He let out a rough groan and my toes curled. It seemed ludicrous that I had made the demon make such a sound. The demon who’d been alive for so long that my puny half-human mind couldn’t even comprehend such a lifespan.

His hand skimmed along my collarbone; his touch achingly gentle. I shivered, and his gaze was transfixed as my nipples peaked even further. They were so hard they ached, and I gasped as he slowly circled one with his index finger. Just that touch and I was aching for him. It wasn’t like me to lie submissive during sex, but every ounce of my attention was focused on the man above me.

He lowered his head, brushed his lips over my skin, and then took my nipple in his mouth. I writhed, and he let out a low laugh, lifting away long enough to give me a look full of sensual promise.

“So responsive,” he purred. “I knew you’d be like this.”

His claw slid out once more, and he slashed through the rest of my dress like it was tissue paper. My thong disappeared next, and he stared at me for so long that my cheeks heated.

“Uh, Samael?”

His face tightened, and he met my gaze. “I have lived for a millennia, been with women of all races, from every world.”

I glowered at him. That wasn’t the way to get into my pants. I opened my mouth to tell him exactly that, but his eyes were suddenly blazing as he glowered down at me.

“Never have I seen such beauty.”

I gaped at him. He let out an oath and took my mouth once more, his tongue tangling with mine. He tasted like sin, and his body felt like heaven against mine, hard and strong and— for tonight at least— mine. My hands rose to his hair, and the memory of the first time we met flashed through my mind.

I’d stolen a piece of that hair while both of us were wearing masks. I’d been trembling almost the entire time. Who could’ve known that choice would have led to this?

No one could have known it because you’re throwing your freedom away.

I attempted to push that little voice out of my head, but it was the truth. Demons were possessive, territorial creatures, and none more so than Samael. If I wanted him to release me and leave me alone, I was going the wrong way about it.

“You’re thinking too much,” Samael murmured against my lips. “I better change that.”

I opened my mouth, but he was already kissing his way down my body. His mouth was hot and skilled, and his hands stroked over my skin as if he was memorizing every inch of me.