“What else?” she demanded.

“Experience.” He drew his teeth along her sensitive skin, creating a wake of goose bumps down her neck. “Because I’ve awakened a craving inside of you that requires more.” Not arrogance, but the truth. She could deny it all she wanted, but her body conceded his point, especially as she attempted to arch into him.

“You’re… this…” She cleared her throat. “I still wish to kill you.”

“That’s part of what makes this so fun,” he whispered darkly. “Lust mingled with potential threat is intoxicating.” He nuzzled her pulse. “Work with me, Caro. Help me destroy Osiris. With your ability to mask our presence and my knowledge of his true power, we could be a formidable pair.”

He’d considered removing his maker several times, but never to the point of plotting. Now that Skye had envisioned the possibility, however, he saw no reason to hold back.

Which begged the question—was the prophecy self-fulfilling?

Sethios had only been pushed to this point because his father showed up on his doorstep, prepared to harm. Had he not reacted at all, Sethios would have likely finished toying with Caro and sent her on her merry way.

Did Skye know she would set the ball in motion by telling Osiris about her vision?

So many possibilities.

“Agree, angel.” His lips skimmed her cheek to hover above her mouth. “Please.”

The word tasted bitter in his mouth, but he desired her cooperation. If anything, to grant him full access to his abilities. Forcing an unwilling Seraphim to comply with his every wish would exhaust him.

And yeah, maybe a small part of him hoped she would agree. Just so they could have a little more fun together. It wasn’t every day he found a woman who could survive his inclinations in bed.

“We need the precise words of the prophecy to decipher the true meaning.” Her practical nature drowned in the breathless quality of her voice, causing him to grin. He’d already won. “Then we can decide our course.”

“So you agree to help?” He phrased it as a question even though he already knew her response.

“For now.” Her sapphire gaze held his. “And I will only agree to sharing blood to keep us hidden while we determine our next steps.”

He grinned against her lips. “Okay, angel.” If you say so.

He released her and stepped back.

She landed deftly on her feet, her hands falling to her sides. “I also want my knives back.”

“Hmm, that might be an issue.” Because they’re in the condo we can never return to. “But I can procure new ones for you?” he offered.

Her lips pursed as she considered. “Will they be of similar quality?”

“Better quality,” he promised, meaning it. He would never play with dull or lackluster toys. Only the best.

She nodded slowly, her blue eyes flashing. “All right.”

“Excellent. Now I need you to transport us to the other side of the city.” He gave her the address. “I have a place there that Osiris doesn’t know about.” He actually owned several around the globe. “We can shower, change, and eat. Then work on our plan.”