“Do you have any theories at all?”

“Not at present. Asher hasn’t shown any abilities that are limited to a particular breed of demon. Every demon has at least one power that’s exclusive to their kind. We just have to wait for Asher’s to show itself, which could happen any day now. Probably within the next month. But I’m still hoping I’m wrong.”

Her hand twitched into a fist. “You should have told me.”

“And you should have shared your suspicions with me.”

True, Harper thought. She could understand why he’d kept it from her, since it was the same reason she’d kept her own concerns from him. In that sense, the blame for this shit lay with them both. “From now on, we communicate fully. No holding back—not even to protect the other’s feelings.”

Knox nodded. “No holding back.”

She let out a long breath. “I guess you’re forgiven. Sort of. Maybe.”

He sighed, relieved, even though he knew there was a very good chance that he’d go to grab a suit from the closet in a few days’ time only to find that she’d sewed pink sequins onto it. His mate might forgive, but she never forgot. “What about your demon?”

“It’s no longer imagining jerking you off with a pencil sharpener.” At his wince, she smiled. “But it’s by no means a happy bunny.”

“What if I promise it a nice sparkly necklace?”

The sad thing was that her demon genuinely perked up just a little at that. It had a huge weakness for shiny things, especially the jewelry he often bought—Knox had good taste. “I don’t think that’s necessary,” said Harper. Her demon frowned, finding it totally necessary. As if Knox sensed that, his mouth twitched into a smile. Harper scowled. “You shouldn’t exploit my demon’s weaknesses. It’s not fair.”

“I don’t fight fair, as you well know. If I have to buy my way back into your demon’s good books, that’s what I’ll do. As it happens, I did see a diamond necklace that I thought would be perfect for you.” Knox gently tapped her earlobe. “I think some matching earrings wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Okay, stop. Just stop.” Because her demon was beginning to salivate.

Smiling, Knox pulled her even closer and took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. “I hate it when we argue.”

“Me, too.” But they’d undoubtedly do it again, she thought—particularly since they both had such strong personalities. He didn’t bend to please others any more than she did. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was trying to fix the situation.”

“I know.” He feathered his fingers down her throat. “It isn’t your fault that it isn’t something you have the power to fix.” Knox landed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “But I don’t want to talk about that.”

“Don’t you?”

“No. I don’t want Clarke in our bed.”

No, neither did she.

“And I don’t want to think any more about all the shit going on around us. Right here, right now, it’s just you and me.”

Harper closed her eyes as he began to skim his hands over her skin, petting her, tracing her, soothing her. But those touches soon lost their comforting edge; became sexual and teasing. His cock, hard and thick, dug into her lower stomach.

As he swirled his tongue in the hollow of her throat, she raised a brow. “You really think that sex will soften me up?” He should, since it worked every time. And, really, how could she resist him after such a heartfelt apology? Especially when the need to reconnect beat at her. Even her demon had backed down, though it was more placated by the promise of sparkly jewelry than by his apology—typical.

His mouth kicked up into a smile. “I hope so.”

“What if I’m not in the mood?”

Knox almost laughed. She was already wet—he could smell it. “Then I’ll have to get you in the mood.” He slid his hand up the back of her neck and thrust it into her hair, liking her sharp intake of breath. “You’re easily the best thing that ever happened to me.” Knox swiped his tongue along her lower lip. He loved the shape and softness of her cherry mouth. Hungered to delve and taste and dominate. And that was exactly what he’d do.

Harper’s lips parted on a surprised gasp as he pinched her nipple hard. His tongue sank into her mouth. He didn’t kiss her. He consumed her. Greedily ate at her mouth like he’d been starving for her.

Fisting his hair, Harper shamelessly rubbed against him like a cat. Her breaths turned short and rapid as a ravenous need built inside her, making her restless. He was grinding his cock against her clit, but it wasn’t enough. She needed more. But whereas she was a hot mess, he was in complete control, the bastard.

Hoping to eat at said control, she dug her fingers into his scalp and let him feel the edge of her nails, knowing how much he liked it. Sure enough, he groaned—the guttural sound made her pussy clench. But his composure didn’t falter.

Refusing to give up, she sucked on his tongue. A growl that vibrated with power rumbled out of his chest and poured down her throat, making her nipples pebble and a shiver quake through her. Still, he remained in control. Both her and her demon snarled. “You’re such a dick.”

“I can’t deny that.” Knox closed his hand possessively around her breast, loving the feel of her skin. She was a taunt to his senses with her petal-soft flesh, sweet honeyed taste, cock-hardening raspy moans, and the beautiful sight she always made.

Demons were prone to developing addictions, and this little sphinx had long ago become Knox’s. She was a drug he would never get enough of—one he had no intention of ever giving up. A drug that pumped through his veins, invigorated every nerve ending, and stimulated every part of him.

Lifting her breast, Knox swooped down and sucked her pierced nipple into his mouth, relishing the taste and texture of her. With a low moan, she arched into him, thighs clenching. Using his teeth, he tugged on her nipple ring just enough for it to hurt a little. Fuck, he needed to be inside her, assuring himself that she was fine, but he wanted to savor her just a little first. His demon had no such patience; it wanted to take her there and then.

“Fuck me. I want you in me,” she rasped.

“I know.” He bit the skin between her breasts and sucked hard, leaving a mark there. “But I’m busy. So you just lie there like a good little girl.” She spat a curse, and he couldn’t help but smile. But then the little witch slid her hand down his chest and fisted his cock. He thrust into her grip with a snarl as she pumped him. “You think you can make my control crack, baby?” His demon sure fucking hoped so.

“Shh, I’m busy. You just lie there like a good little archdemon.” Tightening her grip on his cock, Harper pumped faster, feeling quite pleased with herself. Of course, she expected him to match her move for move, so she wasn’t the least bit surprised when his hand cupped her pussy and he slid his finger between her folds.

Harper moaned as this thumb circled her clit, making her pussy spasm. He didn’t touch her clit, though. No, he zoomed in on the hood. Stroked it in circular motions that made her see stars. Lightly pinched it just shy of pain, which only made her want more. And then he was rolling it between the pads of his fingers, and she thought she’d cry if he didn’t finally touch her clit.

Using the tips of his fingers, Knox spread her plump folds. “Put your finger inside you. Tell me how wet you are.”

She licked her dry lips. “I’d rather you did that.”

“I know.” He thumbed her clit hard enough to make her hiss. “Do what I told you to do.”

The dominant rumble almost made her shiver. Releasing his cock, Harper slipped a finger inside herself; automatically, her pussy clenched it tight. “I think I’m wet enough for you. But you might want to check for yourself.” Before she could move her hand, his own was there, keeping hers in place. She gasped as a long finger thrust inside her pussy, joining her own finger.