42. Looking a little flushed, Selene

Adeline felt the change come over Damien. The sudden stillness of his breath, his body stiffening against hers, and finally, his physical withdrawal from where he’d been intimately connected with her just moments before. His eyes, which had always reminded her of the sky on a sunny day, became blue frost.

He seized her throat in one hand and held her up against the headboard. “Is this truly what you want, Selene? If it’s punishment your little black heart desires, I will gladly give it to you.” He stroked her pulse with his thumb.

Addie’s tongue darted out to moisten her dry lips and Damien’s intense gaze zoomed in on the tiny gesture.

He released her throat and cupped the back of her head, instead, threading his fingers through her hair and yanking back to put pressure on her scalp.