Whatever. It still didnt matter. With this first taste of freedom, her entire world had changed. Shed already decided she was done accepting the abuse thrown her way. But now, she was done allowing fear to hold her captive. The future was hers to embrace, and she would hold on as tightly as she could.
Kane flicked a glance in her direction, did a double take. He stopped, and his eyes widened.
What? she asked, nearly bumping into him.
Youre smiling. There was a reverent tone to his voice, one hed never used before.
I am? She reached up and patted her lips, and yes, she was smiling.
For the second time that day, his features softened. Youre happy, and you wear it well. But a second later, his cheeks blushed, and he turned away. Come on. I havent slept in days and Im about to crash. We need a place to stay.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
New York
WIFE.
The word echoed through Kanes mind all through the night. He toyed with the ring William had given him, a simple gold band that should have been cool to the touch but wasnt; the metal burned him and he wasnt sure why.
Wife.
He had a wife. A woman forever bound to his side. She was his, and he was hers. Not just instinctively, but legally. The knowledge did something to him. Something powerful. Before, hed only scratched the surface of possessive. Now, the sensation dominated. Tink. Was. His.
Want and need combined, creating a combustible fire. He burned. He ached. He yearned.
Finally, he would have.
His hand shook as he reached out and smoothed a lock of hair from her cheek. The long, thick length of her eyelashes fluttered open, and he found himself peering into beautiful baby blues.
After renting the room, hed climbed into bed and tucked her into the curve of his body. She hadnt protested. Hed left the lamps on, and now, golden light cascaded over her. She was curled on her side, facing him. Locks of dark hair spilled over the pillow and sheets.
He should have given her to Lucien, as planned. The warrior would have taken her to the Realm of Blood and Shadows, and Kane would have gone about the business of finding a way to kill the demon. But the arrival of the Phoenix had changed everything. Hed wantedneededTink within his sights, his to protect from the flames.
Even though she hadnt wanted to marry him.
Now, it was done, and there was nothing she could do about it.
Im your husband, he said, almost angrily. He didnt pull his hand away.
Maybe, she whispered.
What do you mean, maybe?
She traced a fingertip along the shape of her lips, as if remembering somethingor yearning for it. Well, I dont exactly remember what vows were exchanged.
You agreed to be my wife, and I agreed to be your husband. Thats enough. Its done. Theres no changing it.
We could, I dont know...get an annulment maybe. Weve both been prisoners, Kane, and Im not going to be your new cage.
You arent a cage. Youre my everything. Moving with a speed he usually reserved for the battlefield, he cupped the back of her neck and dragged her against him. The softness of her body collided with the hardness of his, and he had to grind his teeth to silence a hiss of pleasure. No annulment. Later, no divorce. Death is the only thing that will part us.
Her eyes flared with hope, only to quickly narrow with suspicion. Are you going to be with other women while were together?
No. And that was the truth. I didnt sleep with Synda. I shouldnt have lied. Im not a liar, and I wont do it again. Not for any reason. I was hurt by what you said, and lashing out.
A pause, as if she didnt dare hope hed spoken honestly. Really? Her eyes narrowed slightly. Thats pretty low.
I know. But not as low as actually sleeping with her would have been, he added, hoping shed agree.
Slowly, she nodded. All right. Ill give you that.
Hed been devastated by her rejection, and hed wanted out of that ballroom so badly hed leaped at the first opportunity. Sleeping with Synda had never been a consideration. I tucked her in to bed, then sat on the couch in the adjacent room most of the night, making sure she stayed put and out of trouble. At least, I thought I was making sure. She used a secret passage I didnt know about and snuck out to have sex with Red in the garden.
Tink slid her hand across the small space between them and traced her fingers over the center of his chest, where the dragon brand had been. The pleasure...it was too much, not enough. He hooked one of her legs over his waist, twining their bodies as much as possible while they were still clothed.
He could barely breathe, but he could do nothing until hed told her the truth about him. Hed made too many mistakes with her to make another. She would think less of him, yes. How could she not? But he was going to be with her. Here. Tonight. He wanted this marriage cemented. And if he had a negative reaction to something she did, he didnt want her worried about the reason or thinking he didnt want her.
The other women I mentioned...I told the truth. I was with them before I found you. I thought sex with them would make me forget what had happened in hell, that Id forget about being helpless, but it only made me feel worse. Memories taunted me and I...vomited after every encounter.
Oh, Kane, she said, shifting her fingers through his hair. Im sorry.
No judgment. Just compassion.
Once he had thought he hated compassion, the cousin to pity. Not today. You make me crave things I never thought Id crave again. He nuzzled the side of her neck. I want to be with you, Tinker Bell. Wanted everything she had to give.
