Gabrielle's words bruised him; it was evident in the way his jaw tightened, and his eyes hardened.
Before she could comprehend what was happening, Edward's mouth met hers in a hot clash.
His lips were hard, sucking and teasing her — a little too hard.
Her mind fogged at the events happening.
His hands were on her waist as he deepened the kiss, his tongue forcing her lips apart, tasting her, exploring the depths.
A shiver ran over her skin when his lips pressed hers, harder, painfully. She winced.
Alarms rang in her head. His hands pressed against the back of her neck.
Her body molded into his, her breasts pressed against his hard chest.
Breaking her bruised lips free from his grasp, she heaved. "E- Edward, please stop." The words came out more as a moan than a plea.
His response was a slow gnawing of her long, slender neck, his tongue sending pure lust down her spine. "Uh-uh, Edward." his name came out in shorter, hasty breaths as she leaned into him for more, the warning that plagued her subsiding.
Her moan sang through the night, as he nibbled on the pulsing skin of her neck, then, a sharp bite brought her back, as pain seeped through her bones." Stop!" she screeched, as her skin flamed.
He cleaned her up as a predator would his mate, his licks soothing the pain." Stay still. Let me brand you as my whore" he said low, as his hands swept down her back.
Her body froze as his words sank in; her chest was heaving, her legs wouldn't move, wouldn't save her from this cruel man.
He leaned back, his arms still wrapped around her, examining his work, his gaze on her bruised neck.
"You are incredibly beautiful, do you know that?" his tone was dripping with venom, with the sole purpose of hurting her.
Their gaze locked. She stood still, fear gripping her, as he leaned in for another taste of her bruised lip.
A Knock. His face hardened.
Who was that? Her eyebrows scrunched up, and she leaned to the side to stare at the closed door.
" Who is there?" he asked, clearly annoyed.
A tiny, feminine voice spoke back. "Mrs. Puff, Sir Edward"
His hold on her softened. He turned slightly. "What are you doing knocking at Miss Gabrielle's room this late at night?" he asked, his voice edged with amusement.
"I wanted to help the young miss with her gown," she responded politely.
His gaze narrowed." You can leave," he said, shifting his attention back to her.
Her head tilted up to look at him, eyes wide.
His hand was currently on her arm, locking her in place. "Let me help you with your gown," his voice sounded cold to her ears.
Her zipper screeched down in one slow motion. Her hands reached up to keep her gown from falling.
Shame shook at her disheveled state — holding her clothing after Edward Harrington had ravished her.
He took a step back and turned away from her. "You disrespect me like that again, next time I won't stop." his voice was low and final.
He walked out of her room, leaving her with a heavily bruised lip and a mark of loose morals.
Her heart couldn't take it; she sank low as streams of tears rolled down her face.
She placed her head on her knees, curling up tight; the dress she held was her only comfort.
Her tears-streaked face looked up as if sensing a presence.
Standing there, at the open door Edward had left wide open, was a witness to her great fall from grace — Adrian.
His face was a mask of concern and hurt — for her.
His hands reached for the doorknob, closing the heavy oak doors and hiding her from the rest of the world.