Page 41 of Knight’s Dominion

Grace stared at him, astonishment written all over her face. “The catch?”

“No catch. You were right. We need to work together, knights and demi. It’s the only way we can win this war. I know that now.”

It felt wrong even saying it. But he had no right to lock her up and hide her from the world, no matter how he might want to.

“I’m not mating with you, Chaos,” she said into the heavy silence.

“I know,” he rasped, even as it cut him to the quick. He had no right to ask that of her, either. After the way he’d treated her, the things he’d said, he wasn’t surprised she’d hidden who she was, that she would reject him.

Though, right then it didn’t matter that they weren’t mated, he needed to take care of her.

"Lie down, Grace."

"Whoa. Hold up. I’m not sleeping with you, either.”

He deserved that, too. She didn’t trust him, not one bit. “I want to tend to your injuries, that’s all.”

It was a lie, of course, he wanted inside her, to feel her wet heat wrapped around him so badly he throbbed from it, his blood so hot and thick with lust he burned and ached all over. But she'd made it clear that wasn't going to happen, and he'd have to find a way to live with it.

“Just get me something to wear, my leg’s fine.” She glanced down at her ravaged flesh, getting a good look at it for the first time and winced.

“Will you let me help you?” he said, close to begging.

She let out an agitated breath and nodded, reluctantly.

Thank fuck.

“Roll onto your stomach.” The worst of it was on the side and back of her left thigh, and though he’d cleaned it, it would still need antiseptic to prevent an infection.

Her long legs were smooth, her muscle definition proof of her commitment to her training, and he guessed the dancing didn't hurt, either. He knew she wasn’t wearing underwear and the urge to tug up the shirt and bite into that firm, pert little ass was so strong he groaned.

Grace glanced over her shoulder. “All right?”

No, I’m not inside you. He dipped his chin and crawled onto the bed, straddling her just above the knees, to keep her still. This would hurt. The cuts he’d been forced to make were deep.

Who was he kidding? The position wasn't necessary. Grace could handle whatever he was about to do, but it turned out he was a glutton for punishment. He needed to be close to her. Had to be. Fuck, his dick was rock hard and the heat of her body seeping through his jeans wasn't helping one damn bit.

"Are they bad?" she asked, voice nothing but a husky whisper.

"You'll live." He carefully applied the antiseptic.

She hissed. “You saved my ass out there."

He could think of a few other things he'd like to do with her ass and bit back another groan. “If you hadn’t called in your location…if he'd managed to get the upper hand—”

She stiffened and growled, and her body jerked beneath him. "Who the hell’s fault is that? If you didn't give sanctuary to every demon that gave you puppy-dog eyes, this wouldn't have happened in the first place."

He was so turned on, he almost missed what she'd said. "We’d never give sanctuary to a Venious demon. They’re flesh eaters. Their nature will never change.”

She made a scoffing sound, suddenly on the defensive. “You expect me to believe that bullshit? If you're not letting them in, then obviously, you need to up your game. Demons are crawling all over this city. How many do you let by when the portal opens?”

"None if we can help it. You know that yourself, Grace. You’ve been there,” he said, trying not to bite back. He didn’t want to argue with her. “But demons have been on this earth as long as we have. They are living and breeding among us. You’re proof of that.”

She was quiet beneath him, the muscles in her slender back tensing, her shoulders rigid.

He ran a hand down between her shoulder blades. "You truly believe I’d grant sanctuary to just any of them?”

“Why would I assume different? I’ve seen you give mercy when they come through, hands up in surrender.” Her voice sounded desperate, confused.