I...I...want to be with you, too. I want to smother your bad memories with good. I want to be all you know, all you see. So softly admitted. What I said at the ball, in the secret room...Kane, I believe in you. I really do. You are the strongest, bravest male I know, but I couldnt bear the thought of being the reason your life was thrown into another war.
Any remaining hurt was soothed.
War. Disaster laughed. Ill give her war. Ill make sure you break her heart before I kill her.
He wouldnt break her heart. He wouldnt let her be hurt...ever.
Some things are worth fighting for, Tink, and Ill prove it. Give me a minute. Kane left her in bed and prowled through the room, stacking all lamps and wall hangings in the bathroom, then shutting the door and rigging the lock. Soft moonlight drifted into the space as he crawled back into bed.
Tink softened against him, warm and welcoming.
Now...now he was finally going to have her.
I want you, he said, the hunger gnawing at him now. All of you.
A moment passed before she nodded.
Roll over.
This time, there was no hesitation. She obeyed.
I want to be everything you need, she said, the way youre everything I need.
A heart hed thought hardened beyond redemption thrilled. You already are. He rose on an elbow and unbuttoned the back of her uniform. As the material parted, his eyes adjusted to the dark and he was able to see the plain white undergarments she wore. Lovely. Pure.
Every inch his.
All right. On your back.
Again she obeyed.
As he eased the gown from her shoulders, down her waist, and over her feet, she shivered. The undergarments and then her ring and gloves received the same treatment, at last leaving her bare. Beautifully, exquisitely bare.
He looked her over more leisurely. She lay utterly still, allowing him to drink his fill. He could only marvel. Every inch of her had been made for his specific tastes. Lush, yet slender. Ripe for plucking, yet delightfully innocent. She undid him. Destroyed him. Ruined him for all other females.
My woman is perfect.
Wait, my ring, she said, trying to swipe it out of his hold.
He held it back, out of reach. Not until you promise the gloves are gone for good.
I dont know why its so important to you, but all right.
Were going to be whats known as a disgustingly lovey-dovey couple. I want skin, not leather.
As her features softened, she said, I promise.
He slid the ring back on her finger.
Her lips lifted in a slooow grin. A vixens grin. Now, its time for you to take something off. Its only fair.
I do want to be fair. A dark fever drove him as he ripped off his clothing. Tinks eyes devoured with the same greed he had displayed. He wished he had the patience to let her study as he had studied, but need could no longer be denied. He stretched on top of her, remembering at the last second to brace his weight on his elbows, and oh, the agony. The agony of being this close to her and not being inside her.
Have to get inside her.
Spread your legs, he demanded, and she obeyed.
Suddenly he could feel her against him, the most intimate part of her, all barriers gone; the exquisite, moist heat nearly pushed him over the edge.
Oh, Kane. Its...its... With her nails in his back, she arched against him.
As he swooped in to kiss her, the bed began to shake, stopping him even while grinding him against her with far more force.
He hissed. She cried out.
Silly demon, she said on a moan. This is actually...oh...oh! Dont stop, Kane. Please, dont stop.
Disaster cursed. The bed ceased moving.
Growling, Kane smashed his mouth into her. Hed meant to proceed gently, but...screw gentleness. She hadnt wanted it any time before.
She opened for him immediately, welcoming him, moaning with her pleasure; he swallowed the sound. He kissed her, kissed her harder, kissed her deeper, every second wrought with more tension than the last. As his hands moved on her breasts, her stomach, between her legs, she came alive.
A crack echoed. He caught the scent of plaster in the air. The wall was taking the brunt of the demons fury.
Tink started.
Forget him, Kane said. He fit his hand between her lower back and the mattress, and lifted her, drawing her more firmly against him, fitting them together until not even a whisper separated them.
She gasped. Her fingers shifted through his hair, tugging the strands. Already done. Now give me more.
Always. His lips returned to hers in a fierce meeting of mouths, dueling tongues, and nipping teeth. The passion...the utter rapture. The ecstasy.
I want to touch you, too.
Yes.
Her hands roamed over him, exploring him, learning him, fisting his length, and that should have bothered him, but he was too relieved to be with her to entertain even a glimmer of reservation. The past fell away. There was only Tink and this moment and the pleasure and the light. Here, in her arms, surrounded by her, accepted by her, needed by her, the wounds inside his soul finally began to heal. Strength infused his bones, plumped his muscles. The blood in his veins became molten, his need for her too intense to ever again deny.
I like this, she said on a groan.
Glad.
I want...the rest... The words ended on a groan. Do the rest.
