“I have to find Blaine.” Madeline pressed her hands against Lore’s chest, desperate for him to see how important this was to her. “Please.”
“Drak!” He shoved his hands through his hair.
“I’ll stay by your side. We’ll watch each other’s back.”
Suddenly, he gripped her chin, forcing her gaze up. “Only as long as you promise to do everything I say and follow my lead.”
Madeline sniffed. She didn’t blindly follow anyone else’s orders. “We’ll see.”
He scowled. “You always have to try to be in charge.”
“The party is tonight,” Galen reminded them. “You’ll need outfits. From what I hear, it’s a pretty glitzy one.”
Lore nodded. “Fine. Let’s do this.”
Galen nodded. “And you’re only there to gather intel and get an invite to the underground fight rings. Do not take any risks or do anything dangerous. Understood?”
“Understood,” Lore answered.
After the imperator left, Lore moved so fast, Madeline gasped.
He backed her into the stone wall, caging her with his body. “I will keep you safe.”
She pushed against his chest. Of course, he didn’t budge an inch. “I’m not yours to keep safe, Lore.”
“Yes, you are.” He pressed his lips to her throat. “You just haven’t accepted it yet.”
Madeline felt traitorous heat flood her, his lips warm and wet on her skin. She couldn’t find any words.
“We will be together, Madeline. You will writhe under my hands and sigh under my mouth. You will moan when I slide my cock inside you and cry out my name when you surrender your pleasure to me.”
“Arrogant and overconfident alien,” she snapped, even as she shuddered with delicious pleasure at his words.
He stepped back and shot her a charming smile. “Was that a curse or a compliment?” He stroked his hand down her side. “Get used to the idea of us, and get used to the idea that I will protect you and keep you safe, no matter what.”
Madeline just stared at him, her mouth dry. Inside she was a confused mass of conflicting emotions. The one thing she knew, but couldn’t say aloud, was that a part of her liked—really liked—everything he’d just said.
Lore took another step away. “I’ll see you tonight.”
***
Lore tugged on the cuffs of his evening shirt as he walked into the living area. The black fabric had a shiny sheen to it—just a little flashy and perfect for this party.
He heard the click of a woman’s shoes and looked up.
His mouth went dry. Madeline walked toward him wearing an amazing gown. The blood-red fabric looked like liquid and draped over her curves. As she walked, a large slit appeared, baring one slim leg all the way to her thigh. She’d done something to her face, eyes lined with smoky black and her lips red. Her dark hair was slicked back.
His hands curled into fists. Want, desire, and vicious need slammed into him. He didn’t want anyone else to see her. This had nothing to do with rescuing her or helping her. Right now, Lore just wanted her.
“Ready?” she asked.
He managed a nod. “You look…drak, I can’t find a word to do you justice.”
The slightest touch of color filled her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“I have a gift for you.” He reached out, drifting his fingers over her bare shoulder. He fiddled with the slim strap of her dress.
She raised a brow. “Are you going to pull it out of the bodice of my dress?”
“No.” He flicked his fingers and held up his closed hand. “Do you want your present?”
She sniffed, acting like she was indifferent, even as a covetous light filled her eyes. “Well, you’ve already given me flowers and a coin. What’s left? I’m pretty sure you can’t find chocolate from Earth.”
“Chocolate, huh? I’ll see what I can do. But for now, this will have to suffice.” He opened his palm.
Madeline gasped, her gaze on the gorgeous bracelet made of sparkling silver and red jewels.
“How did you know I was wearing red?” She lifted a hand, but didn’t reach for the piece of jewelry. “Lore, I can’t take it.”
“Of course you can. It’s a gift. Free of strings and expectations. I just thought it would look beautiful on you and complement your outfit.”
She blinked and looked up at him. “No one’s given me jewelry before.”
Lore lifted her wrist, and slipped the bracelet around it. He closed the clasp. As he’d guessed, it looked perfect on her.
Then he frowned. “You were married. Rory tells me jewelry is a requirement when you get married.”