Chapter 14

Chapter

Fourteen

"The human body is the best work of art."

― Jess C. Scott

Caia

"Let's not start something we won't finish, Caia."

His voice was rough, like dark liquor poured over ice, each word crackling and melting me slowly. I couldn't ignore how my body betrayed me under his smoldering gaze. Beneath my dress, my nipples hardened, and a throbbing heat pooled between my legs. Every inch of me was tuned to the electric pull he had on me, a visceral reaction I couldn't freaking ignore.

I couldn't decide if it was his eyes, an endless blue like a vast ocean pulling me under, or his neck—something I'd never really fantasized about before. His neck was a work of art: strong and thick, veins pulsing beneath the skin, and a beauty mark nestled just before his shoulder.

The little devil on my shoulder was practically stripping naked, fanning herself, and begging me to cross the table and fall into his arms.

I exhaled softly. "Who says we won't finish it?"

A small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, and the room fell silent except for the sound of Nina Simone's "I Put a Spell on You" drifting through the air. In that moment, I felt completely captivated, as if under his spell.

Needing some distance, I grabbed my plate and headed for the sink, fully aware of his eyes tracing every movement, lingering on my legs. My heart raced, my hands trembling.

Come on, Caia. You can do this just…seduce him!

A warm shiver ran through me as he closed the gap, setting his plate beside mine. He moved in close, his hands caging me against the sink, gripping it like he owned the damn place—which, considering it was his condo… he totally did.

Inside, my thoughts were a jumbled mess. His body pressed so close to mine, the heat radiating off him—it was almost unbearable. The little devil on my shoulder was practically waving a neon sign, urging me to just give in.

"I'm giving you two choices, Caia."

I froze, caught between the frantic hammering of my heart and his overwhelming closeness. His breath on my ear sent a wicked heat through me, turning my resolve into jelly and making my legs feel like they might buckle at any second.

Oh why, Lucifer, do you have this effect on me?

"Either you let me fuck you tonight," he whispered, nibbling on my ear as I bit my lip to stifle any sound, "or I take you home, and we pretend this conversation never happened."

A soft breath left my lips.

Either get fucked by Lucifer, which I'm pretty sure would be the best sex of my life, or head back to my cold, empty apartment.

I was caught in a storm of conflicting desires, battling my doubts about myself and what I truly wanted. The cravings I felt for him were intense and overwhelming, yet they terrified me—was I betraying myself, or was this simply what my father wanted? It felt deeply dangerous and sinful, and the war within me only fueled my confusion.

My body was betraying me, aching for a raw, new experience I'd never faced before.

Maybe he's the one who'll show me what real good sex is all about...

Gosh, it felt like standing on the edge of a dark abyss, where the thrill and terror of the unknown were pulling me in with equal force.

"I need an answer."

I took a tentative step back, then leaned into him, pressing my body against his.

He sucked in a sharp breath before his hands slid onto my hips, gripping them tight, his fingers digging into my skin. He lowered his face to the curve of my neck, inhaling deeply as if he was trying to imprint my scent on his memory. He mumbled something low and unintelligible.

"Use your words, Caia," he whispered against my neck.

I shook my head, turning to face him and pressing my hands flat against his chest, feeling the solid muscle beneath the fabric as my nails lightly dug in. The contrast between his hard strength and the warmth radiating from him was almost intoxicating.

How could he be so damned thick and yet so soft?

Rubbing his chest, I lifted my head to meet his eyes.

"I can't—" My voice trailed off, and I shook my head again. "I can't do this, Alexsei. "

My little devil crossed her arms and sulked, turning her back on me, not even bothering to help. I couldn't bring myself to sleep with him. I couldn't continue down this path. Once had been enough. My innocence was already stolen by my father, leaving a wound too deep to reopen. Despite the cold facade I wore, my heart couldn't justify using my body just to survive anymore.

I wanted him. Gosh, I wanted him more than I could admit. But my father…

I could already feel the weight of his wrath looming over me, like a noose tightening around my neck. He'd destroy me if I didn't obey. But right now, the idea of giving myself to Alexsei, letting him have me like I was nothing more than a prize, made my chest tighten in pure panic. I wasn't just saying no—I was defying them both. And even if it meant I'd pay for it later, I couldn't give in. Not here, not now.

For a moment, his brows furrowed, then he leaned his head back into the crook of my neck, his fingers gripping my hips firmly. His fingers gripped my hips firmly, and his warm breath teased my skin before he gave it a quick lick. Goosebumps erupted all over me as he blew cool air over the damp spot.

