Page 26 of Four Promises to Love

He slammed into her, grinding his stones against her mound, and her eyes remained open. She saw him, and she was unafraid. They gazed at each other as they fucked like beasts. It was more than pleasure he felt—more than the escape offered by physical sensation. She held him with her body, with her all-seeing eyes⁠—

His sudden release took him by surprise. He groaned as his seed exploded from him, hot surges that sprayed his stomach and chest. Lying against the sweat-soaked sheets, he tried to catch his breath.

What the bloody hell is the matter with me?

But he knew the answer. Even if he didn’t, a glance at his cock, still hard and ready for another round, provided the answer. Accepting Seraphina’s invitation would be a terrible idea—which made it lamentably in character. Anyway, if he did go, he would be doing so for his family’s sake. If he proved that she was a fake, then he could get her out of their lives. He was doing this to protect the ones he loved.

Who are you trying to fool, you bastard?

Groaning, he flung an arm over his eyes.

Eight

“I am gratified that you accepted my invitation, my lord.”

I bet you are.

Owen kept his expression bland as he looked around the narrow entry hall. Despite the bright afternoon, it was as dark as the previous occasion. The only notable difference was that Seraphina had received him personally; her assistants were nowhere to be seen.

“It’s Owen,” he reminded her. “And how could I resist such a challenge?”

“A challenge?”

Seraphina’s attempt at innocence was the worst he’d ever seen. In fact, he was certain she wasn’t even trying. The sparkle in her topaz eyes told him she was enjoying her little game.

“You mistake my intentions, Owen. I requested an opportunity to demonstrate my talents.”

“I am aware of your talents,” he said dryly.

He was—just as he was aware that coming here had been a mistake. He’d rationalized that he was protecting his family, but he had less honorable impulses as well.

I shall have to remain on guard. I know what my weaknesses are, and I won’t let her manipulate them. Flirting is one thing—falling for her tricks another.

“In that case, follow me.”

She lit a candle and glided off. He followed her along the gloomy path toward the back of the house. This time, he realized that screens of black fabric had been set up throughout the connecting rooms to create the illusion of a labyrinth. Yet recognizing the trick did not diminish its effectiveness. His skin prickled as the winding passageway seemed to close around him. Last time, he’d been distracted by his duty to protect his womenfolk, but now he felt tension grip his shoulders, his heartbeat accelerating. With his senses smothered by the quiet dark, he had only Seraphina to orient him, and that was hazardous.

To break the suffocating silence, he said, “This is an elaborate maze you’ve set up.”

“The spirit world is labyrinthine. While I am accustomed to its twists and turns, I must prepare the uninitiated for what they will soon encounter.” Her voice drifted back to him as did her tantalizing scent of lemons and herbs. “We must begin as we mean to go on.”

“Do you have an answer for everything?”

She looked over her shoulder, brows arched. “Only for the important questions.”

Cheeky miss.

They arrived at the séance room. The muted glow of the chandelier and candles on the mantel cast undulating shadows. Seats had been removed from the round table, leaving four chairs. The spirit bowl rested on the table; like the last time, it was filled with water, the surface as smooth as a blank slate. The air was smoky with incense, the scent one of spiced decay.

He had to admit the stage was perfectly, and eerily, set.

These are mere parlor tricks. Do not let them get to you.

“Where is your entourage?” he asked.

“I promised you a private audience.” When she went to her chair, he pulled it out for her. She sat, gesturing regally to the seat to her right. “I hope you do not mind conducting our activities alone.”

The activities he’d imagined conducting with her flitted through his mind’s eye.