The Darkest King

by Gena Showalter

  If—when—they had sex, would their emotional connection deepen?

  Would he fall for her faster? Harder?

  In the past, he’d used sex to feel better about himself. He saw the truth so clearly now. He’d merely wanted to be wanted. Understandable, considering the trauma he’d suffered as a child. But how different would sex be with a lifemate?

  Must know!

  Sunny set his video game system in front of the television, then strode to the closet, rolling her hips, making his shaft swell and ache with increasing ferocity.

  Control! “Do you play?”

  “Not yet, but I’ll learn and kick your aster.” She hung one of his shirts next to a dress. “I’m anticipating many man-pouts from you.”

  Though he heard her, he didn’t compute her words. He was enraptured by the sight of their clothes pressed together. Would their scents mingle?

  Possessiveness strangled him, but urgency ruled him. Their scents could mingle another way...

  Must have her. “Your trust issues,” he said, his voice strained. “What did you worry about the last time I kissed you? Besides my robot ways.”

  She hung a pair of his leathers. “That you’d try to harm me or steal my horn, my source of life. Without it, I’ll lose my magic, my ability to shift and my best source of protection.”

  How many beings had made a play for that horn over the centuries? “Since you refuse to shift, I can’t get to yours. Problem solved.”

  Shrug. Translation: You’re wrong, but I don’t trust you enough to offer the truth. Yet.

  “Work with me here, Sunny. Talk to me. You’re going to trust me fully eventually. Why not now? Think of it as your couple-days anniversary gift to me.”

  Yearning softened her gaze. “All right. I’ll tell you a little story.”

  For some reason, his guts twisted. He had a feeling he’d be furious by the time she finished.

  “Our horns are conduits of power. Power is a drug,” she explained. “To demons especially.”

  “Go on.”

  “Once upon a time, unicorns were all sweetness and light with no hint of a dark side. We lived to make the world a better place, aiding strangers, granting wishes like a freaking genie and sharing our riches with the poor. What did we receive in return? Near extinction. Poachers laid traps. A fair maiden in distress. A lost child. Once they imprisoned us, they removed our horns to sell to demons, leaving us helpless. Magic-less. Then Lucifer and his demons decided to cut out the middleman.”

  Her anguish tore through him with the speed of a bullet.

  And she wasn’t done.

  “Fast-forward a few hundred years after the slaughter of my village.” She hung another pair of leathers, but not before he spied a gleam of tears in her eyes and nearly flashed away to murder Lucifer and present his head at Sunny’s feet. “A demon possessed the guy I was seeing. I didn’t know until he shoved blades in both my shoulders and my ankles, pinning me down. He would ask me to shift, again and again, and when I refused, he cut off one of my fingers or toes.”

  Red dotted his vision, rage shredding what remained of his control. “I’ll kill him. All I need is a name.” Actually, William wouldn’t need one if he bargained with Hades for another ten-question session with the Sphere of Knowledge.

  Sunny offered a small, soft smile. “He’s already dead. I told him I’d shift and willingly give him my horn. Unicorns cannot lie, so he believed me.”

  “But you punished him with the horn instead.” A statement, not a question.

  “Oh, yes. I shifted and gave him my horn—straight through his neck.”

  “Good girl,” he praised, so damn proud of her. But, his rage was far from appeased. He set his treasured book on the desk, then checked the display case. Locked. “What if we use magic to ensure I can’t steal your horn?”

  Shock pulsed from her. “You would do that?”

  For her, he would do many things he’d never do for another. “Consider it my gift to you.”

  Excitement sparked off her skin. “How would the spell work?”

  “Not a spell, per se, but a mystical pledge unbreakable in word or deed.”

  “I—wait. My paranoia is flaring.” The excitement ebbed, her skin dulling. “This could be a long con. Vow now, attack later.”

  “My pledge will negate any kind of long con. You’ll see.” He crooked his finger at her. “Come here.”

  Sunny hesitated only a moment before trudging over.

  “I’m going to make an incision in each of our palms to blend our blood.” Best to explain every step of the process, lest she lash out. No one had a meaner right hook. “All right?”

