Revealing the Monster (Playing with Monsters #4) by Amelia Hutchins

Chapter Twenty-Three




And so the monster claimed his prize, showing the world his devotion. But the pretty prize didn’t grasp that her life was his to take. ~ Lucian



On stage, Lucian and I watched the people who lingered on the lower level. The club was packed tonight, and I didn’t need to be told that more immortals than usual had shown up to see what Lucian would do with me. They’d assumed he would declare me free to claim and himself back on the market. Relief flooded through me that they were left disappointed in that aspect. But I had to stay focused because Lucifer was here. So were Nyx, Hades, and other immortals that had played a role in what I’d become.

Lucian lifted his hand to my throat while lowering the other. I shivered at the heat of his touch as it moved south. He cupped my core, and I moaned, melting into the power of his body. He was showing Luc what he’d never get and what he’d claimed tonight.

“Lucifer is pissed off that you’re so near, yet out of reach,” Lucian whispered in my ear. “Hades is trying to bend my mind to figure out how we bypassed his little parting gift for me.”

“Which gift?” I asked, distracted by Luc standing close enough that I could smell the gentle scent of brimstone and cinnamon that clung to him.

“The one that ensured you could only be with him, Lucifer, or me,” Lucian answered. “He banked too much on his magic and powers being absolute. He never imagined you’d find a loophole. He is curious how Spyder entered the equation.”

As Lucian spoke, Hades’ lips twisted into a smile, and he lifted his chin in acknowledgment at hearing Lucian’s words. Nyx, on the other hand, looked like she wanted to murder us both. I hadn’t seen her since she came to the bar demanding her daughter’s release. Lucian had instructed his men to deal with her while he’d handled me, discovering what the furies had done to Spyder.

“You are quiet tonight, Lena,” he stated, forcing my attention back to him.

I nodded, allowing Lucian to adjust me on his lap to face him. Sliding my gaze over his beautiful bone structure, I frowned. “I’m just lost in my thoughts,” I admitted, because it was the truth.

“You’re gorgeous this evening.” He cupped my neck, bringing my mouth to his.

The kiss was slow and sexy as his tongue slid over my lips, demanding entrance. When his tongue touched mine, it dueled for dominance as the room faded around us. His hand remained on my neck, tilting my head to allow him better access to my mouth. Moaning, I rocked my hips as lust ignited within my core. He pulled back, chuckling at my response to his unhurried kiss.

“You need that itch scratched, don’t you?” he growled huskily.

His midnight eyes sparkled with laughter, knowing damn well the subtle buzzing of the vibrator within me was driving my body to a level of need that bordered on torture. Lucian had lowered the velocity of the vibration, but only a little. His free hand roamed over my back as I straddled his lap, peering at him from beneath my thick, dark lashes.

“I need you, Lucian.” I swallowed, barely able to hide the need and lust that filled my throat, creating a steady pulse in my pussy that throbbed for him. “You’ve made your point. Now sate my hunger, asshole.”

“I like you on the brink of insanity. Crazy bitches fuck so much better than normal ones. You’re wet just thinking about me stretching you, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I replied huskily, uncaring who heard the raw desire filling my tone. “I ache, and you’re the only one I want to soothe that need. I get it; you want me to know who I belong to and to remember it on a deeper level. You’ve driven that point home, but you’re not driving that big, hard cock into my cunt yet. If I have to be crude to state my case, I can be. You want me to strip myself naked and ride you right here? I will. I will ensure all our guests see how much you make me scream when you’re fucking me. I don’t necessarily care if they watch. I only want you to make this visceral need end, now.”

“You would let me strip your succulent curves bare and fuck you here and now?” His eyes surveyed my face before moving to study the response of the crowd behind me. “I would act upon your request, but there are people here I don’t want knowing what you look like naked, Lena. I prefer not to let them see what is mine. From this point on, you’re only mine in that aspect. You broke the connection that was driving Spyder insane. You saved him by allowing him to have what the magic needed, but that ended. So, too, did your stent of voyeurism with the patrons of my club. I have claimed you openly, in a select way that makes us both exclusive to one another. I am off the market and menu now, and so are you, Lena,” he stated firmly, his tone carrying authority.

I swallowed, staring into the depths of never-ending stars that lit within his gaze. His hands lowered, gripping my hips to drag my apex against his rock-hard length. His lips jerked into a sinful smirk, and I moaned loudly, dropping my head back as he forced my clit to hit against his cock.

“Be a good girl for me tonight, and I will make sure you come until you’re exhausted and sated of that need driving you to be bold right now,” he replied, holding my gaze as I opened my eyes once more, uncaring that it was heavily hooded from lust, and need. “You’re the most exquisite thing I have ever in my life encountered, woman. You’re a fire that burns without being kindled and one that will never be put out. I would end worlds for you and anything or anyone who thinks to harm you.”