“What’s more, I’m a grown ass woman. So, when I decided I needed to use the bathroom after all, I found one. And despite what you may think of me, I’m not a moron. I wasn’t going to go wandering outside, or attempt to run away. Where would I go?”
“I don’t think you are a moron. No, you are a very clever, Little Manx. I knew that the moment I discovered you had cornered the Ubi. However, the only one I trust here, is Vintor. That includes you. You told me the Ubi didn’t touch you,” Cyprian snarled menacingly, as he grabbed both her wrists and began examining her arms.
“Wrong,” Riley snapped. She didn’t appreciate being called a liar. “I told you, I held my own.”
“Don’t twist words.”
“That thing never stabbed me, if that’s what your panties are in a bunch over.”
Riley attempted to pull free of his grasp, but he held her firm.
“Forgive me if I don’t believe you,” Cyprian smirked.
Cyprian grabbed her around the middle and carried her into the running shower.
“What the hell?” Riley squeaked in surprise.
Cyprian set Riley on the stone floor, facing the wall. It was unnerving having the intense man at her back. She could feel the heat radiating off him.
Riley’s breath sped up when Cyprian slipped his fingers beneath the clasp of her wet bra and unhooked it. He pulled the straps down her shoulders and off each arm. Riley could’ve protested, but she didn’t move a muscle, not even to cover her bare breasts.
Cyprian ran his fingers over her back and down her ribs. Riley shivered as they ghosted along her spine to the waistband of her panties. That he was being so gentle was surprising, given his attitude.
Cyprian spun Riley to face him. He stood so close, his massive chest filled her vision. He cradled the back of her head, shifting her neck left then right, looking for a stab wound. His fingers paused on the spot where he’d bitten her, before continuing their painfully thorough examination.
“Does it still hurt?” he gruffed as his fingers ran over the brand of his name.
Riley quickly shook her head. Cyprian looked so serious as he stared at the mark. The expression was almost more disturbing than the rage she’d witnessed earlier. Riley couldn’t name the confusing mix of emotions she saw reflected in his dark eyes, but they affected her.
Cyprian’s fingers traced her breasts then lifted them to examine beneath. Riley’s couldn’t help the way her nipples puckered as his warm fingers ran along her sensitive flesh.
“Who did this to you?” he growled as he grazed her nipple piercings.
“I did.”
“You!” He looked at her in shock. “Why?”
Riley stood with her mouth open, as she debated what to tell him. Did she say that she liked the way they looked? Or did she tell him they brought her pleasure? She certainly wasn’t going to tell Cyprian she occasionally enjoyed a bit of pain.
“You will answer me when I ask you a question, Little Manx.”
The demand sent a surge of frustration through Riley. She suddenly remembered this wasn’t a seduction. Cyprian was examining her for the worm’s bite, because he refused to believe her.
“Why should I tell you? You don’t trust me. Remember? Well the feeling is mutual, asshole.”
Riley slid under his arm and out of the shower.
“Put me down,” Riley screeched when she suddenly found herself slung over his shoulder.
Riley bounced when Cyprian tossed her on the bed. Apparently, he was done being gentle.
“You will do everything I tell you, when I tell you. Do I make myself clear?” Cyprian snarled.
“Make me,” Riley growled back.
The bastard could demand all he wanted. She refused to be a compliant slave.
“If that is how you want it.”
When Cyprian walked away, Riley realized how naked he was. His firm ass flexed, and his long, red tail flicked in agitation, as he rummaged through a bag.
Stop admiring his ass. You’re angry, Riley reminded herself.
When Cyprian turned, he was holding a rope.
“No fucking way,” she snapped.
Riley scrambled up the bed. Now she really was mad, and freaked out too.
Cyprian de Praefectus
Cyprian was already worried Riley was hiding an Ubi puncture wound out of fear or obstinance, then he saw the pieces of metal speared through her nipples. The first time he saw a picture of Riley’s nude body, he’d been angry that someone had tortured her this way. It stunned and disturbed him to learn she’d done this to herself. Cyprian couldn’t understand why the little female would willingly pierce her flesh in such a sensitive place.
But I will find out.
As Cyprian was still reeling from the discovery, Riley called him a derogatory name, then evaded him in the shower. He should’ve expected the move, she’d done it to him once before, escaping in the maze.