“An old Primal tradition.” He poured a small measure into a crystal glass, the liquid catching the light like moonlight on water. “My ancestors used it during hunts.”
“Hunts?” Something in his tone made me wary. “As in...hunting people?”
He nodded, his expression serious now. “In the old days, yes. The drink heightens sensation, makes everything more intense. They gave it to prey to disorient them, make the chase more...interesting.” He held the glass up, studying how the liquid clung to the crystal. “It’s harmless, but the sensory effects are quite powerful.”
My mouth went dry. “And you want me to drink that?”
“Only if you choose to.” He set the glass down between us, not pushing it toward me. “I don’t give it lightly, and never without explanation. The choice is yours.”
I stared at the shimmering liquid, trying to process what he was telling me. “Why offer it to me at all?”
“Because I want you to experience pleasure the way I can give it.” His voice dropped lower.
“What will it feel like?” I asked, fingers hovering near the glass but not touching it.
“Every sensation amplified. My touch will feel deeper, more intense. Pleasure becomes...transcendent.”
I considered him for a long moment. This man who could have deceived me. He could have just given me the drink and I’d have been none the wiser.
“I’ll try it,” I said, reaching for the glass.
His approving smile felt like sunshine. “Just a small sip first. Let’s see how it affects you.”
The first taste glided across my tongue—smoke and starlight, if starlight had a taste. Warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading like liquid fire through my veins, chasing away the ache in my ribs. Every nerve ending felt alive, yet I remained clear-headed, aware. “¡Eso está del carajo!”
“Told you we could do better than that mind numbing tar.” He watched me, gauging my reaction. “How do you feel?”
“Like my skin is awake,” I admitted, fascinated by the beat of my heart, stronger and more present than before. “But I still feel...like me.”
“That’s the point,” he said, something like pride in his voice. “Heightened, not controlled. I want you to be aware of what comes next.” He took a step closer, and I couldn’t help backing up until my legs hit the leather sofa. His free hand came up to trace my jawline, the touch sending sparks of electricity dancing across my skin. His thumb brushed over my pulse point, and I couldn’t suppress a shiver. “The bruising’s already fading.”
The pain was gone, replaced by a tingling sensitivity that made even the brush of my shirt feel intense.
“Who are you?” The words came out breathier than I intended.
His smile widened, showing teeth that were sharper than they’d been at the restaurant. “Exactly who you’re looking for.”
Chapter Six
Sweet Surrender
My breath caught as he crowded me against the sofa, one hand sliding into my hair. The other gripped my hip, his thumb finding skin where my shirt had ridden up. Even that small touch sent goosebumps skittering across my skin.
“What exactly am I looking for?”
“Someone stronger than you.” His fingers tightened in my hair, pulling my head back to expose my throat. The slight pain mixed with pleasure, drawing a moan from deep in my chest. My mind flickered between surrender and resistance—I’d never let anyone manhandle me like this before, yet my body responded with an eagerness that shocked me. The vulnerability of my exposed throat should have terrified me, but it felt like release.
“To know every inch of you.” Kronos’ lips brushed my neck, his tongue swirling over my pounding pulse. I could feel my heartbeat against his mouth, hammeringso hard I was sure he could taste my anticipation. Each point of contact was overwhelming, like he was lighting up circuits in my body I hadn’t known existed. The room seemed to fade around us, my focus narrowing to just his touch, his scent, the heat of his breath against my skin.
Kronos slid his rough fingers under my shirt, burning hot against my over-sensitized skin. The contrast between the cool leather beneath me and his scorching touch made me shiver. I’d been touched before, but never like this. This focused intensity that made me feel both seen and consumed at once.
“Someone who can make you forget everything else.”
God help me, I wanted to forget—to let go of the constant vigilance, the armor I’d built around myself piece by painful piece. For once, I wanted to stop being the one in control, the one responsible for protecting myself. The realization flooded me with equal parts terror and desire. Could I surrender to him? Did I even remember how to let go?
I arched into him, desperate for more contact. My hands found their way under the edge of his jeans, cupping his ass and giving it a firm squeeze. “Promises, promises.”
He growled, and I was on my back on the sofa, his weight pinning me down. The leather felt soothingly cool against my burning skin.
