Page 24 of Secrets of Ruin

“You must be sore.”

“It’s a good sore.”

“I was too rough.”

“And it was fantastic.”

He searched her face for some sign she was lying to protect him, but a sweet smile curved her mouth, and her eyes shone with love. He could have destroyed that love, but somehow, he’d maintained enough control to ensure he didn’t.

“I love you,” she murmured.

Brokk closed his eyes as anguish and joy radiated through him. She was everything he ever could have dreamed of in this life and more. Together, they could have an amazing life with children, a home, and so much laughter and love… if they ever got free of this place.

And that was proving to be impossible as their time swiftly ran out. The emperor was growing bored with them; soon, he would destroy them.

He was sure he’d disappointed the man by keeping Kaylia alive. She would be the one to pay for that.

He kissed the tip of her nose and then her forehead. “I love you too.”

She’d sated the sharpest edges of his hunger, but it remained. While the dark fae part of him still hungered, it was also content in a way it hadn’t been before.

He shouldn’t feel that way, considering they were still locked in these cells and surrounded by monsters, but he had her in his arms again, and she loved him. It couldn’t get any better than this.

That was more than he’d ever dared to hope for after learning about her ex and their engagement. Then, he wasn’t sure she could ever love another, but he’d been blessed that she could… and it was him.

“Get her out of there.”

A cold bolt of terror lanced down Brokk’s spine, and he lifted his head at the emperor’s command; the man had sounded disgusted. His arms constricted around Kaylia as he turned his head to watch the ophidians slithering closer; they’d already donned their metal gloves and held their poles at the ready.

Kaylia shuddered against him, and her fingers dug into his chest as she rested her head against him. He rubbed his hand along her spine to ease her sorrow.

He’d just gotten her back; he wouldn’t let them take her again. He didn’t know how he’d stop it, but he would.

His eyes found the emperor’s, and the man’s lips curled as he gave Brokk a scathing look. They’d expected him to kill her when they set her free in here, and he’d disappointed them… again.

They’d also planned on having him one day cave and fuck a nymph, and he’d managed to stop himself. The ophidians enjoyed watching the nymphs die, but it wasn’t the show they wanted, and neither was this one.

Now they would make him suffer because of it, and the best way to do that was with Kaylia.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

“I’m not going to let them take you,” Brokk vowed.

She turned her face into his throat and kissed him. “We don’t have a choice. I regret nothing that’s passed between us. Not. One. Thing. You showed me how to love and live again, and I’m so grateful.”

With those words, he understood she knew this would be the end for her. If they took her from this cell, he would never see her again.

He clasped the back of her head and held her close. They’d have to kill him to get to her; he’d far prefer death to life without her.

Brokk kissed her cheek before reluctantly unraveling himself from her. If he had his way, he’d never let her go again, but he couldn’t lie on the ground when they came for her.

Rising, he felt the difference in his body as his bones didn’t crack, and he didn’t sway as he braced his feet apart to stand protectively in front of her. She’d flooded him with strength, and he would use it against these bastards.

Behind him, Kaylia shifted as she rose. He glanced back at where she stood proudly with her shoulders back.

He searched her for any sign of weakness, but while he’d taken too much and she was a little paler, she’d handled what he’d done to her well. A weakness might soon reveal itself in her movements and speed. However, he’d probably helped replenish and strengthen her, too.

When the key turned in the lock and the cell door opened, Brokk remained firmly in front of Kaylia. “You’re not taking her.”