kids out of my way. They claimed to be my assistants, just to get close to Tink.
Well, yeah. It was my idea. They liked what she did for them and want more.
Kane shoved William against the wall, his hand wrapping around the males windpipe and squeezing. Your idea?
Electric blues gleamed with amusement. Yes, and this is the thanks I get? I did you a favor. You should appreciate having your enemy within reach. I would.
Bit by bit Kane eased his hold. They cant have her. Ill kill them if they try. He might, anyway.
Were you hit in the head? Of course I know that. Which is why I warned the boys about Lords of Pussywhip Manor and their women. William motioned to the closed door in front. And now, our little convo is over. This is a door to your hallway. Off you go, Candy Kane.
Kane left him without another word. Thankfully, there were no guards in the area, saving him the complication of sneaking. Everyone assumed he was insidewith his mistress.
As quietly as possible, he fixed his lock and entered his room. He wondered what Tink was doing, if she was mad at him. He didnt like the thought of her angry; he wanted her relaxed, happy.
He found her on the bed, buried under the covers. As he tiptoed forward, something in his chest softened. He reached the side of the mattress and gently pushed back the covers, desperate to see her face, perhaps brush his knuckles along her cheekbone. He saw...a bunched-up pillow?
As his mind sputtered to compute what this meanthad Tink done this or had someone done it for her? Was she safe?he heard the rustle of clothing behind him. At his side, a shadow moved. Next, a quiet whistle caught his attentionglass being brandished through the air. Kane spun, and grabbed his would-be assailant.
A delicate bone structure registered first, followed by the heartwarming scent of rosemary and mint. Warm, soft skin. A feminine gasp. He realized it was Tink after hed thrown her on the bed. She bounced up and down, and when she stilled she scrambled to press against the headboard, disheveled hair tumbling down her shoulders.
The vase shed held shattered on the floor. Several pieces found their way into his shin.
He stood there, glaring down at her. I could have killed you.
Well, what do you know? You almost kept the first promise you ever made me. Eyes as dark as sapphires threw daggers at him.
Daggers that pierced him soul deep. Hed always experienced some kind of ache around her, but this was different. This affected every cell in his body, tearing him apart. Is that what you still want? To die?
Right now I want you to die! she huffed.
Is that so? he asked quietly.
The anger drained from her, and her gaze fell to the floor. No. Okay. No. Im sorry I said it. But I do think you need to learn a lesson. You trapped me in here, you...you...argh! I dont know a name terrible enough.
I did you a favor. Seeing you in my clothes would have verified what everyone already thinks.
What does everyone think?
He arched a brow.
I knew it! They dont just think Im your property, they think Im your slut! She beat her little fists against the covers. When calm, she said, But it doesnt matter. It wouldnt have mattered. No one would have seen me. I could have snuck to my room and stayed there.
Youre not exactly a girl who can be overlooked, Tink. And he would have utterly destroyed any man who had gotten a glimpse of her. Like, body parts and organs would have littered the floor.
Dont be ridiculous. Ive been overlooked all my life.
Not by Leopold.
Yes, well, hes out of commission right now, isnt he?
Actually, no. Hes already healed. Kane eased onto the side of the bed, trying not to allow her nearness to affect his body this timefailing, as always. Dont tell me youre upset about what I did to your brother.
Im not. Im grateful. Its just that I had
Chores. I know. Theyve been outsourced.
She blinked with incredulity. You told the other servants to do them, and they obeyed you?
Yes. Drily, he added, Some people actually fear my wrath.
Her lips turned down at the corners. Such lush, pretty lips, even when she was frowning. Are you saying I should?
Lord, save me. No, Tink. You never should. He clasped her wrist and lifted her arm, knowing what he was about to do was dangerous, especially now, as the adrenaline of their clash burned the leash holding on to his desire. Now that weve gotten the pleasantries out of the way, were going to test out what you can do with your hands.
She tried to tug from his grip. No way. I might hurt you.
That should thrill you.
Well, it doesnt.
You dont have to sound so defeated about it. He removed one glove, then the other.
Hed never seen her hands before, he realized. They should have been soft, but they were bruised and scarred. Despite the barrier she always wore, calluses littered her palm and her nails were chipped.
Again she tried to tug away.
Again he held firm.
