Page 68 of His Darkest Desire
Why were hands with claws so sexy?
“Mind you”—he leaned forward, resting his arms on the edge of the table—“I’ll not be covering myself in flour. You shall have to conjure that image on your own.”
She laughed. “I don’t know, I’m still having trouble seeing it.”
Vex’s expression sobered as he stared at her.
Kinsley’s smile fell. “What?”
His lips parted, but he hesitated before saying, “It is the first time I’ve heard you truly laugh. I find myself rather fond of the sound.”
She clenched her skirt a little tighter as warmth flooded her. “I…guess you don’t have other people around for there to be much laughter here.”
Vex frowned, a small crease forming between his eyebrows. “I am fond of your laughter, Kinsley.”
The heat beneath her skin increased, and Kinsley dropped her gaze. She was sure her cheeks were bright red. “Oh.”
Where was the bold temptress who’d bared herself to his hungry gaze just for the thrill of teasing him? Why was she being so bashful now when she’d literally masturbated in front of this man last night?
Because this is beyond lust, Kinsley. You know it. You feel it.
This was something much, much deeper, and no matter how much she wanted it…
It was harder to take the plunge when she had no idea what lurked under the surface.
When she’d already had her heart broken.
Releasing her grip on her skirt, she smoothed the delicate fabric and composed herself before smiling at him. “You…mentioned a gift?”
“I did.” He lowered a hand beneath the table, reaching for something at his waist. When he lifted it again, he held a small glass vial between the claws of forefinger and thumb. He offered it to her.
The wisps spoke to each other animatedly. Even Shade was a little brighter than normal.
Carefully taking the vial, Kinsley studied it. The liquid inside was dark purple, but as she rotated the vial, she could make out swirls of shimmering green within it. “What is it?”
“My way of granting one of your wishes.”
She tilted her head as she looked at Vex. “What wish?”
He nonchalantly waved toward the wisps. “To understand our companions.”
Shade, Flare, and Echo gathered around Kinsley.
Her eyes widened, and she held the vial closer as she glanced between the wisps. “Really?”
“Yes,” Vex said. “It bears what is commonly known as the blessing of tongues. Once you’ve partaken of it, no spoken language will escape your understanding.”
“Oh, wow. Okay. That’s…a lot.” Kinsley lifted the vial again and took hold of the little cork stopper, wriggling it loose. She peeked up at Vex. “You’re sure you’re not poisoning me?”
His features darkened, and he narrowed his eyes. “Never.”
There was venom in his voice, a grave promise, and it vanquished any doubts she might’ve held about him. Vex would not harm her. And Kinsley…trusted him. Crazy as it might’ve been, she did.
Smiling, she looked at the wisps. “Okay, here we go.”
She brought the vial to her lips, tipped her head back, and drank quickly. The liquid was sweet and cool upon her tongue, going down with surprising ease, and it warmed pleasantly in her belly.
Kinsley set the vial down and licked her lips. “Am I supposed to—oh!” She braced her elbows on the table, covered her face, and closed her eyes as a wave of vertigo struck her.