“I might, but I guess you need to prove to me that you feel it. You need to show me. I’m not interested in gold or jewels or fancy titles or any of that other stuff.”

“I know. I’m so glad you are agreeing. You need to know that I lo—”

“Wait.” Her voice came out sounding a tad panicked. “You can’t say the L word. It’s not fair.”

“It’s going to be difficult but I agree to everything.”

“There’s more.” She raised her brows.

Torrent smiled. “Why am I not surprised?”

“I want to meet your people and explore your lair. I want to get to know your way of life. We need to stay in separate chambers and we’re friends, so no sex.”

He choked out a laugh. “Because we were having so much sex before?”

She couldn’t help but to smile. “Oral sex is still a form of sex.”

His eyes glazed over and he made a low growling noise. “I may die by the time you finally allow me into your body, but I agree.”

She felt a zing of need as he spoke of being inside her. Shit! She wasn’t going to last. Not at all. “Are you sure?”

He nodded.

“I wouldn’t expect you to be exclusive.” Her voice squeaked. She couldn’t believe she was even saying this.

“Do you want other males?” His muscles tensed.

“No. Not at all but at the same time…” she shrugged. “I’m asking you to dial our relationship back. I’m asking for friendship, it wouldn’t be right to demand exclusivity.” As much as I want to.

“Do you want me to fuck other females?” His nostrils flared, his body tensed.

She grit her teeth. Anger and—yes—a good dose of jealousy raced through her. “No. I would hate it.” She grit out. “It would kill me but I can’t expect you just to wait for me.” Softer this time. “Sky said that you would get weak.” If he so much as looked at another woman she would kill him. Why had she even said that? Why? She had to be fair though.

His eyes blazed. “I don’t want anyone else. I made a mistake. I will prove myself to you and, Candy…”

Thank god!

“Um.” More of a sigh.

“When I put my mind to something, I give it my all. My everything. My undivided attention.” He licked his lips. “You will be mine.”

A shiver raced up her spine. It was of excitement, anticipation but also of fear. Torrent was everything she’d always stayed away from. He was too good looking, rich and arrogant. He was also really sweet and kind when he wanted to be. He could hurt her. He could crush her.