Soon. He took over completely. Awed by hermine, shes mine, and I can have her, can have this, as many times as I desirehe did everything in his power to prepare her for his invasion. His mouth, on her body. All over it, lingering. Her taste, down his throat. Like honey. His fingers, between her legs. Rubbing, playing. She moaned, again and again, and the sounds were like music.
He liiicked. Sucked. Kneaded. Played again. Worked his fingers in slllowly...picking up speed...faster and faster...all while he whispered to her, praising her sweetness.
Im going to...somethings happening...
Let go, sweetheart. Ive got you.
She erupted, the pleasure hitting her, making her spasm and gasp. And when she came back down to earth a few minutes later, he started up all over again.
Panting, she said, That was...that was...
Next time Ill be in you, and itll be even better.
Yes, she said, a plea, barely discernable. Please. If you dont...Im going to...oh, I need that again...please.
Yes. Now. No more waiting. She was his. He needed to claim her. Brand her from the inside out.
He donned a condom and moved into position, settling between her eagerly opened thighs. Concern for her was the only power strong enough to stop him from immediately thrusting home. Its going to hurt at first. Theres nothing I can do about that, but itll get better. I promise itll get better. But Ill stay still until youre ready, okay?
Hurts now. Just. Do. Something.
He surged inside her, roaring, the reins of his control instantly shredded, the power of the joining utterly overwhelming him.
She cried out, the sound laced with pleasure and pain.
Mine. Shes all mine now. Claimed. Possessed.
He remained still, as promised. Sweat poured from him. His heart thundered at the incredible pressure inside him. Pressure he resisted with all of his might.
Any second, he would break apart.
Want me to...pull out? he panted. Please, dont want me to pull out.
No. Go! Finally doing...what I...need.
He almost laughed. Almost.
He slid backward, and she squeezed at him, trying to hold him inside. Then, he slammed forward, giving her more, giving her harder, all hope of regaining control gone. He utterly ravaged her. His need for her was too great, and she liked it, was still grasping at him, once again begging for more, and more, and more.
You feel so good, he moaned. He told her how much he wanted her, needed her, had to have her, and she responded with soft mewls. Dont think Ill ever get enough.
Kane.
Tink, my Tink.
His already frenzied rhythm quickened, and when she gave another cry, this one high-pitched and broken, a testament of her release, the pleasure utterly consumed him. He roared with the sublime satisfaction of his.
When the last of his shudders subsided, he collapsed on top of her. Drained. Sated.
Awed.
Panting, she said, That was...that was...
Awesome and wonderful. He rolled onto his side, freeing her from his weight. Like you.
She kissed the hammering pulse at the base of his neck. No wonder you did it so many times before coming after me.
No condemnation. Still no judgment. Was there any woman like her? Sweetheart, nothing has ever compared to this.
She snuggled against him, a content little kitten, rubbing her cheek against his chest. Husband?
Oh, he liked the sound of that. Yes. Wife.
Lets do it again.
* * *
WHEN MORNING DAWNED, Josephina was once again snuggled against the warmth of Kanes body. She hadnt slept, had been too busy marveling. The man wanted by all others wanted her. The man who couldnt tolerate the touch of others had yearned for hers. Now, he held on to her as if he couldnt bear to let her go. As if she meant something to him.
What a wonderful life she suddenly lived.
And what a wonderful man at her side. Hed experienced the worst life had to offer, was still hurting inside, might always carry the scars, but hed turned to her. Hed found a measure of peace with her; she would cherish him all the days of her life.
A strange vibration tickled the skin of her cheek, and she frowned. Whats happening
Its from my ring, Kane said with a sleep-rich rumble. Its been bugging me all night, shaking my arm, creating some kind of heat.
Thats not exactly normal ring behavior.
I know. Apparently, William is some kind of collector, and he was willing to trade this one for a bag of Skittles. Dont ask me where he found it. I dont know.
Hmm, Skittles, she said with a moan of longing.
He snorted. Youd trade your rock for the candy, wouldnt you? Never mind. Dont tell me. Ill only want to Super Glue the thing to your finger.
She held the ring to the light, the jewel sparkling majestically. Even though its size giant, I wont take it off. It was a symbol of their commitment to each other.
He kissed her temple, gentle and sweet and almost boyish. Are you hungry, wife?
Wife. Was there a more beautiful word? Im starved, actually. Husband. Oh, yes. That one. She might never get tired of saying it.
Me, too, he said, his voice going low, but I doubt were talking about the same thing.
Well, are we talking about sex?