Stop staring, she said, shifting uncomfortably.
Why? I like what Im looking at.
Right, because theyre so beautiful.
They are. Actually, theyre beyond beautiful. And that was the truth. Her hands spoke of hard work and a strength of character possessed by few. He placed a kiss on each of her knuckles, realized he should have waited until he knew whether or not shed drain him, then released her.
She watched him through widening eyes.
Touch me, he commanded.
You...you trust me not to purposely take from you, just to escape your room?
I do.
But why? I just tried to bash your skull with a vase. And what if I take from you accidentally, huh? What then?
He shrugged. What happens will happen. We have to know what were dealing with.
Even more adamant, she shook her head. No. Im not going to risk you.
Did she have any idea how telling those words were? Either touch me, or Ill leave you in this room and go find Synda. Im sure she wouldnt mind
With a shriek of anger, Tink jumped to her knees and slapped her hands against his cheeks. You are such a jerk, and you deserve whatever happens.
He wanted to laugh. But he couldnt. They were skin-to-skin, heat-to-heat, and all he had to do to get her underneath him was lean forward. Shed fall back, unable to maintain her balance, and hed stretch out. It would take him two seconds to strip her. Two more to strip himself.
One more to get inside her.
The painting hanging over the headboard shook, fell. Its frame broke.
Are you good? Tink asked, too intent to notice the destruction.
Disaster spewed a stream of hateful curses, as loud as ever.
I am.
Youre sure?
I am, he repeated. You can stop now.
Relieved, she lowered her armsbut the relief didnt last long. He tore his shirt over his head. What are you doing? she demanded, her eyes instantly riveted to his chest.
Now lets see what happens when youre distracted.
What? No! Put your shirt back on. Youre...youre...so sexy. The last ended with a dreamy sigh. Uh, I mean...uh...
No take-backs. He smirked as he took her hands and placed them on his pecs. The sensation was almost too much. He groaned. She moaned. Ready for stage two?
Theres more? she breathed.
Oh, yes. So much more.
He should resist, but he wasnt going to. Every second in her presence was a torture with only one cure. Here, now, with her scent in his nose, an obvious hunger for him in her eyes, she could give it to him.
Mine. He lowered his head slowly, taking his time, savoring every moment, before pressing his lips into hers. Her mouth opened immediately, welcoming him, and he swept his tongue inside. Her intoxicating taste invaded his senses, and all thoughts of leisure were abandoned. Need hed denied far too long roared to the surface. He was a starving man, desperate to devour.
Driven by instinct, he leaned and she fell back on the mattress, just as hed imagined. He pressed his weight into the softness of her sweet little body, and pinned her down. In this position, no part of them remained disconnected from the other.
Kane, she gasped out.
Tinker Bell.
He forced her head to tilt, taking more. Giving more. This time, bad memories were kept at bay. And there was no pain in the actionno pain at all, he realized, not that he would have cared. This woman...she chased the darkness away, showed him pleasure and light. Beauty.
Mine. Shes mine. I keep whats mine.
Theyd started this for a reasonwhy had they started this?
Her fingertips glided down the length of his spine; her nails scraped back up, sending waves of pleasure throughwait, yes, her hands. You must have instinctively built mental barriers. Youre not draining me.
Keep checking. Just to be sure. Distracted words. She opened her legs to him, providing a cradle for his aching shaftwant her, want her so badand he fell into it, pressing intimately against her. Hissing at the utter pleasure. So perfect. He couldnt stay still, was already moving against her, rubbing, seeking.
She moaned with breathless excitement and clutched at him. Innocent, he reminded himself. Shed never had this. He had to be careful with her.
But he wasnt careful as he kneaded her breasts, or when he reached between their bodies to cup her between the legs and rub, hard, harder, because she didnt seem to want careful. The more demanding his touch, the louder her cries of abandon. He lost his finesse, was nothing more than an animal nipping and pawing at her.
He bit the cord at her neck, and she shuddered.
Yes! Again, she demanded.
He obeyed. Every nerve in his body cried for satisfactionto give her satisfaction. This woman...oh, this woman. Shed been made for him, only him.
She arched against him. She scratched at his back all over again. She squeezed his hips with her knees. Then...she palmed his length.
Going to lose something else...
This all right? she asked.
