A DANGEROUS AGREEMENT VALERIA My brain finally connected with reality , and it told me I was lying on my side on a bed .
Not chained .
Not imprisoned .
Not bound .
And definitely very much alive .
I felt an incredible vitality surging inside me , healing , repairing my wounds .
Confused , I opened my eyes halfway , staring at an old wooden wall I know this wallpaper its from the inn where we were staying , in that … pack where I was kidnapped and taken to those vampires who sold me as a slave , and then … then the Lycan King rescued me ! Up to that point , everything had been terrifying , but manageable .
However , the memories of all the sexual things I did with King Aldric afterward … were impossible to bear ! Phrases like … I need you to touch me more , Aldric … and … I want to taste you like you did with mine … short- circuited my mind .
Uuuuhhhh ! I grabbed the pillow and screamed into it , burying my face full of shame .
Did the King leave me here at the inn ? Most likely .
And honestly , for the best because I dont think I could ever face him again after what I did .
Are you done suffocating yourself with the pillow ? His deep voice echoed behind me , and I froze .
This mans habit of silently lurking is going to give me a heart attack one day .
Valeria , turn around and face me , he ordered .
I considered playing dead .
Dead from being a shameless slut .
What a fitting end for my disaster of a life .
In the end , I had to turn slowly , keeping my gaze down , cheeks burning there was no way to pretend I didnt .
remember .
Especially when my eyes landed directly on his crotch .
He was sitting in a chair beside the bed , legs spread , wearing dark trousers .
By the Goddess , I clearly remembered how that monstrous thing pulsed in my mouth , how hot and delicious it was Dont do that , Valeria .
Your scent is too tempting … He leaned forward , and I lifted my eyes only to find his narrowed gray ones just inches from my face .
That masculine , sexy face so perfect had been buried between my legs , giving me pleasure Id only dreamed of in the past Dorian had never loved me that passionately .
I swallowed hard and jerked back , pressing myself against the wall , clutching the pillow protectively .
A DANGEROUS AGREEMENT As if I wasnt the one who had practically molested the King Hes the one who needs protection from me .
Thank you , Your Majesty , for searching for me and rescuing me , I said , forcing my thoughts into order , speaking as steadily as I could .
I … I apologize .
Im deeply ashamed .
I understand if you wish for me to leave the castle and never return NO .
His voice was sharp , cutting Look at me , Valeria .
Look at me .
Dont make me repeat myself .
His command made me meet his gaze , gripping the pillow tighter in my fists .
Youre not going anywhere .
You belong right here , with me .
What happened … it wasnt your fault .
It was a forbidden sexual spell , used on slaves to keep them aroused for their masters .
His words shocked me .
That woman … Adeles sister … She put something inside me a weird black creature , I remembered , shivering That wretched woman had done something cruel to me .
Shes dead now .
But she left a bewitched Aurum butterfly inside your body .
A female one .
Its still there .
Still ? But ….
in the forest… after what we did … didnt it cure me ? I feel fine now , I whispered , panicked .
It didnt cure you , Valeria .
It was only satisfied for now .
Until we find the male counterpart , it wont leave your body .
Aldric explained it so calmly , sitting there with his powerful arms crossed over his chest , while I … I was on the verge of hyperventilating .
This meant I was cursed to turn into a desperate , needy woman every time that damned whore butterfly craved sex Valeria , calm down .
Breathe .
Youre sweating .
Slow down Come on , slower … He moved onto the bed , the wood creaking under his weight as he patted my back gently .
S Sir … Where can I find the cure ? I … I cant live like this forever ! What do I do when I have another … crisis ? Ive already sent a spy into the underworld to find the sorcerer holding the male counterpart , he replied .
And as for dealing with the next crisis … His voice dropped lower , turning husky.
I think we both know how we can handle that .
His tone was suggestive .
We were too close .
Sitting together on the narrow bed , my back pressed against the wall , his broad frame trapping me in .
His hand slid to my bent legs , tracing slow , lazy circles along my skin .
He didnt say anything else just waited for me .
I finally lifted my gaze , examining his steel sharp eyes , searching for deception .
20 A DANGEROUS AGREEMENT But there was none .
Only raw , unmasked desire burning there .
Everything I experienced last night replayed in my mind the way my body had truly felt alive , desired , wanted .
Never , not once , had this man looked at my scars with disgust .
Why was it that when I was beautiful , the wolf I gave everything to had rejected me for another woman , but now , when I was broken and scarred … someone could actually want me ? I dont like sharing a bed with other women , I blurted out bluntly .
My mind was spinning .
I wont , he answered without hesitation .
While this agreement lasts , I wont touch other women .
And neither will you touch other men .
Why was he doing this for a broken , ugly maid ? This time , I didnt avoid his gaze .
I searched for a trap , a lie .
But there was nothing .
He held my stare , raw , unguarded showing me exactly what he wanted .
What did I have to lose by trying ? To finally feel what it was like to be wanted to have a passionate man claim my body , make me feel desired .
Would people think I was just another one of King Aldrics temporary toys ? I didnt care anymore .
When I had lived my life pretending to be perfect , it had brought me nothing but pain .
It would be just for a while .
Then we would go back to normal two adults , temporary lovers … No consequences .
Nothing to lose .
Fine .
I accept your terms , Your Majesty .
Ill … bother you whenever I … need your help .
You can bother me as often as you want .
Anytime .
Anywhere .
Ill never say no , he replied in that husky , dangerous whisper , his eyes trailing toward my lips .
A wild flutter spread through my chest , my belly tightening with heat .
It had to be the spells fault .
I thought I was just gambling on a few moments of reckless passion .
But what I had truly wagered … was my heart .