Raphael (Deadly Virtues #1)(70)

Raphael leaned forward and cupped Maria’s cheeks. “I am going to kill you, little rose. Do you understand?”

Maria’s eyes widened for a minute, before they closed and she took a long, calming breath. “Yes, my lord.”

“Look at me.” Maria’s eyes opened, and she fixed her gaze on Raphael’s golden stare. “Someday soon, I’m going to bathe you.” He searched her face; there wasn’t a blemish in sight. “I’m going to comb and dry your hair.” Maria’s chest rose and fell, her small pert breasts heaving. Raphael smiled softly, like a lover confessing his love to his betrothed. “I will anoint you with the finest oils.” He tucked his nose into her neck and inhaled her sweet scent. “Vanilla and rose. You wear vanilla and rose the best.” Maria’s pulse raced; he could feel it under his thumb. “I will lay you on the bed, little rose. And I will love you. I will worship you like the queen that you are.” Raphael’s eyes closed, his hands still holding her face. “I will kiss you, little rose. I will taste your skin, your lips, and your sweet wet pussy.” He opened his eyes, and he knew his pupils would be dilated at just speaking the fantasy aloud. “I will push inside you, capturing your moans and sighs with my lips . . .” Raphael’s cock awakened and filled the silicone cage. He freed one of his hands and ran it through Maria’s soft wet hair. “I will take this silky hair and roll it in my hands. I will tilt your delicate neck off the bed, then I will wrap your hair around it, around and around and around—three times.” Raphael felt his body grow lighter, weightless. “You will look into my eyes as I thrust deeper within you . . . and then I will pull tight.” Raphael placed his hand over Maria’s neck. “Your cheeks will flush and your eyes will shine. Your lips will part, but no breath will leave your mouth. You will give yourself to me, little rose. Your body will begin to lose its strength as I build your pleasure. Your back will arch, and you will come, come so profoundly that it is all you will feel. You will search for breath, but there will be none to find. And as your eyes begin to glaze, your heart slowing to an almost stop, I’ll come inside you, groaning your name.” Raphael felt the pressure build in his back. His eyes closed, his balls pulled tight, and with a loud groan, he felt himself spill against her leg. His body jerked in the aftermath. His neck was tight with the exertion of pleasure. When his eyes opened, he exhaled a shuddering breath. Maria’s cheeks were flushed and her nipples were erect. Raphael’s hand was still on her neck, his thumb caressing the soft skin as though it were a delicate petal. A white rose petal—Maria’s favorite color.

Raphael smiled, a loving, compassionate smile. “Your heart will cease to beat.” Maria’s lips parted and she released a short, soft breath. “I’ll hold you, little rose. I’ll hold you tightly in my arms, until you are no longer warm.” Raphael kissed Maria’s cheek. “I’ll place a rose in your hair—the best one from my garden. And you’ll have a bouquet in your hands. Twelve white roses for you to hold.” Raphael kissed her lips, tasting salt on her mouth. Tears were falling down her cheeks. He wiped them away with his thumbs. “You will be so perfect, little rose. So, so perfect. You’ll be nothing like these.” He flicked his hand to the pictures on the wall. He turned her to the shrine. “Your photo will take pride of place in this room.”

Raphael brought Maria to his chest. He held her head and body against him. His hands wrapped in her hair, and they stayed that way until he led her to bed.

“I wont abandon you, my lord,” Maria said against his lips as he kissed her goodnight. “I’m here for you. I am here to serve only you.”

Raphael’s happiness didn’t fade from his heart.

*****

“Beautiful,” Raphael said as Maria walked out of the closet. She wore a purple dress that fell to the floor. He had dried her hair, and it fell in natural waves down to her thighs. She wore golden sandals on her feet and a peach rose tucked behind her ear. Unlike the white dresses she wore in Raphael’s private room, this dress was opaque, not a touch of skin visible underneath.

Maria took Raphael’s outstretched hand. He pulled her in and wrapped his arms around her back. He lowered his mouth and kissed her, feeling her body go weak under his touch. When he pulled back, her lips were red. “Let’s go.” Raphael led Maria down the stairs and to the dining room. He felt her hand shaking in his as they approached the closed door. Raphael heard his brothers’ voices from the other side.

Maria’s face was pale. “They won’t harm you,” Raphael assured her. He brought the back of her hand to his mouth and kissed her soft skin. Maria exhaled and gave him a small smile.

Raphael turned the door knob and entered. Each of his brothers turned their way when he walked through. Only Michael was missing. He had received a Revelation and was out making his kill.

Maria followed behind. Gabriel got to his feet. He smiled at them both. “Raphe, Maria.”

“Gabriel,” Maria said softly.

His brother smiled at her and gestured to a seat. “Please. Sit.” Raphael led her to the table and pulled out her seat. Maria sat to his left, beside Gabriel at the top of the table. Sela sat to Raphael’s right. His brothers were quiet and watching them closely.

Raphael gripped Maria’s hand, bringing their joined hands to rest on the table between them. Bara smiled at the sight, sipping at his red wine. He cleared his throat. “Maria, we weren’t introduced before.” He nudged his head in Diel’s direction. “Our brother here temporarily lost his fucking mind and tried to kill you.” Bara put his hand on his chest, head bowing. “For that, we can only apologize.” He smirked at Diel. “We’re not all impulsive maniacs, I assure you.”