Better than.
This should stop, before he pushed them both past the point of no return.
Stop.
No, he still couldnt stop.
Hed wanted this for so long...too long. To walk away now...no, he would rather die.
Please, she rasped. Do more to me.
Yes. His fingers trembled as he jerked at the hem of her shirt. He had to strip her. Had to taste every inch of her. Had to prove she belonged to him, that they belonged together, and no one and nothing could ever tear them apart.
The hollow of her stomach...perfection. Her breasts...exquisite, just as he remembered. He was utterly snared, couldnt tear his gaze away.
Then she moved her legs, planting her feet at his sides and bending her knees.
The panties had to go.
Disaster shook the walls of the bedroom, maybe the entire palace. Suddenly furniture was rattling, and a chair was toppling over. Kane was too lost to care. Such a lush, ripe female. Perfect in every way.
And if you take her, then marry her sister?
The thought swept through his mind, springing from a conscience hed thought had been murdered. He brushed it aside. He would make sure she liked everything that happened, that she never had any regrets, that she
Suffers with shame and guilt.
That thought was too shattering to ignore. He couldnt take her, he realized like a harsh slap in the face. Not here. Not now. Not like this, with things left unsaid and unplanned.
Frustrated, he smoothed down her shirt and jolted upright. His body screamed a protest, his every cell rejecting the separation from her. He punched the headboard. Wood shards rained.
Tink gasped with surprise. K-Kane? Whats wrong?
His shame rose. Sorry. I didnt mean to scare you.
At least the shaking had stopped, Disaster calming.
Did I drain you and not realize? she asked.
No. Remaining on his side, facing her, he lay down. The demon was acting up. Despite the pain of unsatisfied lust, there was no underlying achebut there was a surprising underlying wave of contentment.
I want to go to my room now, she said hollowly.
Or maybe not. Youre staying here. Youre sleeping here. Thats not up for discussion.
You dont get to decide whats up for discussion and whats not. Her voice had a bite to it.
I do get to tie you to the bed if you even think about leaving.
She closed her eyes, hiding the anguish hed just glimpsed inside their depths. You are so confusing! One second youre all over me, the next youre pulling away. I shouldnt have kissed you, I admit that. Ultimately, your circumstances havent changed. In fact, theyre worse. I asked if you planned to marry Synda and you refused to answer.
If the situation had been differentif he planned to marry Synda for any reason other than to save Tinkhe would have agreed. I thought it might prove necessary. Yes, hed entertained the notion of going through with the marriage to Synda, and yes, it was still an option, but just then, with Tinks taste in his mouth and her warmth enveloping him, he knew it wasnt an option he would ever be able to take. I was wrong.
He would think of something else. He would.
One of the wood shards had caught on the bed railing and now fell into his eye. He hissed.
Kane tilted back his head and poked around until he found and removed the tiny sliver.
Hatred for Disaster burned that much deeper.
Is there anything youre sure of? Tink asked quietly.
He was sure he was tired of pretending. Tired of thoughts and memories and fears and indecision and...everything but this girl. Im sure we both need some rest. Before Disaster caused her harm. Well talk about this later.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
GUESS WHAT? ITS LATER.
Kane looked around. Josephina stood at the side of the bed, surrounded by the same glittering white mist hed seen in the dark alley beside the club. Did you project yourself into my mind again? Even though youre right next to me?
Wait. She was next to him, wasnt she?
He patted the space beside him, and sure enough, the heat of her caressed his hands.
She raised her chin, probably trying for haughty but only managing adorable. Would you be angry if I pleaded guilty?
Youd already be over my knee if I were angry.
An amused gleam danced in her eyes. You would not spank me.
Are you sure you want to challenge me on this topic?
She held up her palms and backed away from him. No, no. Not me. Id never do something like that.
He laughed and waved her back, the sense of being carefree astonishing him. Why not just talk to me in person?
Three reasons. Im impatient. Our real bodies are clearly exhausted right now. And Disaster cant hurt me here.
Way to bury the lead, he said with a smile. Who else have you invaded like this?
My mother. She offered him a sad little smile. Before she gave me the ability forever, I accidentally took it a few times.
Curious, he said, Why not use it with others?
Theres no one in this realm I want to talk to, and no one who wants to talk to me.