  A pause. Then, with her emerald gaze steady on him, she nodded and said, “All right. Let’s do it.”

  19

  “I’ll be waiting at the corner of Climax and Bolt.”

  With his free hand, William palmed a dagger. Sunny’s trembles intensified, but she didn’t dart off. She’s trusting me with more and more, and I’m about to cut her?

  He’d never hesitated to hurt someone, especially if their pain somehow aided him. Yet, the thought of Sunny experiencing the tiniest pang had him growling like a wild animal. She’d endured so much already. A shitty marriage, the loss of her people and centuries of solitary confinement.

  Do you wish to sleep with her? More than anything. Then. Start. Cutting.

  He did it. He made the cut, the incision as shallow as possible, but she hardly seemed to notice. As drops of crimson welled, he drew the blade over his own palm and linked their fingers, letting their blood mingle.

  She shifted from one foot to the other. “How will I know the spell worked?”

  “You’ll know. You’ll feel it. Just wait.” Peering into her eyes, he said, “As long as you aren’t trying to kill me, I vow I will not steal your horn. I won’t hire someone to steal it for me, or command anyone else to do so. I won’t scheme to obtain the horn at a later date. Do you accept my pledge?”

  A dazed nod.

  “Say it,” he commanded.

  She swallowed hard. “I accept your pledge.”

  Then. That moment. A bolt of power shot from him to her, and she gasped, stumbling back. Her jaw went slack. “You’re right. I do, I feel it,” she said, awed. “You truly won’t—cannot—make a play for my horn.”

  Knowing he’d alleviated her fears... He wanted to bang his chest like a gorilla. How receptive would she be to his advances now? Would she like his kisses?

  Every fiber of his being shouted, Find out!

  Yes. He would brand her with his touch, his essence. Would explore the connection between us. Would take her hard and fast, then slow and sweet.

  No, no. Not hard and fast. He might rouse her paranoia. He’d go slowly with her. So damn slow he’d agonize them both until they would die without an orgasm.

  Arousal scorched him. How had he ever existed without this ferocious wanting?

  Better question: How could he exist without it?

  The urge to grab her, rip off her clothes and toss her on the bed, the floor—anywhere!—bombarded him.

  No. Not yet. Break the curse, then win the girl.

  He didn’t know if he had the strength to resist the wanting and needing, but he would try. “I must take a shower,” he managed to say in a somewhat normal tone, as if he wasn’t a ravenous beast inside. “I’m still wearing burial grime.”

  “William,” she whispered, trembling against him. “You said to let you know when I have a need.”

  That plaintive tone torched his already shredded control.

  “Do you want to be fucked, Sunny?”

  Her breath caught. “I do.”

  “By me.” Another statement. “Only me.”

  She nodded, anyway. “Only you.”

  “Today.”

  “T
oday,” she said, her incredible scent enveloping him. “Now.”

  Waiting until she’d broken the curse ceased being an option. “I will take care of you, as promised, but first, I must shower.” Alone. He had to calm before he touched her. “While you await me, why not indulge in your favorite hobby?” Bad idea. Bad! He pictured it and nearly came spontaneously.

  Her brow furrowed. “You mean killing demons?”

  “I mean fingering yourself. Do it, but don’t come or we’ll be checking that spanking off your list of fantasies.” Nothing would make him shower faster. “Your next climax belongs to me.”

  Her eyelids turned heavy and her pupils enlarged, two circles of onyx ringed by emerald. “Spanking isn’t on my list, but now I’m going to add it. Tell me. Would you prefer to keep your underwear on when I paddle you?”

  Ha! Funny girl. “Lady’s choice.” Always.

  Sunny wore a dazed, crazed expression he found irresistible. It was only fair. She made him dazed and crazed. Panting a little, she told him, “I think I’ll study your book instead and wait for that hands-on demonstration of skill you promised me.”

  Minx. “Good call.”

  “Once I break your curse, you can flash me to Lucifer’s palace. I’ll take care of him and find Lilith for you.”