"But you want this, Caia," he murmured. "I can feel it," he added, his hand lightly squeezing my ass.

I was so hot, I felt like I could pass out at any second.

"I can fucking smell it," he inhaled deeply, nestled against my neck.

I let out a little moan as he kissed the sensitive skin behind my ear.

"And I can see it," he said, his gaze dropping to my chest where my nipples strained against the fabric of my dress.

I had worn this dress to feel confident—red usually did it for me. But now, all I could think about was taking it off.

"So, give in, baby," Alexsei whispered, pressing his forehead against mine.

Nyet, I had to protect what little remained of my heart and soul... but perhaps—just perhaps—a taste of Romaniev could be the key to reclaiming some control over my desires.

Maybe I deserved that, just once, something selfish, something for me .

My thoughts slipped as Alexsei pressed me harder against the sink, his erection undeniable against me. Heat spread through my body, making it impossible to ignore the tension. His lips traced slow, deliberate kisses along my throat, each touch sending my pulse hammering in my veins. When he reached my jawline, he kissed it softly, then nibbled at my ear—sharp enough to make me gasp and leave a mark.

I needed to push him away, but my body wouldn't listen.

His hands gripped the sink on either side of me, trapping me. His lips, red and glistening from our heat, hovered just inches from mine. I could smell the whiskey on his breath, and it made something primal stir in me.

"Caia, I?—"

I couldn't take it anymore.

Before he could say a word, I grabbed his face and crashed my lips into his. A rough sigh escaped me as our mouths collided, my teeth snagging his lower lip for a second before I yanked myself back, breathless and rattled.

He slowly licked his lips, eyes darkening like a storm rolling in. The hunger was all over his face, and he took a step forward.

But I wasn't sticking around for whatever that look promised.

I darted to the side, bolting toward the door like my life depended on it.

In the middle of my desperate scramble to zip up my boots, I glanced back.

He stood at the sink, gripping it like he was seconds from tearing the whole thing out of the wall, his head dropped back.

Then he moved. Each step was slow, measured, like a predator closing in. His eyes locked on me, dark and full of that raw hunger—the kind that promises raw, rough and mind-blowing sex and leaves nothing but destruction behind.

I snatched my coat, practically ripped the door off its hinges, and bolted for the elevator.

Relief washed over me the second I spotted the lift, doors wide open like it'd been waiting just for me. I slammed the ‘0' button repeatedly, silently chanting, Close, close, close!

The doors finally began to close at a snail's pace, and I let out the breath I'd been holding for what felt like an eternity, slumping back against the wall.

What have you done, Caia? Are you stupid?!

I ran my fingers over my lips, still feeling their dampness and a hint of puffiness, then licked them to savor the flavor. Minty, with just the right hint of sweetness. Turns out, Lucifer tasted pretty good—just as I expected.

I stayed sitting on the floor, closing my eyes for a second, trying to catch my breath. Just as the doors were about to shut, they froze mid-closure. A strong hand blocked them, stopping me from getting the break I so desperately needed.

I looked up, my body frozen.

Lucifer stepped inside. His cheeks were flushed, his jaw clenched so tight I thought it might crack. That thick vein in his neck throbbed hard, his breathing wild, like he was barely holding it together. He looked like he was either about to explode—or completely unravel.

"Get up. "

My heart stuttered, and for a split second, I wanted to defy him, but his eyes nailed me in place. That dark, seething look told me no wasn't even an option. My legs wobbled as I pushed myself to stand, my back hitting the wall like it was the only thing keeping me upright.

"You shouldn't have given me a taste, Caia," he rasped, slamming the red button, freezing the elevator and forcing it back down to his floor.

"Romaniev, you better?—"

His hand crushed over my mouth before I could finish, fingers digging into my skin, while his other hand tightened around my throat.

"Don't you dare say another fucking word," he growled, voice rough and low, his breath hot in my ear, his body practically crushing me against the wall.

The doors opened, and he released me, but only for a moment. Without warning, he grabbed my legs and hoisted me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing. My head spun, the floor tilting as I hung helplessly.

"Let me go!"

A sharp slap on my ass silenced me. "Shut up."

He slammed the door behind him like he wanted the whole building to know I was screwed—literally and figuratively. Before I could even open my mouth, I was tossed onto the couch like a ragdoll. There he was, towering over me with that intense look that screamed, you're not going anywhere.

"So, you're really a tease, huh?" he hummed, letting go of my wrists just long enough to yank off his belt, the metal buckle clinking ominously in the quiet room.

"What are you doing?" My voice barely escaped as I tried to crawl away.