Always breaking my heart. Well, dont invade anyone else. He didnt like the idea of her being this intimately involved with another.
She stuck out her tongue. Whatever you say, Dad.
He tsked, sitting up. Careful. Thats an invitation to a guy like me.
What is? The action or the insult?
Both.
She opened her mouth, and he suspectedhopedshe meant to issue a verbal invitation. But all she said was Kane?
The muscles in his stomach jumped as if shed caressed him. Yes. He threw his legs over the side of the bed.
Theres something Ive been wanting to ask you. She paced in front of him. Its kind of personal.
Dread rolled through him. I told you, you can ask me anything.
She stopped, motioned to his hip. Why a butterfly?
Okay, that one was easy. He stoodbut somehow left his body behind.
He frowned. What just happened?
Uh, I think you just projected your image. Like Im doing.
How?
I dont know.
Were they bonded on some deep, primal level? Her abilities becoming his? Or, had she left a piece of herself behind when shed taken Disaster from him?
She reached out, tracing her fingers along the curve of the wing stretching above the waist of his pants. Like this, I can feeeel you.
Instant. Hard-on. And I can feel you, he croaked.
The butterfly... she prompted with a shiver.
Right. My friends and I have our theories, and none are the same.
I want to hear yours. Her knuckles brushed against his navel, and he had to fight the urge to grab her hand...to force it to go lower.
Inside a chrysalis, a caterpillar breaks down into imaginal cells. Those cells put themselves back together in a new shape and the creature emerges as a butterfly. Once, I was a warrior. Then the demon came, and I was broken down and reshaped into something else. Something dark and twisted.
Her gaze found his. But you and the demon arent one being. Youre separate.
Not yet, but we will be, he said, unable to hide his determination. Before she could question him further, he offered his hand to her.
What? she asked, confused.
Take it.
A moment passed before she twined their fingers.
He remained quiet, easing forward into a slow walk around the room. She kept pace beside him, the mist constantly swirling and dancing with their motions. He enjoyed the peace and tranquility. How does this ability of yours work? You projected your image into my mind, but do you control everything I see?
For the most part, yes.
Show me.
What would you like to see?
The best youve got.
She cut him a look of determined delight. Prepare to be amazed by my amazingness. Rubbing her hands together, she closed her eyes. A moment later, a forest of lush green trees took the place of the room. A mutant dog-monkey hybrid materialized on one of the branches, swinging toward him and throwing an apple at his head.
He dodged, but not quickly enough. The red fruit hit his shoulder, causing Tink to chuckle.
Youre in trouble now, he said.
Oh, dear, oh, no. Are you going to give me that spanking? she gasped out with mock fearand another apple slammed into his shoulder. Or is the mean warrior going to give me a very stern lecture?
Kane released a low snarl, as fake as her fear. Ill give you a lecture all right.
She giggled as she raced forward, throwing over her shoulder, Youll have to catch me first.
That giggle...as much as he wanted to kiss and touch her again, he wanted to hear that giggle more. He darted after her, chasing her around thick trunks and other mutant animals shed thought up. The cat-deer. The squirrel-wasp. The elephant-zebra. He almost caught her, and she giggled again; he laughed.
He wasnt sure whether or not they were ghosting through walls, or still inside his bedroom, and he didnt care. Hed never acted like a child. Hed never been a child. Hed come into this world fully formed, a vessel meant for war and vengeance. Then, after the Pandoras box debacle, hed become a container for eviland his weeks in hell had only increased the darkness inside him. Until Tink, hed never been anything more; hed never known light.
You cant catch me Im the muffin man, she called.
Gingerbread.
Are we saying random foods now? Cupcakes.
He was shaking with laughter when next he caught her, and she managed to slip away.
Poor Kane, she called, and he could tell she was struggling not to pant from exertion. Too old to keep up with such a young Fae?
Pumping his arms and legs faster, he increased his pace until he was practically breathing down her neck. She released a laughing scream when he grabbed her by the waist and spun her around.
Think Im too old now? he asked.
Youre thousands of years old. Of course youre too old.
Yeah, but am I too old for you?
I have daddy issues. No ones too old for me.
He choked on another laugh. You are the oddest mix of innocence and modern sass.
A pause as insecurity filled her eyes, then, Too odd for you? she asked hesitantly.
