Page 5 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

A glint crossed her gaze. She might be powerless, but there was a wolf inside her nevertheless.

2

OF THE DEVIL

Alex

Iblew out a breath between my teeth when we left Lucy’s house. If she didn’t accept my help, I would need to find another way to make sure she wasn’t going to die of poverty.

Irene leant against me in a casual gesture. “Poor woman.”

I forced myself not to tense but to enjoy her closeness and her flowery scent of orange blossom. “Did she tell the truth?”

“About not having seen her brother? Yes. But she was…confused.”

Pale sunlight blinded me when we came out of the dark alleyway.

“Why was Lucy confused?” I asked. “Because she has no idea where Graves is or why he left the court?”

She released my arm, and I missed her touch. “I’m not sure. She was also in pain. Physical pain. I think she’s injured.”

“I’ll ask her again to come to Raven Hall, and I’ll make sure she has food and drugs.”

Lucy wasn’t part of the Dark Court, but she was my responsibility after the way I’d treated her brother. The least I could do was help her.

Irene offered her hand to me. “Thank you.”

I closed my fingers around hers. Pushing down my aversion to physical contact had sucked all the pleasure out of holding her hand, but thanks to Irene and her patience, I was now able to enjoy the warmth of her skin and the thrill of being close to her.

I steered her away from a passing cart loaded with coal. “I’m useless when it comes to assisting unconscious people. The least I can do is make sure she doesn’t starve.”

“You aren’t useless.”

I helped her into the carriage and sat next to her, close enough that our shoulders touched, something that wouldn’t have been possible weeks ago. The carriage rolled into motion, rocking right and left.

“Where is Graves?” She glanced out of the window.

“He’ll reappear soon when his wounded pride allows him to think clearly about his situation.”

But I was worried. Not because I was particularly fond of the werewolf, but Graves was short-tempered and proud enough to plan an uprising to take over the Dark Court. I didn’t like the idea of a vengeful werewolf roaming London, plotting to destroy me.

Diplomacy wasn’t my strongest suit. I’d wounded him badly, both physically and emotionally, but the moment he’d been healthy again, he’d left without a word.

“I know what you’re thinking.” She stroked my knuckles, and the pleasant sensation was disproportionately big compared to the light touch.

“What?”

“Graves isn’t assembling an army to attack you.” She stroked my hand with her fingertips, stealing my breath.

“How do you know that?” I brushed a curl from her face, tracing the curve of her cheek.

She parted her lips, and her heartbeat quickened. “The war with Knight decimated Graves’s pack, and he would never ally with Knight. And even if he did, Knight would never attack you after you saved his werewolves from the rabies. What other options does he have? The Fair Court? The fairies aren’t warriors.”

“Yet I’m sure we’ll hear from him soon.”

I dipped my head to kiss her cheek but right then, she shifted on the seat, and our lips were half an inch away.

She tilted her head, moving closer. I brushed my lips against hers, pain and pleasure rocking me. We both groaned when she darted out the tip of her tongue and caressed my lips. Heat built between us, and the bond we shared hummed softly, like a fluttery feeling in my chest.