Chapter 104 - Behave Yourself
"Y-you can't just say something like that!" Adeline hissed, slapping a hand over his mouth as if he was crazy.
Elias simply grabbed her hand and loudly laughed again. He shook his head in amusement and pulled her palm away from his face.
"What am I supposed to say or do when you behave so shamelessly like that?" she added on, trying to pull her hand back.
Elias simply tightened his grip on her wrist, placing it beside her head. He contemplated the idea of having another meal from her. But then he glanced at the clock and decided she should sleep.
"It's not being shameless if I'm telling the truth." Elias dropped her wrist and straightened up. He slipped away from the blanket and pulled it towards her collarbone.
"Now sleep," he commanded.
"No."
"Adeline."
"I'm not that tired." Adeline sat up, hugging the blankets to her chest. She squeezed it close to her, her eyes wandering toward the ground where her clothes were discarded.
Before she could even blink, Elias picked up her bra, underwear, and dress. "Sleep," he demanded, pointing for her to lie down.
"Don't be a brat," she hissed, glaring at him with irritation. It was an hour until midnight and she wasn't that tired.
"You can either sleep or wander the hallways naked, where my men are. Take your pick."
She gawked at him, her eyes flashing with irritation. Her lips pulled into a thin line whilst she debated the idea of killing him. She was quite easy to read today.
"You must wish I'd drop dead right now," he teased.
Elias stepped away from the bed, holding her clothes to his broad chest. His smirk deepened when her glare became even more vicious. Day by day, she was changing. Day by day, his heart was strange, his chest moving at the sight of her.
Adeline was a beautiful sight, one he could not look away from. Her hair tumbled down her shoulders, her pale skin emphasized by the darkness of their canopy bed. He decided to draw the curtains of the bed next time, just to see what her reaction would be.
The lights were still on, but the windows didn't face his bed. If it did, she would've been mortified at the thought of someone seeing them.
"Good night, darling."
He heard her aggravated sigh, loud and heavy. She treated him like the world's worst burden, and there was nothing she could've done about it. What a bratty little thing she was becoming. He liked it.
He wanted to see more of her arrogance. It was slowly unearthing itself—her untamed nature. Now that the Mardens were no longer controlling her, she could begin acting like she used to.
"Brute," she muttered under his breath.
He chuckled. "Sweet dreams, darling. I hope you dream of me."
Elias headed for the door. He heard the ruffling of his blankets and turned around in time to see her walk out of his bed. His eyes lingered upon her exposed shoulders, her golden hair tumbling down like chrysanthemum petals in tea.
She used the blankets as a dress, holding it tightly to her body. Her arms were thin and feeble. She didn't have the perfect build for someone that effortlessly wielded the gun.
Adeline took a daring step forward, showing her reluctance to obey him. Determination was written all over her face when she continued walking, only to halt at his words.
"You dare?" he demanded, knowing she planned on running out of his room.
Adeline stared defiantly at him. His voice was rough and harsh, daring her to disobey him. If words could hurt, his were a spank on the butt. She swallowed at the idea of that.
He narrowed his gaze.
"I want to go back to my bedroom," she slowly said. "I'm not that exhausted to sleep in yours—"
"I see. So, I haven't depleted all of your energy. I'll do it for you right now. Coming twice wasn't enough, I'll make it five times. Now, get on the bed darling." Elias discarded the clothes into the corner of the room. Before she could respond, he took a daunting step forward.
"W-what we did early won't tire me out at all—"
"I know different ways to strip the energy from your body, darling."
"I—"
"You may start by getting on your knees and opening your mouth."
Instantly, she clamored back onto the bed, her eyes widening with fear. Finally, she obliged to his request, but it was far too late. She had tempted him and he wanted her more than ever. She was naked and defenseless. One tug of the blanket and she would his.
His glower intensified. He approached the edge of the bed, watching as she shrank into the headboards, sitting near his pillows.
"What's wrong?" he taunted.
Elias climbed into the bed, one knee resting on the mattress, the other planted on the ground. He grabbed her chin, his thumb sweeping across her soft lips the color of a freshly blooming peony. Her breath hitched, her eyes widening with the realization of what she had done.
She baited the predator, and now, he wanted his reward.
"I'm sure we can find a way to work this pretty little mouth of yours." Elias's other hand reached for his belt. The clinks of metal work could be heard.
Her eyes flickered towards the large tent in his pants. She nervously licked her bottom lips and shook her head. His eyes followed the small dart of her pink tongue, his gaze darkening with desire.
