He grinned and held up his hands. "My mistake."
Shaking my head, I stepped back and grabbed Genesis's hand. It killed me, absolutely killed me to bow my head to Ca
ssius, to give him the respect he was due, when all I wanted to do was end his life. But I managed it, a slight bow.
He returned the sentiment.
And in a flash I was outside with Genesis.
When the demon threw me my keys, I almost threw them back at his head, needing some sort of violent act to soothe me.
"Sorry." Genesis voice was weak, afraid. "I hope I didn't make things worse, I was just—"
"You," I turned and cupped her face, "did beautifully."
I kissed her again.
Because I could.
Because she calmed me.
Because I knew I couldn't claim her again in public, and I knew that once we got to the house, I'd have to leave her, lest I lose complete and utter control of myself.
When her arms snaked around my neck, I let out a pitiful growl and took a taste… just a few drops… directly from her tongue.
She gasped into my mouth, driving me into a frenzy to have her body closer.
Without thinking of her being as fragile as she was, I pushed her against the waiting car.
She let out a little grunt.
"Shit." I stepped back and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm sorry. I forget how fragile you are."
"Do I look broken?" Her eyes were shadowed, hazy, lustful. Damn, it was a beautiful look on her.
"No." I smirked. "You don't."
She reached for me.
I stepped back again, my breath coming out in gasps. "We should go."
The look on her face nearly brought me to my knees. I couldn't keep it up, kissing her and pushing her away, wanting her yet lying to myself about it.
"Okay." Again I was struck by how small her voice sounded.
I opened the door and ushered her in…
Then contemplated lying down in front of the car and asking the demon to hit the accelerator.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Genesis
HE KISSED ME LIKE A MAN dying of thirst — and maybe he was, maybe it was my blood. Was it wrong to hope it was my smile? Maybe even my dress?
I played with the beautiful silk fabric, waiting for Ethan to acknowledge the kissing — or at least part of what Cassius had alluded to.
When the silence stretched the entire ride home, disappointment stabbed me in the chest.