Absolutely perfect for me, he admitted. A man could get used to this. A man could get addicted to this.
Too bad it wouldnt last. Not for Kane.
He settled her on the ground and stretched out beside her, wondering if the pain would make another appearance. He knew Disaster hadnt given up, so why the lack?
Thank you, Tinker Bell, he said.
For what?
For...being you.
* * *
KANE WOKE UP gradually, his mind coming to the slow realization that there was something soft and warm intertwined with his limbsand he hadnt been plagued by nightmares, but had actually slept. The scent of rosemary enveloped him. He blinked open his eyes, disrupting the haze, and spied the culprit. His mouth lifted in a leisurely grin.
This was the life he craved for himself. A beautiful woman he admired, respectedhungered forwrapped around him, her head resting on his arm, her bare hands on his chest, and one of her legs propped on his hip.
Tinks features were stunningly relaxed, and there was a soft, pink color in her cheeks. He wasnt sure how she kept ending up in his arms, but he would have loved to know.
He smoothed the hair from her face. She leaned into the touch and smacked her lips. Lips hed tasted last night.
Lips he wanted to taste again...
He leaned into her, preparing to do just that. The moment he realized where this was headed, he froze. Yesterday hed stopped, knowing Tink would hate herself if she had sex with a man currently engaged to another woman.
But hed since realized the truth. He couldnt marry Synda. Not for any reason.
He was going to have Tink.
He might regret it. She would definitely regret it. A sweet man would walk away now.
He wasnt a sweet man.
He closed the rest of the distance. At the moment of contact, a moan escaped him. Her lips...so wonderfully soft. The women from the club had wanted his kisses, but hed refused. The thought had even disgusted him. But with Tink, things had always been different. He wanted more from her than hed ever wanted from anotherand he would have it.
Her lashes fluttered open. Cobalt met his penetrating stare, and he waited for the confusion to evaporateand realization to take its place.
More? he said, a question and a demand. Desire burned white-hot, sizzling through his veins.
She arched, rubbing her needy little body against him, creating the most delicious friction. Absolutely.
He dived down for another taste. His tongue licked into her mouth and she moaned, already as lost as he was, in a place where nothing mattered but the pleasure. He was tentative at first, as gentle as he was capable of being. She was hesitant, unsure this early in the morning, with the room teeming with sunlight, but the more time he took with her, the deeper she allowed him to take possession of her mouth. The deeper his possession, the more she melted against him. Soon, their tongues were meeting thrust for heated thrust.
The bed shook. A growl sounded in his head.
Kane slid his hand under her shirt and palmed her breast. Her back arched, and he began kneading. Such a delicious fit. She mewled, a decadent noise that drove him wild. You like when I touch you this way?
Yes.
I can do more. He slid his fingers down her stomach, to the apex of her thighs. And I can do it here.
Please.
One-word responses, as if she couldnt focus on his voice, only his touch.
I want your clothes out of the way. All of them.
Yesss.
He ripped the collar of her shirt, and put his mouth where his hands had been. While he sucked her, he worked at the zipper of his pants. Then, finally then
Wait, she said, seeming to blink through a sensual fog. Wait. Maybe we should think about this.
He wouldnt curse. We can think later.
But...Im not sure...maybe this is a mistake...
He heard footsteps and a males whistle beyond the door.
Not. Happening. Not again. Especially now, when he was desperate to find out why Tink thought they were making a mistake.
A knock sounded at the door. Yo. Warrior. Its garden time, William called. You dont want to leave her queenliness waiting. Shes already sent a guard to hunt your Tinker Hell down.
He roared, Go away.
A pause was followed by a laugh. Bad time?
Its okay, Tink said, breathless but unsure. If the queen wants me in the garden, she has a game of cricket lined up. I need to go.
He. Hated. William.
At least the bed stopped shaking.
Get dressed, he said. Im going with you.
* * *
ITS SIMPLE, THE QUEEN explained, using her snobbiest tone. Servant Josephina will tie her drab little
Thats not her title anymore, Kane roared, making Josephina gasp.
The queen blanched. Well, she must stand with her hussys legs apart...I mean her legs, she corrected when Kane took a menacing step toward her, and we will each take turns knocking our balls through the gap with our mallets.