He plucks the bud from its root and brings it closer to my face. “Close your eyes.”
I do as he says and feel the gentle touch of the petals against my cheek. He’s right, very sensual, and my insides blossom with lust.
He steps closer, running the petals down the length of my neck. “You have exquisite skin, Allison.”
I keep my eyes shut, squeezing my thighs together to squash the growing desire. I don’t dare say a word because I don’t want him to stop what he’s doing. My mind is still spinning from the wedding, and he calms the madness with each touch of the cosmos on my neck.
“I love your neck,” he whispers. “So fragile.” His husky voice turns me on in a way I’ve never experienced. A small voice in the back of my mind tells me I should put a stop to his actions, but I quickly tell it to shut up as he presses his nose against my skin. “Smells delicious.”
“I need one taste,” he says in my mind.
My eyes fly open, and he backs away abruptly, taking the mood with him.
“What happened?” I ask him.
It’s like he’s shocked or something. “I didn’t mean to speak in your mind just now.”
I step forward, feeling brave. “I don’t mind if you taste me.” What am I saying? Taste me how? Another kiss? A kiss to my neck?
He ignores my statement. “It’s time for bed. I’ll show you to your quarters.”
His sensual tone has vanished, replaced with a formal one, like I’m a guest enjoying a hotel stay. He grabs my hand, leading me back into the castle, walking at a brisk pace.
I don’t question anything, however, knowing if I do, he might snap and not help me develop my powers.
Inside, we climb the wide staircase in silence to the second floor and he shows me to a room larger than the one I stayed at in his sister’s castle. The dark bed would fit five people, and I wonder if I’ll be swallowed up by the black covers and red pillows. The theme really needs an overhaul. Ideas pop into my head about what I’d like to do with my room, but I don’t want to get too comfortable here. I don’t plan on staying long.
I need to keep reminding myself of this.
“Pink ottoman? Have you lost your mind?” Sylvia asks with such offense her brown bob bounces around her neck. “Mr. Blackmoor was very specific with how he wanted his castle decorated.”
It’s been a few days since we married, and true to his word, Draven contacted Sylvia, his personal decorator, and now here I sit, being lectured on textures and window treatments.
“The house needs a fresh perspective. It’s all so gloomy.”
Sylvia rears back like I’ve slapped her across the face. “Mr. Blackmoor’s favorite color is dark.”
I smile politely, picking up the cup of tea on the table full of swatches and designs Sylvia has picked out for my new room. “Well, now I’m queen of this castle, and I’d like to be able to breathe in my new home.”
Sylvia stares at her designs. “I guess we could lighten things up a bit.”
“Yes, my husband was just saying to me last night, right after we made love, that he wants me to be happy. I’d be happy with pink.” Of course Draven and I haven’t even come close to having sex, even though I have thought about it a few times.
After another hour of showing Sylvia a few rooms for inspiration I’ve found on the internet, she leaves and says she’ll be back tomorrow with new designs.
“I see you’re busy at work.” Draven enters the sitting room after Sylvia’s left.
“It’s really unnecessary for you to redecorate just for me.”
“No, I think it’s time I update this old place.” He glances at the red-velvet couch and black coffee table. “Rao is coming to dinner in a few weeks, so it’ll be nice having the place spruced up.”
“Oh, ok,” I say, happy I’m not redecorating this place just for me. “So, what should we do today?”
“We’re going to get busy.”
Heat travels to my inner thighs at his mention of getting busy, and I hate that my mind has wandered there. “Busy?”
Draven steps closer, a wicked smile crossing his face, like he knows what I’m thinking. “It’s time to test your powers.”