  The thought of Sunny going to battle Lucifer... No. Just no. Not gonna happen. He’d find another way to defeat his ex-brother. And if he didn’t walk away now, he wouldn’t be walking away at all.

  Without making any promises, he kissed her forehead and strode to the bathroom, breathing deep, desperate for a hit of air without her maddening scent. No luck. His head spun. Her essence saturated every inch of the stable.

  As he brushed his teeth, he noticed her toiletries intermixed with his, and his chest swelled with satisfaction. She’s safe and in my care. The rest of the space boasted solid gold fixtures and a marble shower stall for six.

  As a young prince, he’d gone through an orgy phase. Ah, the misadventures of youth.

  He turned on the water and stripped. Droplets rained over the marble stall, a cloud of steam forming. Naked, he stepped under the waterfall. Hot water drenched him, washing away blood and dirt.

  He wondered if he should climax here first. After he came, blood would rush back into his head, and his 69 IQ would receive a much-needed boost. He would calm, as hoped, and wouldn’t rut on her, losing sight of her trust issues.

  He might have stumbled with his unicorn in the beginning, but they’d since reached an understanding. She’d agreed to trust him. A trial run. He had to get this right. But, coming now would increase the odds of him reverting to his “robot” ways, an even worse development.

  No getting off first, he decided. No taking the edge off. When you had a championship game, you didn’t exhaust your best player during practice.

  Eager to rejoin Sunny, William finished washing up. He anchored a towel around his waist. Am I trembling like an untried youth?

  Accompanied by a steamy haze, he exited the bathroom. Water droplets dripped from the ends of his hair, running down the ridges of his chest.

  He spotted Sunny right away and stopped, his heart punching his ribs. She hadn’t done any studying, that much was clear. She’d taken his original suggestion. She lay on the bed, clad in scarlet silk, her pink tresses spread over a mound of pillows, the golden medallion around her neck.

  As she glided her fingertips down her stomach, heading for her (non-granny) panties, she rolled her hips. Before she reached her destination, however, she snatched her hand back. “Freesia!”

  Sexy little piece. He wiped his mouth and roved his greedy gaze over her. Never seen a body so fine. Those lush breasts were cupped by sheer material that played peekaboo with her hard-as-pearl nipples. Shimmery brown skin covered in a glorious tableau of rose tattoos glittered brightly. Three diamonds surrounded her navel.

  There’s no part of her I will not claim.

  Slowly.

  He moved forward, stopping at the foot of the bed. With a thick voice, he asked, “Why don’t I finish that for you?”

  “Mmm. Yes,” she said In a gasp. “Finish me. I’m ready to try things with you. Wanton, wild things...”

  Wanton. Wild. Yes. In battle, his blood had reminded him of fuel. Now? His blood was like a dark, potent wine. His heart raced, a freight train without brakes.

  When she rolled her hands a second time and reached down, he snapped, “Keep your hand out of your panties, sundae. I don’t try to do your job, so you shouldn’t try to do mine.”

  “Agreed. But hurry! I’ve been waiting for you forever.” She cupped her breasts, temptation incarnate. “I feel so good, but I want to feel better.”

  Hurry? Not this time.

  He unleashed a stream of magic, and rose petals appeared on the bed, surrounding Sunny and perfuming the air.

  She squealed with delight, causing his hard-as-nails shaft to throb.

  As she watched, he dropped the towel and prowled closer. With a moan, she undulated her hips more forcefully. Glorious female.

  If he wasn’t careful, she would be his undoing.

  Fisting the base of his erection and stroking up, down, he told her, “If I do anything that frightens you, tell me and I’ll stop.” Don’t make me stop...

  “William.” A whispered plea. “Don’t know if I’m ready for sex yet, but we can do other things, yes?”

  “Oh, yes.” Agonized by tumultuous desire, he placed one knee at the edge of the mattress, then the other. He shackled her ankles with his hands and tugged her down, down the comforter. Rose petals stuck to her dampened skin.

  Straight out of an X-rated fairy tale, and she’s mine. Mine forever. He gnashed his teeth. Correction: mine for now.

