Page 20 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

“Maybe it works like magic and needs time to adjust. I’m sure everything will be all right.”

His behaviour wasn’t normal. He was excited and relieved to be free of his curse, but he’d always listened to Darius and me. Shouldn’t he be concerned?

My spine wilted as he rubbed my nipples with gentle circles, pinching them now and then. My doubts wavered. I reclined my head against his chest. His touch became more impatient, and his muscles swelled. I stared at his reflection in the mirror. He’d unleashed his power, and his eyes were fully obsidian.

He opened his mouth, showing his lengthening fangs. Anticipation made me tremble. My skin tingled as he brushed the tips of his fangs along my neck.

Something shifted in the bond. It became tauter and vibrated in an odd way.

“You drive me mad.” His cavernous voice reverberated from his chest.

That deep voice usually made me sigh, but now there was a dangerous note I couldn’t ignore. Or maybe I was too on edge.

“Your scent, your skin, your voice,” he said. “Everything about you is perfect. Makes me want to touch you and kiss you all the time.”

He steely arms were around me gently, but he was strong, and my wili power worked only on living men. If I needed to push him away, my power would be useless.

Another shiver pebbled my skin, but not out of anticipation.

The bond strained and tugged hard, and I had no idea why. It was as if the bond were trying to warn me.

Panic rose, a primordial instinct I couldn’t control. It was the same fear I’d experienced the first time I’d seen a vampire. Instinct ordered me to run from the predator.

“Alex, stop!”

He released me immediately, a hurt expression on his face. “What is it? Did I hurt you?”

I was breathless, and my pulse hammered against my temples.

“The bond is odd.” I hooked up the corset and tucked the shirt under my belt.

My fingers trembled, and I wondered if I was overreacting. Or maybe I’d always been afraid of him, but my fear had manifested now because he’d hugged me properly.

“I barely noticed the bond. Why are you so frightened?” His fangs were still unsheathed. “Am I scaring you?”

“You aren’t yourself.”

“I’m happy I can touch you. That’s all. I’m eager, yes, but this is me. I’m the same man as always.”

I hadn’t realised I’d been stepping back from him until I hit the bedpost with my back. “You’ve always listened to me, and now you don’t.”

He beat a fist on his chest. “I did this for you.” His voice turned even more cavernous.

“It was your choice. I told you not to trust Cara. Don’t blame me.”

As he came closer, he stepped into the sunlight and hissed, rushing backwards.

He stared at his hands. The skin was red. He’d always been sensitive to sunlight, but not like that.

“What’s happening?” I didn’t move from my sunny corner.

Shock flashed across his face as he stared at his hands. He opened his mouth when Darius’s voice came from the other side of the door.

“Alex?” Hard knocks sounded. “Alex? Are you there? Irene?”

I swallowed, my mouth dry. “Come in. Alex is here.”

He entered, waving a copy of The Times. “Have you read the news?”