The Darkest Torment (Lords of the Underworld 12)

“Deal. But if you come for him early, ambushing me, I’ll turn my sights to the girl.”

“And I’ll ensure you remain an armless, legless husk.”

She snorted. “I like the thought of you in a cage of my own making. Perhaps I’ll spend the entire night creating traps for you.”

He smiled at her, pure challenge. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

“Until tomorrow then.” She vanished with Aleksander, who was still smirking. Fool. He thought because Pandora was a woman she would be easier to escape and less of a danger. Baden knew her well. She hurt her victims in ways that would haunt them for the rest of their days. The nymph had known it, and soon Aleksander would, too.

Return to Katarina. Stake a claim.

His smile turned to pure seduction as he flashed home.

19

“The bow chicka wow wow is a powerful thing. Use it or lose it.”

—Danika, the All-seeing Eye

KATARINA WALKED THROUGH her bedroom while running through her mental checklist. Overhead light and all lamps disabled. Check. Candles scented with vanilla and lavender placed throughout and lit. Check. The massage table set up and draped with a heated blanket. Check. Her body cleaned with vanilla soap and covered only by a cashmere robe. Check and mate.

The dogs slept peacefully in the bathroom. The masseuse was on standby, awaiting her call. All she lacked was Baden. Where was he?

She sat in the chair by the crackling hearth, lounging to appear sexy. But an hour later, she was on her feet, pacing, being sure to sway her hips. Just in case. If Baden stayed out all night, she’d...she’d...argh! She’d go to bed frustrated. And as payback, she would ensure he went to bed frustrated for a week. Whimper. Negative reinforcement would hurt them both.

Sighing, she strode to the window and stared out. One minute ticked into another, dark thoughts drifting through her mind, ruining her sensual mood. Here she was, determined to seduce Baden, while her brother...what? He was out there somewhere, probably high as a kite. Or maybe he’d overdosed and would never have a chance to get clean.

Why do I even care?

She sighed, the answer already clear. Dominik was the only family she had left and family—for good or for ill—was bonded. Always and forever.

“Katarina.”

Baden’s growly voice jolted her, a cascade of shivers warming her. Trembling, she turned to face the object of her fascination—the only person capable of distracting her from her troubles simply by saying her name.

As usual, the beautiful man stole her breath. He’d showered. His hair was damp, the strands a darker red, almost brown. He wore a black shirt and camo pants that were tucked into combat boots. His gloves were firmly in place.

“You were sad. Why?”

“I worried about my brother.”

“You will stop...please. He caused you pain. He shouldn’t have the privilege of being part of your life.”

Well. Baden was learning to request rather than demand. In his own way, yes, but progress was progress. And oh, the way he complimented her...she would never tire of it.

As he looked her over, taking in her scantily clad body, his chiseled features drew taut with tension. A tension so fierce it thickened the air around him, sizzling with electric energy.

“I like the robe,” he said. “Now take it off.”

Oh. Wow. Okay. If she’d been wearing panties, they would have become soaked in an instant. Apparently there were times she liked his commands. Still she replied, “Ask nicely.” Consistency was a key to successful training.

“Will you please take it off?”

She smiled at him, proud of him. “I will, yes. For my massage.”

Baden wanted her, clearly intended to have her, but he planned for it to happen without skin-to-skin contact. Absolutely unacceptable. Reach for the stars first, and if you must, settle for the flowers second.

“Massage?” he asked, intrigued.

“A desperately needed massage. I’m sore from recent...vigorous pursuits.” Her trembling only increased as she picked up the phone. The intercom system allowed her to connect to any room in the house but nowhere outside. Struck her as odd, but she wasn’t going to sweat it. She stamped the proper code for the servants’ quarters and when greeted, asked to speak with Fox’s masseuse.

When he came onto the line, she said, “I’m ready.”

Baden crossed his arms over his chest. Arms she hoped to have wrapped around her very soon. “A massage. From a woman.”

She laughed as if enchanted. “Don’t be ridiculous.” With a tilt of her chin, she motioned to the chair she’d pushed to the side of the portable table, a location that would grant him an unobstructed view of the proceedings. “Sit.”