  He planted her feet outside his thighs, keeping her legs spread. Her panties were soaked.

  Breaths ragged, he said, “I know you haven’t been the biggest fan of my kisses. Be a dear and endure for a bit, all right?”

  “Y-yes,” she promised. “I’ll be a dear.”

  Silencing a ragged moan, he leaned over her and gently pressed their lips together. He suspected he’d have to ease her into it, but she opened eagerly. He rolled his tongue into her mouth, her taste registering. Sweeter than ever before. A roar of satisfaction sounded in his head.

  So close to losing it. Must be careful. But inside, he burned. Any second, he expected to catch flame.

  Sinking her nails into his back to hold him in place, she kissed him back. There was hesitation. No passive acceptance. A wild fervor had overtaken her, as if her predator’s drive had disabled any lingering resistance.

  Before, she hadn’t known him so she hadn’t been unable to relax in his presence. Now? Relaxed? Her innate skill blew his mind.

  Uncaring about anything other than her pleasure, he reached between their bodies to sweep a finger along the outer edge of her panties. Another gasp from her. Stronger tremors. She nipped at him, sucked, clawed and writhed.

  “What are you doing to me?” she rasped. “What’s happening?”

  I could ask the same thing. He lifted his head, delighting as goose bumps spread over her limbs. Flashing a heated grin, he said, “Welcome to Pleasure 101, baby. Class is in session, and Professor Climax has a hands-on assignment prepared. Screamers earn extra credit.”

  “Too much talking. More kissing.” A slurred demand, her voice huskier than usual. All the while, she continued rolling her hips, seeking contact.

  If this was the result of earning a bit of her trust...

  I want her full trust. All of it.

  Back down he went, slanting his mouth over hers. He didn’t let himself think, only feel. He held nothing back, letting his tongue dominate hers with hard strokes. It was a hot kiss. Dirty. Filthy, and he loved every second. Her little gasps and moans told him she loved it, too.

  Then the
kiss went nuclear.

  They devoured each other, breathed for each other, but it wasn’t enough. Kissing and touching would never be enough. Not with Sunny. He wouldn’t be happy until he’d possessed her, body and soul.

  Gentleness beyond him, William shoved his hand beneath her panties and plunged a finger into her slick, wet heat, dragging a moan from her. From himself. Hotter than a forge.

  As he teased her clitoris with his thumb, her inner walls clenched around the digit he’d inserted, and she cried out, bowing her back to send him deeper.

  “Sex! I want sex,” she shouted. “Please.”

  No. Not this time. He wouldn’t take her until she begged for sex before he touched her. “You’ve grown to care about me, haven’t you, sundae? At least a little.” What are you doing? He didn’t want her to care about him, not yet. It would increase the likelihood of clinging and fits of jealousy—his clinging, his fits of jealousy. Yet, he couldn’t stop himself from saying, “Admit it.”

  “I’ll admit to nothing. Stop talking.” She thrashed beneath him, locks of hair dancing over the pillow. “You’re ruining my happy buzz.”

  “Am I, then?” He stopped moving, and her tight inner walls clenched around his finger again, as if to trap him inside. Sweat beaded on his brow and trickled down his temples. “If you want me to finger-fuck you properly, you’ll tell me the truth. Say it. Say, ‘I care about you, William.’” Why are you pushing this? Why, why?

  “I care about...” With her nails embedded in his shoulders, she undulated against him. “Climaxing. Give me an orgasm, or watch me give one to myself.”

  Grinding his teeth with irritation, but unable to remain immobile, he increased the tempo of his thrusts, moving his finger in and out of her once again, mimicking sex. Her hot, drenched sheath contracted, and he hissed in a ragged breath. On his next inward glide, he wedged a second finger inside her. She was tight. Too tight. Strangling.

  Perfect.

  He wouldn’t doubt if hundreds of years had passed since she’d last had sex.

  “William!” She’d lost her inhibitions. She clawed at his back, arched her hips and chased his fingers with every outward glide. “Whatever you’re doing, don’t stop. Please, don’t stop. Feels so good, baby.”