She wasn’t just deep under his skin. She was in his blood, bones, cells—everywhere. Filled and soothed every fracture and void inside him.

He plucked at her nipple ring, loving the way it made her inner walls quake around his cock. He would have leaned over and sucked that ring into his mouth if he wasn’t so busy watching his cock—shiny with her cream—slamming into her over and over. The sight made his balls tighten. He kept driving hard and fast, unable to get enough. It had always been that way with Harper. She was a thirst he couldn’t quite quench. A hunger he’d never fully sate. A drug he’d forever crave.

Harper blinked as he suddenly yanked her to feet, roughly spun her, and then bent her over the desk. “What the—” Her mouth fell open as he forcefully shoved every long thick inch of his cock deep in her pussy, hitting a spot that made her groan. Keeping her pinned with a hand on her nape, he hammered into her again. Merciless. Frantic. Winding her tighter and tighter.

She would never admit aloud that she liked it when he held her down, giving her no choice but to take what he gave her. Never admit she liked the dominant way he often—

He landed a sharp slap on her ass, and Harper’s head snapped up. “Ow! That was hard!” Ignoring her, he did it again. And again. Each slap was harder than the one before. She scowled at him over her shoulder. “Stop slapping my ass!”

His eyes bled to black as his demon rose. “You don’t want to be spanked, little sphinx?” it asked.

Not at all liking the dark note in its tone, she hedged, “Um, well … ” A prickly heat suddenly blazed from the palm pressed on her ass—a burn that quickly became pleasure. Her eyes widened as realization hit her. “Oh God, no.” The fucker was branding her ass.

The demon upped its pace, pounding into her like it wanted her sore. The sadistic shit probably did. “One day, I’m going to leave a brand inside you,” it told her. “Yes, little sphinx, I’m going to shove my fingers deep and brand you right there.”

Harper’s hands curled, nails scraping the desk. Pleasure, pain—both had blended until she didn’t know the difference. Her release was so damn close she could almost taste it, and she was sure that it would strike hard and hit her like a freight train.

Just as the prickly burn on her ass began to fade, the pounding thrusts eased a little, and she knew Knox had resurfaced. “Knox, I—” He landed a harsh slap on her throbbing, newly branded flesh. Like that, a powerful shockwave of pleasure/pain jolted through her, and that was it—she was gone.

Her mouth opened in a silent scream as a powerful orgasm forcefully ripped through her, imploding her, making her pussy contract and milk the cock still slamming into her. Teeth sank into the back of her shoulder as Knox stiffened above her, and then she felt every hot splash of his come.

Slumping on the desk, Harper panted. Thoughts hazy, she started to drift up until a hot tongue lapped at the bite on her shoulder. She almost shivered when he then straightened, baring her back to the cool air. As fingers lightly probed the new brand on her ass, she squeezed her eyes shut. “I can’t decide if I want to know what it looks like.”

He hesitated. “It’s a very pretty intricate swirl of thorns.”

Was that amusement she heard in his voice? Harper stiffened. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“I’m not sure you’ll want to know.”

Yep, that was definitely amusement. She lifted her head. “Seriously, what’s funny? What did your damn demon do this time?”

“There. I’ve snapped a photo of it.”

“What?” She tried to stand, but his body covered hers once more. “Don’t take photos of my ass, you—oh, my God.” She could only gape at the screen of his cell phone as he slid it in front of her face. The brand was, as he’d said, an intricate swirl of thorns … in the shape of a “K”. “Your demon’s territorialism knows no boundaries.”

“Hmm.” Still fluttering his fingers over the brand, he pressed a kiss to her neck, his mouth curved.

She twisted her head to meet his eyes, and found that they were glittering with male satisfaction. “You like it,” she accused.

He shrugged one shoulder. “You have the initial of my first name on your ass. What’s not to like?”

Harper shook her head, gaping. “You’re unbelievable. Really.” And so was her inner demon, since the weirdo also liked it.

He pressed another kiss to her neck. “I should have guessed my demon would brand you again. Drew’s presence is playing on its possessiveness.”

“And on yours.”

“And on mine.”

Feeling his cock thickening inside her once more, Harper’s brows rose. “You really, really like the brand, don’t you?”

He scraped his teeth over the crook of her neck. “I want you again. But this time, you’ll ride me while I sit in my chair.”

The entire time she did, his hand cupped the brand on her ass. Hell, yeah, he liked the brand.

CHAPTER TEN

The following day, Knox had Armand teleport him, Levi, and Larkin to Dion Boughton’s private tropical island. As they waited for the bridge to descend over the moat that bordered Dion’s large stately home, Knox studied the building. It looked out of place amongst exotic plants and coconut trees. Instead, it looked like it belonged in a period drama.

“What’s the point in living on a tropical island if you’re not near the beach?” asked Armand. “Why build it smack bam in the middle of the island?”

“Isolation,” said Knox, watching as a blond, tanned, broad-shouldered male crossed the bridge. Nightmare, Knox immediately sensed. Such breeds were rarely powerful, but this one was strong. He was also brave, because he met Knox’s stare without flinching.

“Mr. Thorne,” he greeted simply before giving the others a brief nod. “Please follow me.”

Levi walked in front while Larkin covered the rear as the four of them followed the Nightmare across the bridge, through a pretty courtyard, and into the building. It was extravagant and ostentatious with its marble floors, rich dark woods, and chandeliers. It also burst with antiques, expensive vases, unusual ornaments, and vintage items. Many of the servants were rare breeds of demon—more collector’s items, really.

Knox’s demon liked shiny things, but it wasn’t impressed by the place. Found it far too pompous and flashy. Perhaps it was Dion’s way of compensating for how very average he was.

The Nightmare led them into the parlor, where Dion waited on his throne-like chair. Only Levi followed Knox inside the room. Larkin and Armand stayed in the wide hallway outside the door, on guard.

Clasping his hands, Dion stood and smiled brightly at Knox. The smile seemed genuine. “It truly is a pleasure to see you again, Knox. I don’t particularly enjoy having visitors, but I do like your company.”

No, he liked having the opportunity to observe Knox in the hope of figuring out what he was. Dion was also fascinated by anything unique, and Knox was certainly that.

He gestured for Knox and Levi to sit. “Would you care for any refreshments?”

“No, thank you,” said Knox, taking a seat on the plush upholstered sofa opposite Dion’s chair. Levi stood near the wall, feet wide apart, arms crossed. The sentinel managed to look cool and casual even as he projected a “Make no wrong moves” message.

Dion sank into his chair. “May I ask how your mate and son are doing?”

“They’re both well, thank you.” Despite the fact that Harper couldn’t argue with Knox’s reservations about it, she’d still wanted to come along. Knox had managed to talk her into staying at home, pointing out that they’d left Asher with the sentinels a lot lately and that their son would benefit from some one-on-one time with her. Yes, Knox had thoroughly played and manipulated her. She’d also been well-aware of it. Still, she’d agreed that Asher would enjoy having her to himself for a while.