"If you promise me that… you can have me," she said, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Anyway you want."
Julian's eyes glittered at that.
The hunger in Kraven's body returned with full force, surging hot and dark through his veins. For a moment, the residual patterns roared to life, flooding him with vivid, filthy images of bending her over the table, tearing that elegant corset off, claiming every inch of her. But unlike before, the hunger was more controlled now. Julian kept it leashed, letting it simmer beneath the surface rather than take over.
Before he could respond, Louisa raised a hand, cutting him off.
"But I will only give myself to you after you formally announce that you have abstained from the race for heir."
Julian chuckled.
"How cunning," he said, tilting his head. "Don't you trust your nephew, Aunty?"
Louisa shook her head as if answering a real, serious question, completely ignoring the sarcasm in his voice.
