I am his.
Slowly, he removes his hand from my throat. His fingers work their way into my hair while his other hand flashes out and grips my waist.
He rests his forehead against mine.
“Rainer, what are—”
“I warned you, Alessia.” His tone is deep and low. Dangerous. His breath fans across my lips and I melt with desire. “I am not good. I am not pure.”
His hands tremble against my skin, as if he’s fighting himself. And there’s something so utterly raw about the way he seems to need me, but refuses to admit it.
“I don’t need protecting from you,” I whisper reassuringly. “Stop fighting it.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking for.” He squeezes his eyes shut and curses under his breath. “I am not your hero. I’m a monster.”
“Be my monster, Rainer.”
My whispered words appear to snap him out of whatever fog he’s in. He blinks a few times, his eyes returning to their normal pale color.
Then he slams his lips against mine, kissing me so passionately that my sanity dissipates, lost to the heat of his touch.
A moan rises in my throat, and I grip his shirt collar, pulling him flush to me. We topple backwards onto the bed, and he plants a hand on the mattress next to my head to hold himself up.
Rainer pushes himself to a stand, pacing in front of me as he runs his fingers through his hair.
“I—I’m… sorry,” Rainer whispers, his eyes bouncing between mine.
My brows quirk and I sit up, perching at the edge of the bed.
He just apologized.
I study him with open confusion.
“I tried to stay away, and bloody hell, I hate you so much for making me want you so desperately.” His eyes deepen beyond blue again—lingering in black territory.
My brow wrinkles with concern.
“What are you talking about?” I whisper, wrapping my arms around me. “You kissed Fern! To, what, push me away? I have feelings for you, Rainer, but I will not be toyed with. I know you fae enjoy games, but I do not. Not when it comes to—”
“I’m not toying with you. Not intentionally. I—” He groans, running his hands over his face.
“What are you doing here?” I’m proud of myself for how steady my voice comes out. “How dare you come in here all aggressive, kicking Eoin out and trying to claim me.”
At the sound of Eoin’s name, Rainer freezes. His jaw tenses and he levels a serious stare at me.
“Please. Please, Alessia. Don’t tell me you slept with him.”
His voice is so desperate that it sends a pang through my chest.
I hug my midsection tighter. “Who I sleep with is none of your business.”
“I’ll gut him.”
My mouth drops open. “Stop threatening to kill him! You can’t just kill someone for pissing you off—especially not another prince!”
“I can and I will.”
“Oh my gods, Rainer, do you hear yourself right now?” His words should terrify me, but they only cause my heart to beat faster. I can’t deny the thrill that courses through me, and I barely recognize myself right now. I’m almost ashamed.