Lucian leans in, his voice low and coaxing, his breath hot against Anna's skin. "Okay, forget about the bond," he murmurs, his lips ghosting over the shell of her ear. "Tell me, do you know anything about a certain tree? Somewhere dry, barren... a tree that looks ancient?"
The moment the words leave his lips, Anna flinches, barely, but enough. Enough for Lucian's sharp eyes to catch it. His lips curve into a knowing smirk, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly.
"Hah! There it is!" His tone is triumphant, the spark of victory glinting in his darkened eyes. "You know something, don't you? Your reaction just now told me everything. So come on, baby, tell me about it." He leans closer, pressing his lips to the curve of her neck in a lingering, searing kiss. "Tell me, and I'll give you what you really want, right away."
Anna inhales sharply, her body betraying her despite her mind screaming at her to resist.
