Poison's Kiss (Deadly Beauties 2)

Dice takes my hand, and I shiver against the currents flowing over his skin.

"Dice," I growl, pulling back and clutching my hand to my chest.

Kane is already out of reach or he might have made good on his threat.

"See. That was me testing my theory. You're an anomaly, Alyssa Coldwell, and it's driving me mad. How did you do that?"

"Do what?" I ask while keeping my hands tucked close to me, not giving him a chance to try any more of his mojo on me.

"You're not immune to projection, but you're immune to everything else it seems. You channeled my draw, and then you denied my desire's touch. That was a touch that should have sent your clothes to the floor without a second thought."

"You're getting on my nerves," I mumble, watching to see if anyone is watching Kane.

"You're getting under my skin. I want to study you. That's how crazy you're making me. I almost feel... impotent. That's a terrible feeling for an incubus."

I laugh instead of slapping him the way I want to. I'm glad I make him feel impotent. Smug bastard.

He stops walking, his devious grin spreading as he relishes the sexual energy in the room, or at least that's what I think he's doing until I follow his gaze and learn the true reason he's smiling that way.

My heart sinks to the floor as my lips part just barely, denying my jaw the right to fall unhinged. My whole body trembles as waves of disbelief and betrayal stride through me.

Gage is leaned over a girl with red hair, tilting her chin up before his lips grace hers. His lean, toned body is taunting hers, and she slides her hands up his sides in response, touching the man I thought to be mine.

Her hands move on up to tangle in that soft hair I've gripped for so many reasons. His lip ring folds between her lips as he draws her in for a deeper kiss. If ever I wanted to kill an innocent mortal, this is that time.

"I thought the two of you were together," Dice says, enjoying this moment for some sadistic reason.

"So did I."

The heartbreak and humiliation in my tone can't be ignored. I came to find a dirty witch, and instead I found a cheating warlock.

He's smiling as he leans over to whisper something in her ear, and she laughs at whatever sweet or dirty thing he has just said. I've been on the receiving end of those whispers, and I know how good he is. He sure as hell fooled me.

He takes her hand in his, smiling as he starts leading her away. That grin he bears falls quickly when his eyes find mine, fury steaming my shades of colors within.

I can't hear the words over the music, but I can see them, read them as they spill over his lips. "Oh fuck."

Chapter 17

Breaking Point

I don't give him time to chase after me without vaporizing as I shove people aside on my way out the door. I don't care if I have to bleed myself dry, I'll recast every spell to keep him out.

Just as I taste the fresh air of the impure night, I hear him calling for me, his shouts pleading in tone.

"Alyssa! Stop! Please stop! I can ex-"

"Don't you dare say you can explain!" I scream while whipping around, ready to fight - enraged at this point.

His eyes are panicked as he runs his hand through his hair. I turn back, returning to my retreat, but he materializes in front of me, risking exposure as he grips my arms.

"Please listen. I was-"

"Don't! Don't tell me you were just talking, because I saw a hell of a lot more. I realize why you were so opposed to defining our relationship now. It's because there isn't one. I'm just the dumb girl who thought you wanted more than sex. You've definitely proven me the naive fool you once blatantly accused me of being. You win. You were right."

I shove him to the side as I continue on my stalk, but he materializes in front of me again, restraining me.

"Let me go, or I'll fucking make you wish you never fucked me over," I hiss, venom seeping from every orifice of my body.