Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(120)

Cyprian closed his eyes in frustration. He should’ve told her. Now Riley wanted to be free of him.

“I know you don’t believe me, but I didn’t intend for things to happen this way. I don’t want to argue with you in front of everyone. Let’s go somewhere,” Cyprian suggested as he realized they’d captured everyone’s attention.

“No, we certainly can’t let them see us fight, since that’s your idea of foreplay.” Riley stood up from her seat and glared at him, before turning to walk away.

Cyprian shoved back, knocking over his chair. He no longer cared if he ruined dinner. He wasn’t about to let Riley get away again. Cyprian caught Riley by the wrist and spun her toward him.

“Enough,” he growled.

“Don’t,” Riley cried. Such utter devastation twisted her face. Her eyes were glossy, her chin quivering. “I get it. You were doing your duty when you bit me. And you were doing your duty when you tried to force me to tell you what I was hiding. I’m sorry you did your job so well, and got trapped by the needy human. Well I’m letting you off the hook. I’m not your job anymore.”

Cyprian let go of Riley’s wrist and stepped back, stunned. He got a sinking feeling in his gut. She made the comment about his duty once before. Riley wasn’t angry because she thought he was mated to someone else, or because he mated her against her will.

Goddess you’re such a fool, Cyprian cursed himself.

“You’re right. That is the excuse I fed myself,” Cyprian admitted with a growl. “I made the excuse that I was doing what I had to do, because I didn’t want to admit the truth to myself.” Cyprian wrapped an arm around Riley and tugged her against his body.

“I can’t.” Riley pressed against his chest with her small hands, but he didn’t relent.

“My foolish honor refused to let me admit, that whenever I’m near you, I lose control. I don’t lose control - ever,” Cyprian growled. He tightened the grip he had around Riley’s back, pressing her lush body against his. “You frustrate me till I’m so twisted in knots.” Cyprian dipped his face to the crook of her neck, and breathed in her scent. “You amaze me with your giving soul, strength, and bravery.” His mouth nuzzled the conjugo mark on Riley’s neck, his nose teasing her ear. “I was lost the moment I caught your intoxicating scent, and laid eyes on you. You are so wild, Little Manx. I had to have you.”

Riley looked up at him with uncertainty in her gaze. His mouth hovered close to hers.

“You are mine. I never lied about that,” he growled. “You know it’s true. Stop lying to yourself.”

Riley opened her mouth to object, but Cyprian silenced her.

“Don’t fight me. Don’t force me to tie you up, because you know I will. I may not be able to get you to spill all your secrets, but there’s one thing I’ll force from your lips.”

It wasn’t an idle threat. Cyprian wouldn’t let Riley escape again. He’d seduce her till she admitted who her male was.

“Cyprian,” Riley whispered as she gripped his biceps.

“That’s right,” he husked.

Cyprian was so close to kissing Riley, but if he did, he’d end up throwing her down in the grass till he forced his name from her lips over and over.

Riley gasped when Cyprian tossed her over his shoulder.

“Honestly Cyprian? You tied Riley up too? You owe Tytus a big fat apology.”

Cyprian ignored June’s taunt as he took off for the villa with his shocked mate slung over his shoulder. He took the stairs to her room two at a time, kicked the door closed, then tossed Riley on the bed.

“Just wait a minute,” Riley insisted as she backed up.

Cyprian could see her pulse fluttering in her neck, the way her eyes were dilated, and how flush her skin had become. Riley wanted him as much as he wanted her, but apparently, she needed more convincing.



Riley

“Take off the dress before I tear it off you,” Cyprian rumbled.

The general said he couldn’t think straight. He wasn’t the only one. Riley tried to maintain a grasp on the situation that was rapidly spiraling out of control.

If the man wasn’t so imposing, standing at the foot of the bed, she might have had a fighting chance at resisting him. Cyprian’s penetrating gaze was unnerving. His demand that she disrobe, instantly sent a flood of desire coursing through her. Riley scrambled off the bed. She had to get away before everything turned to shit.

“Lust from your bite. That’s all this is,” Riley panted, as she fled toward the bathroom.

“You keep telling yourself that.” Cyprian lunged and grabbed ahold of her, cupping one full breast, as he tugged her back against his chest. “But I have more than enough time to convince you.”