He gave a bark of laughter. Yeah, but your body needs to heal before that particular appetite can be sated. A fourth time. He hugged her tight and rolled, then rose from the bed. Cover those dangerous curves, woman, and Ill take you to the diner next door.
Yes, sir. Long locks of hair tumbled down her shoulders as she sat up. Her body still ached, and her heart...well, her heart had yet to calm down. In all the futures shed imagined for herself, shed never seen one like this.
Muscles flexed as Kane gathered his weapons, his underwear, slacks, and a shirt. His hair was rumpled, his gaze heavy-lidded and sexy. Naked, barefoot, he padded into the bathroom and showered with the door open.
When he emerged on a cloud of steam, wearing the very clothing hed gathered, he crooked his finger at her. Your turn.
The tension hed sported all these weeks was completely gone.
Smiling, Josephina walked past himnaked. He moaned, his eyes locked on her, as if in pain. She brushed her teeth and showered, then dressed in the hated maid uniform. Id rather wear the curtains, she grumbled as she joined him by the door.
Well go shopping after we eat.
A short time later, she was sliding into a booth in the back of the diner, Kane across from her. The place was packed with old school charm, the tiled floor black and white, the walls covered with fifties memorabilia.
Do you have enough money to pay for your breakfast? Kane asked as he studied the menu.
No. Hed left her bag in Séduire.
I guess youll have to find a way to pay me back. Waffles arent free.
Hey. Were married. You insisted. That means whatever you have is mine.
His lips twitched at the corners. So you now agree that were married?
Answer a question for me first, she said, wanting to tease him the way he teased her. Are you loaded? I mean, the stories say you are, but I just want to be sure before I pledge my life to yours.
Im more than loaded. Torin could turn anyone into a billionaire.
I knew there was a reason I liked him. But to answer your question, yes, I agree. Your money and I are one.
He stopped trying to hide his grin and dazzled her with a display of pearly whites.
Im so falling for this man.
A waitress wearing a poodle skirt approached their table, making Josephina feel less conspicuous in her gown. The woman had a notepad and pen at the ready.
Can I take your...uh... She locked eyes with Kane and her words tapered off. She fluffed her hair. Hi. Im Claudia. My friends call me Claude.
Uncomfortable, he tugged at the collar of his shirt. Wed like
The building began to shake and the patrons to gasp. The ketchup bottle resting on the side of the table shattered, every glass shard arrowing toward Josephina, several even slicing into her arm. Blood beaded over the wounds.
Kane muttered a curse, threw down his menu and stood, pulling Josephina to her feet. Come on. We need to leave.
Disaster? she asked.
Yeah.
Wait, the waitress called.
He ignored her. The moment they stepped outside, a car slammed into another car directly in front of them. Impact tore a scrap of metal from the wreckage, tossing it at Josephinas head. Had Kane not jerked her to the ground, she would have been decapitated. But he did, and the piece cut through the diner window.
Glass shattered. Cars honked. People shouted obscenities. Footsteps pounded as bystanders raced away.
Forcing her to stand, Kanes grip tightened on her, the pressure almost enough to snap her bones.
What do you need? she asked. How can I help you?
Silent, he led her inside their hotel. The building was tall and well kept, with plush carpets and pretty paintings on the walls. There was a chandelier overhead, though nothing as grand as those in the Fae palace.
Kane?
He remained silent as they stepped into the elevator, strode down the hall and finally entered their room.
Talk to me, Kane. Please.
Youre going to stay here. There was a grim quality to his voice, and he wouldnt meet her eyes. Leave and youll regret it. And dont open the door to anyone. In fact, he said, withdrawing a gun from the waist of his pants, do you know how to use one of these?
No. Fae women are forbidden from learning how to defend themselves.
His features darkened. I should have started training you, as promised, and Im sorry I didnt. But dont worry. The gun is ready to go, complete with silencer. All you have to do is point and squeeze the trigger. He set the weapon on the nightstand, his hand trembling.
Where are you going?
A moment passed in silence. I plan to feed the demon so hell stop trying to hurt you. At least for a little while.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
JOSEPHINA PACED IN front of the massive bed shed shared with her husband only an hour ago, her hands wringing together. The change in Kane had startled her. In seconds, hed gone from affable and flirty to downright mean. And thered been guilt in his eyes...so much guilt, made all the worse because it had been ringed by a toxic mix of self-disgust and shame.
Just how did he plan to feed such a terrible demon? If he placed himself in danger...
Having trouble catching her breath, she eased onto the bed, propped against the pillows and closed her eyes. She had only ever projected her image into other peoples minds; never had she attempted to see the world through anothers eyes. Here, now, she had to try.
