“I see that you’ve done a decent job of spending my money today,” Iannis said softly as he crossed the room to me. His lifted a hand, and a shiver of longing passed through me as his fingers traced my bare collarbone. “Although perhaps you could use a bit more practice, since I don’t see any jewelry on you.”
“I haven’t had a chance to put it on yet,” I responded, my voice slightly strained. The serapha charm was tucked into my bra since I couldn’t openly display it, so I’d bought a crystal necklace and matching earrings that were still sitting in their boxes on my vanity. “Or do my hair yet, as you can see.”
“Leave your hair.” His fingers moved to my curly locks, which were still slightly damp from the shower. “I like it the way it is.” He wrapped a curl around his finger and rubbed the pad of his thumb against it, instantly reminding me of the time he’d cornered me in the living area of his suite. That had been the same day he’d announced to the Mages Guild that he was making me his apprentice, and I’d been pissed as hell that not only had he not bothered to consult with me beforehand, but he was still refusing to give any serious attention to the silver murders. In response to my insults, he’d backed me up against the bookshelf and half-threatened, half-teased me, and just like then, a spark of heat lit in my lower belly as he toyed with my hair, the heat of his hand brushing against the curve of my cheek.
“I don’t understand.” I stepped back, the spark of heat quickly turning to anger. “Why do you keep doing this?”
Iannis’s hand abruptly dropped back down to his side. “Doing what?”
“Leading me on,” I snapped. “You get this look in your eyes like you want to fuck me, and it scares the shit out of me. And then after you get close, you change your mind and we act like nothing happened.” Closing the distance, I fisted my hand in the front of Iannis’s robe and dragged him forward, feeling a perverse amount of satisfaction as his eyes widened. I bet the bastard had never been manhandled in his life. “I fucking kissed you, Iannis. I pressed my naked body up against your chest and you liked it. Are we going to keep pretending that didn’t happen?”
Iannis’s eyes sparked dangerously, and the air between us thickened with power as he leaned in close. “Do you really want to go down this route?” he asked softly, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose in response to the menace in his tone.
“We’re already on the path, so I don’t see why not,” I snarled, fed up. “I think it’s about time you put up, or shut up.”
“And just what do you expect me to do, Sunaya?” Iannis’s hand clamped around my wrist, fingers tightening painfully, but he didn’t remove my grip from his clothing. “Shall I sweep you up into my arms and carry you up the hill and into my palace, in full view of the other mages? Just how do you think it will look if the Chief Mage of Canalo breaks the rules and starts sleeping with his apprentice?”
“I know the rules as well as you do,” I growled. “Which is why I don’t understand why you’re leading me on like this when you know better.”
Iannis’s jaw clenched. “I’m a man, and I have needs just like anyone else. Despite whatever differences we may have, and all the reasons why I should pretend you are no more attractive than a plucked chicken, you are a beautiful woman, and when you look like this…” His other hand curled around my waist, fingers sinking into the satiny fabric. “How can you expect me not to want you?”
“What, so you’re telling me you’re just a man who can’t control his desires?” I snapped, not sure if I should be pleased or offended.
“I am controlling my desires,” Iannis growled. “That’s why I haven’t stripped this dress off you and tossed you onto the bed yet. Or any of the other times I’ve wanted to.”
“Yet?” My breath quickened at the idea, and my eyes involuntarily flickered to the bed behind him.
Iannis’s eyes darkened. “This discussion is over,” he said tightly, stepping back.
“No, it isn’t!” I tightened my grip on his robe and dragged him back. “You don’t get to say things like that and just walk away!”
“I can do whatever I want.” Iannis’s voice simmered with barely suppressed fury. “I’m your Master, and the Chief Mage of your state of residency, Miss Baine. I believe that makes you my subject, not the other way around.”
He grabbed my wrist again, and I yelped as a shock of energy bit into my skin, forcing me to let go. Iannis whirled around, his robes swirling around his ankles, and I shook with rage, my claws biting into my palms and dripping blood onto the carpet.
“So I guess you won’t care, then, when I go into heat next week and find someone else to warm my bed?” I spat, unable to resist one last parting shot.
To my surprise, Iannis froze in the doorway. “What?”
“You heard me,” I bit out. “Next week.”
Iannis turned slowly, his eyes hard, but I noticed his face had paled a little. “Explain.”
I arched a brow, keeping my expression flat, but inside I was pleased I’d actually snagged his attention. “I would have thought you mages knew everything about us shifters, seeing as how you created us.”
“I’m afraid that particular event happened before my time,” Iannis said tightly, folding his arms across his chest. “So you’ll have to enlighten me as to why you absolutely must have a male in your bed next week.”