"That's one way to start," he murmured, referring to the flick of her tongue upon him.
Suddenly, she grabbed onto his hand, the one gripping her chin.
"I-I'll sleep," she mumbled.
Elias tilted his head. He continued removing his belt, hearing the quickening of her breath.
"With me?" he teased.
Adelien rapidly shook her head. "I'm tired," she said. "Truly, truly tired."
"I hardly think it's fair that you received the most pleasure today. It's your turn to satisfy me, darling."
Adeline's body slipped down until her back was pressed into the mattress. His stormy gaze followed her action, until she pulled the blankets up to her chin. She flashed him a meek smile, hiding into his large bed.
"N-next time?"
Elias simply laughed. He tossed his belt aside, watching as her eyes jumped from the discarded item of clothing to his gaze.
"Hmm… I don't think so. You've enticed me far too much."
Elias grabbed her hand, pressing it into his tightened groin. Her breath hitched, her heart nearly stopping at the spot.
"W-why is it so big?" she squeaked out, pulling her hand back in horror.
"It can get bigger, darling. But don't worry, I'll train you to fit me entirely."
Adeline's face paled. "I-it will never fit."
"It will."
"But—"
"It'll fit."
Adeline gulped. She sank deeper into the bed, realizing the grave she had dug for herself. Feeling his pressing gaze, she instantly closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.
"Now, that's a good girl." Elias patted the top of her head. He took a seat by the edge of the bed, watching as she slightly squirmed.
"What are you doing?" she mumbled with her eyes closed.
"Watching over you as you sleep."
"Why?"
"In case you die."
Adeline softly laughed. How could one die in their sleep? Nonetheless, she stilled her body and tried to ignore her racing heart. It was difficult to sleep when she could feel his pressing stare.
Just then, her eyes snapped open. "Asher is gone."
Elias raised a brow, despite the storm that brewed in his gaze. His lips tugged into a knowing smile, whilst he placed a sympathetic hand on his chest.
"Oh no," he said in a monotone voice that lacked emotion.
"Do you know—"
"Darling, if you plan to talk to me in bed, I want pillow talk. Not this."
Adeline clamped her mouth shut.
Elias widened his smile.
Adeline found it difficult to close her eyes with his intense gaze. She suddenly thought back to his provations, wondering if he truly wanted her to take him in her mouth.
"D-did you mean your intentions earlier, or was it a joke?"
"I wish it was." Elias chuckled. "I've given you pleasure, shouldn't you return the generosity, my sweet?"
Adeline met his piercing eyes, her skin instantly rising. Beneath the kindness lurked a beast eager to have a taste of her. She shrank into the bed.
"Is it cold?" he teased when he saw her goosebumps.
Adeline shook her head. She tucked her arms into the mattress, hugging his pillow towards her body. "I just want my clothes back."
Elias simply shook his head. He caressed the crown of her head and brought the blankets to her chin.
"The maids will dress you tomorrow."
"You mean to tell me I will sleep naked beside you?" she hissed.
"Of course, unless you want to sleep naked on the floor?"
Adeline narrowed her eyes. She debated the idea of waiting for him to leave and then running down the hallway with the blanket covering her body. What was the worst he could do? She thought back to his previous threat about taking him in her mouth. It didn't even seem too bad of a punishment…
"I'll sleep," she finally said.
Adeline meant it. He had tired her out too much and nearly gave her a heart attack early. She wouldn't mind performing what ever deeds he was referring to, but he had done it out of the blue and surprised her too much. She needed time to prep and prepare herself for it… starting with a manual on how to do it.
"With me?" he asked again, knowing how much it irked her.
Adeline rolled her eyes a bit. "I'll sleep, but only if you leave. I can't close my eyes with someone watching over me like a murderous stalker. I-it feels weird."
Elias raised an amused brow. He rose from the bed. He got to his feet and walked towards the door. Before he opened it, he turned his head towards her.
"You best behave yourself, darling."
Adeline simply turned her back to him. She gulped upon hearing his approaching footsteps. She hugged his pillow with her entire body, as if it was a teddy bear. She heard the rustle of fabric and turned her head to see he had drawn the curtains around the bed shut. She was shrouded in darkness, and he flickered the light off.
Adeline's heart raced. She heard the doors close shut, and his footsteps disappearing out of it. But he wasn't stupid. She knew that much. Knowing it wasn't going to be this easy, she forced herself to close her eyes and sleep.