He snatched my leg back with zero effort. Without a word, my wrists were back in his grip, and that belt? Yeah, it was now tied around my hands like some kinky knot, digging into my skin.

"You bastard! You better?—"

He grabbed my chin, forcing my face so close I could practically taste the danger in his breath. "Say one more word, and I'll fuck you so hard you won't just forget what you were going to say—you'll forget your own damn name."

Well then. I guess silence seemed like the best strategy.

He leaned back, his hands claiming my legs, spreading them apart without hesitation, hiking my dress up to my waist. His eyes darkened as they roamed over me—the tights, garters, lace.

I wriggled, but his grip was iron.

"Damn it, Caia," he muttered, lifting one of my legs onto his shoulder, his lips hot and insistent as they traveled from my calf up to the sensitive curve of my inner thigh. "You're making this way too fucking hard for me."

His grip on my leg was firm, like he was marking his territory.

He dropped it abruptly and closed the distance between us, pressing his forehead against mine. The raw, burning intensity in his eyes was almost too much to handle. A heavy silence settled around us, thick and suffocating, as we locked eyes.

"I don't know what the hell to do with you," he confessed, his voice rough and tinged with frustration. He closed his eyes, the heat of his breath brushing against my lips, almost unbearable.

My instincts took over, and I leaned in, my tongue slowly tracing a path over his upper lip before daring to dip to his lower lip. My heart pounded as I tried to gauge his reaction.

His eyes shot open, half-lidded, a lazy glare in them as he slowly licked his lips.

"Again," he growled, grabbing my neck and pulling me closer.

I leaned in again, running my tongue over his lips, just about to pull back when he flicked his tongue against mine, trapping it between his lips and sucking on it with a hunger that made me gasp.

"Kiss me," I moaned, my voice breaking as I tilted my head to give him better access.

"I thought kissing me was a mistake."

"It is, but?—"

"But what?"

"I still want you to," I whispered, closing my eyes as his lips found my neck, sucking hard.

"You want me to kiss you?"

"Yes," I breathed out, desperation thick in my voice.

He chuckled darkly. "You're not being very polite, Caia." He kissed his way down to my chest. "Do you want it here?" he asked, hands grabbing my breasts firmly. "Or here?" he added, cupping me between my legs, making me moan. "Use your words, Caia."

Gosh, I wanted him everywhere.

I was burning up with frustration, irritated with myself, him, and the entire universe for putting me in this situation. "I want your lips on mine—now!"

"Easy there, calm down, woman," he laughed darkly, leaning in closer. "All you had to do was ask."

Annoyance bubbled up inside me. As his lips descended toward mine, I turned my head away at the last moment. "I've changed my mind. Let me go."

He chuckled, a dark amusement in his eyes, and then, without warning, pinched my nipple hard enough to make me yelp. He seized the opportunity, smashing his lips against mine and thrusting his tongue into my mouth.

I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened around my throat. He deepened the kiss, his tongue invading every corner of my mouth, until I finally gave in, our tongues dancing in a frantic, desperate rhythm.

This wasn't a sweet kiss; it was two starving souls clawing for survival, as if the kiss was the only thing keeping us from collapsing.

"Stick out your tongue."

I shook my head, refusing to comply, but he wasn't having any of it.

With a cruel grin, he pinched my nipple hard again, making me gasp. The sting was sharp, and I had no choice but to relent. Slowly, I stuck out my tongue.

With a rough hold on my neck, he dragged my tongue into his mouth. He sucked and licked it slowly, making me roll my eyes back. Wow. The sensation of his tongue against mine was so intense it nearly made me see stars.

I wished I could stay like this forever, with him on top of me, his lips and tongue dominating every inch of my mouth.

He gave me a quick peck on the lips. "I wanna fuck you so fucking bad, Caia."

His voice was rough, and it froze me in place.

I'm gonna fuck you so fucking hard.

Your papa is the best for–

My heart raced like crazy. The memories I'd tried to bury came flooding back, and I gasped, trying not to cry. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperate to keep the tears in.

No, not here.

Not now.

Not him.

Not like this. Please.

A shivering breath escaped me as Alexsei's hand brushed my cheek. "Hey," he said softly, kissing my lips again. "What's the matter?"

His hands gently removed my wrists from his belt, the clatter of it hitting the floor loud in the quiet room. He took my wrists and kissed them lightly.

"I need to go. I?—"

"Tell me what's wrong, Caia."

I shook my head and stood up, fixing my dress. "I need to go home now! I've gotta check on my babushka."

He looked puzzled but didn't push it. "Alright," he said. "Let's get you home."