It was now or never. She acted fast. It took her two seconds to wrap his wrists with the chain and hook it securely onto the headboard, before she heard his roar fill the room.

With lightning speed she sat up and was hit by his furious glare.

“What the FUCK?” His voice was a loud thunder and reverberated all the way through her body.

Amaury rattled the chain, his flesh sizzling where the silver came in contact with his skin. The scent of singed flesh and body hair stung her nostrils as she watched his face distort in pain.

“The less you move, the less it’s going to hurt.” Good, the chains were holding. Her heartbeat slowed a fraction, grateful the silver worked. At least something went her way tonight.

“You devious bitch!”

“Hey, manners!” she chided. “Now—let’s talk.” Finally she had the upper hand. She had to use it to her advantage now and keep a clear head.

“Release me!” He pulled on the chain again, but couldn’t break them. Instead, it appeared to dig deeper into his flesh. She noticed his jaw clenching as if warding off the pain.

“I don’t think you’re in the position to order me around right now.”

He flashed his fangs at her, his eyes glaring red.

“Ooh, looks like the big bad vampire is angry.” And looking even sexier than before. Was that at all possible? A pleasant shiver travelled up her spine and curled around her neck. Her nipples beaded involuntarily.

Traitors!

“Nina, I warn you. Take this chain off me, or you’ll be very sorry …”

Amaury could growl with that sexy voice all he wanted. She wouldn’t release him.

“Empty threats. Cut it out, Amaury. You lost, I won. You’re so easy to distract. You shouldn’t let your dick rule you.”

She looked down to where their bodies were still touching. His cock was as hard as ever and still pressing against her. With her finger she touched its head and lazily smeared a drop of moisture over it. The velvety smooth head twitched under her touch, tilting toward her, asking for attention.

“Stop it!” His order was issued in a hoarse voice, followed by a barely suppressed moan. It pleased her that even tied up and in agony he still wanted her. She could work with that.

“You don’t mean that. I think you want me to continue.” And were circumstances different, she would capture him in her mouth again and drive him wild until he lost it. And then she would arouse him again and ride him until he could take no more. But circumstances were what they were. He was the enemy, and she had to deal with him now.

“What do you want from me? Damn it!” His eyes blinked shut for a second as he let out a sharp breath. She glanced at this hands where blisters had formed as if acid was burning through his skin.

“I want answers.”

His eyes locked with hers, and she could feel his mind working. She heard a voice in her head, invading.

Release me.

Nina sensed he was trying to control her mind, but she pushed back, refusing to listen, trying to shut him out. That sneaky bastard, he was using his powers on her.

Get out of my head!

Suddenly his eyes turned blue again, and he looked at her with wonder in them.

“You’re blocking me. How?”

She ignored his question, not that she had an answer anyway. All she’d done was push against him, deny him entry. How it worked she was unable to explain. “I need answers. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. What’s it gonna be?”

Instead of a reply, his legs suddenly lifted and hit against her back, pushing her forward onto his chest, bringing her head to head with him. His mouth rocked forward, and he captured her lips. But he didn’t bite. His tongue swept over her lips, demanding entry. Did he really think she’d falter this easily? She pressed her lips together, refusing him.

“Release me now, and I won’t hurt you.” Amaury paused. “Except for a little spanking.”

Nina pushed against his shoulders and brought herself upright, away from his tempting mouth and his drugging scent. The thought of being spanked by him like a naughty child sent a tingle through her body.

“Tempting, but no thanks. I’d rather keep the upper hand.”

“I’m warning you, Nina. You’ll regret this later.” His voice was a low growl now. There was something feral about him, something so animalistic, she should be afraid. Instead she felt like answering his growl with one of her own. She shook her head to stop her errant and clearly stupid thoughts.

“There will be no later.”

“What do you want?”