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The roar was deafening.

MINE.

21

NYSSA

I threw my head back, grinding the front of me against his thigh. Heat built, driving deep inside. But it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t anywhere near enough. I wanted more. I wanted him.

I unleashed a moan as Alaric’s hand moved from the nape of my neck and around to the front of my throat. One stroke of this thumb and his hand enclosed gently around my throat.

“That’s it, little one.” He forced the words through clenched teeth. “Christ, you’re beautiful.”

I opened my eyes. Dropped my gaze to his.

Pale orbs held me.

Hard lips parted.

His breath caught.

I thrust forward with that stare. Holding it the way he held me.

My nipples tightened.

It wasn’t from the cold.

“Please,” my words were barely a breath. “Alaric. Touch me.”

A savage sound rumbled from the back of his throat. For a second I didn’t know if it was the thunder, or him.

“Nyssa…”

He started to say something.

But then he stopped.

Those unseeing eyes fixed on me anyway.

Then his hand moved. One gently gripped my throat, the other parted my night dress.

Cold air caressed my thighs.

The sheer panties barely a barrier.

My pulse raced as he traced the fabric at my hip, then moved lower.

“I tried to fight this.” He murmured. His voice growing steadier as his touch moved down.

My movements stopped, the thrust ending as his big fingers slipped under the elastic.

“Tried to pretend I could keep you here. Keep you safe. Keep you far away from me.”

This house has rules.

The words resounded.

I knew what they were now.