The words completely shattered the last thread of Arkin's restraint.
A feral, guttural groan ripped from his throat, echoing violently against the stone walls of the enclosed garden. His hands, which had been holding her thighs with terrified gentleness, suddenly clamped down with bruising, possessive force.
He didn't push her away. He crushed her against his chest, burying his fangs into the soft curve of her neck, not breaking the skin, but dragging his teeth along her pulse point in a display of total, unhinged ownership.
The water of the thermal pond practically boiled around them, his blistering heat surging in response to her demand.
He carried her out of the water, the dark silk of her dress clinging to her like a second skin. He didn't walk; he stalked. He kicked the heavy glass doors to their bedchamber open and threw her onto the massive mattress.
The silk sheets absorbed the water instantly.
