Empress Of Wrath, Blood And Desire

Chapter 24: The start of something new

"I could use some wine. How about you?" I say as we step through the doors of Marcellous's house, the heavy click of the door sealing behind us.

Taking a deep breath, I roll my neck from side to side, loosening the tension, and saunter toward the kitchen to find what I want.

Leaning against the counter, I unbuckle my heels one by one, kicking them off with a sigh of relief.

"I could use some, Dea," he answers from behind me, his deep voice low and smooth. A smile curves my lips as I glide over to the small wine cellar, one of many scattered throughout his estate. I grab an expensive bottle and place it on the counter, heading for two glasses.

"But it's one in the morning, though," he murmurs as I return with the glasses. His tone carries a teasing note, though his gaze is serious. "You sure you can handle that?"

Turning, I catch sight of him shrugging off his black tuxedo jacket, unbuttoning his cufflinks and dress shirt with slow exactitude.

My eyes roam shamelessly over him, tracing the contours of every muscle etched across his torso and the intricate patterns of ink scrawled across his skin.

Biting my lip to stifle a hungry sound, I pop the wine open and pour it into both glasses.

The night has finally ended after six long hours at the ball, hours spent talking, drinking, observing... and killing. Only one kill tonight. No more. Though part of me almost wishes there had been. But truthfully, I spent more time surveying the room than engaging with anyone. After I had cleaned the blood on me.

When someone tried to make conversation, I either walked away or dropped a controversial remark that made them leave.

"I've had more liquor in the mornings than I can count, dear..." I say, lifting my glass to him in a subtle toast. "I'm a pro at this. I thought you knew." I take a slow sip, savoring the wine, then lower the glass just enough to watch him do the same.

"Why'd you take your shirt off?" I ask, my tone laced with curiosity.

"Because I'm scorched." He tilts his head back and drains the glass in one smooth motion, the way only someone completely at ease in their skin could.

"I see..." I take another long sip, my gaze locked on him as he drinks like it's a photo shoot for some high-end magazine.

How the hell does someone look this good while drinking?

"Did you get what you were aiming for tonight?" I ask, studying his expression.

He nods, placing the empty glass on the counter and sliding onto the stool across from me. There's a flicker in his eyes, something familiar, something dangerous.

"Indeed, I did. Made quite a few allies tonight. Seems there are more people out there who want what I want."

"And that is the end of the one who killed your family, while they were unharmed?" I finish for him, my voice low and knowing.

"Exactly," he murmurs, leaning in slightly. "But that's a conversation for another night... because, sweet girl, you've done something to me." His voice is softer now, more dangerous in its tenderness.

I arch a brow, setting my glass down on the countertop, giving him my full attention. "I'm inclined to know what that might be."

He slowly licks each of his juicy lips and my pussy drenches and clenches immediately.

"The dress you wear, the beauty you possess, and the way you look at me..." His voice drops to a low, dangerous whisper, each word deliberate. "You've awakened a dragon, and those flames-" he looks at me with a predatory gleam in his eyes, "-need to be put out. Sweet girl, you're the only one fit to do so."