Kane needed her, whether he knew it or not. If she could figure out where he was, she could race to the rescue. No longer did he have to fight against the evil on his own, and she would prove it.
* * *
YOU WANT A disaster, Kane muttered, Ill give you a disaster.
Want the girl dead was the demons snarled reply. Dead, dead, dead.
Well, youre not getting that one. He would die first. But then, that wouldnt help, either, would it.
He would distance himself from Tink, go so far away from her the demon wouldnt be able to reach her. After seeing those cuts on her arm...the drip of crimson...yeah, distance was what was needed.
Where could he go?
No. Not him, he realized. Her. She had to go. He would call Lucien. He would send the warrior to pick her up, and have her escorted to the fortress in the Realm of Blood and Shadows, as hed originally planned. Kane would stay away from her, and she would be safe.
The demon would be satisfied.
He pressed his thumb against his wedding ring, spun the metal. Soon, the band would be his only connection to Tink. He punched the building beside him, and the brick cracked. He never should have tried to create a normal life with her. Not until the demon was dead.
Disaster growled.
Kane turned the corner of the sidewalk. A window shattered as he passed. People shouted with fright and scrambled away from the sea of glass. What are you doing now? he gritted. Im giving you what you want.
You give, even while you plot my demise. Perhaps its time I ended you, and freed myself.
Youll be crazed, mindless.
Arent I already?
He wouldnt panic.
An SUV slammed into a lamppost. A biker swerved, hit a curb. The bike flipped end over end and crashed into Kane.
Teeth grinding, Kane kept going. Youre hurting innocents.
I know. Isnt it great?
Stop.
Lets bargain. I wont try to kill you, or othersif.
If?
See that woman over there? I want her. Give her to me.
Across the street, a pretty woman stood outside a shop, watching the chaos down the way.
No, Kane snapped.
The water main broke, liquid suddenly shooting into the sky. Two cars collided.
No, he repeated, wiping cold droplets from his brow.
A black bird careened from the sky, slammed into Kanes chest before falling to the ground. There was a pained squawk as feathers rained in every direction. Struggling to breathe, he bent down to check the damage to the bird.
It died before contact was made.
The girl. Give me the girl.
Kane straightened, closed his eyes for a moment. He knew what Disaster really wantedfor Kane to betray his wife, ruin the trust theyd only just managed to build and destroy any hope for a future. Then, when Lucien carried Tink away, the distance between husband and wife would be more than physical. It would be mental, emotional. And it wouldnt matter if Disaster died or not. The damage would have been done, all hope torched, Kanes life ruined.
What better catastrophe was there than that?
I cant do it, Kane thought. I wont do it.
And yet, a second later, when a billboard fell from the side of the building, and humans rushed away to avoid being crushed, the word apocalypse reverberated in his head and he found himself crossing the street, approaching the woman.
Maybe your Fae will never find out, Disaster said, glee in his tone. It can be our little secret.
No. There were no secrets. Truth had ways of seeping out. More than that, he would never keep something like this secret from her.
In the back of his mind, he suddenly thought he felt another presence. Someone soft and gentle, sweet and innocent. Someone who smelled like fresh-baked bread.
Tink?
He frowned, searching the area for any sign of her, finding none. His guilt must be playing tricks on him. Either that, or Disaster was.
Im not going to do what you want, he said.
Kiss this woman, and Ill leave your Josephina alone.
Tink. Safe. Maam, he said, acid burning a path up his throat.
The woman looked up at him. Fear glazed her eyes. Whats happening out there?
A whole lot of dangerous, he said. Why dont I escort you somewhere safe?
The window behind her shattered. Screaming, she threw herself into his arms.
A hand here...a mouth there...so helpless...
Memories hit him, swift and hard. As he fought the urge to jerk away from the woman, the past, to scrub himself from head to toe with steel wool, he gently detached himself from her grip.
KISS HER!
Sweat beaded on his brow. Behind him, the roof of a building caved in.
The woman trembled. Its the end of the world, she whispered.
Like...an apocalypse.
Urgency rushed through him, joining forces with fear and panic. Swear it, he said to Disaster. Swear youll leave Tink alone.
Who? the woman asked.
I swear it.
Before he could talk himself out of it, Kane leaned down and kissed her. She stiffened, but she didnt push him away; the urge to vomit hit him, and he straightened.
In a snap, the presence left him.
Disaster laughed. I was lying, of course. How foolish of you to trust me.
Kane punched the brick wall, uncaring when his knuckles broke upon impact. He should have known. The demon would do anything to ruin his most prized relationshipand had probably succeeded. And I went along with it, all for a lie. He punched the wall again.