Unbound: The Cursed Trilogy, Book One by Betty Legend (small books to read .txt) 📕

“It’s you who makes me smile.”

“I never want to stop making you smile.”

He kisses the tip of my nose, then my forehead, the gesture sweet and loving. This man, this warlock, is working his way into my heart in rapid speed.

“You ready to eat?”

“Yes, it smells delicious.”

Cyrus pulls out two plates and prepares them with the chicken pasta and vegetables. I take one from his hand and join him at the dining table.

“So, tell me about the Vikings.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

SELENE

After my amazing night with Cyrus, it took a shot of espresso to get me going in the morning, then a nap in the afternoon to get me ready for the art show this evening… and it was absolutely worth it.

Looking in the mirror, I’m satisfied with the loose curls I put in my hair and the smokey color on my eyes. When I step out of the bathroom, Cyrus is waiting for me in a perfectly fitted black tux, which matches nicely with my embroidered silver cocktail dress.

“I love the dress.” His finger follows the stitching of flowers down to the cleavage of my breasts. Lowering his head, he feathers a kiss where his finger was, teasing my arousal. “You look beautiful.”

“And you look dashing.”

“I have to if I’m going to be with the most beautiful woman in the room this evening.”

My mouth curls. I adore his charm.

“Let’s get going. We have to travel the old fashion way tonight.”

“I already called a car service. They should be here any minute.”

“You’re the best.” I place my arms around his neck, curling my fingers into his hair as I kiss his luscious lips. “Mmm, you smell amazing.”

His lips graze my cheek as his hand brushes back my hair, so he can kiss my neck. “So do you.”

The slow caress of his hands down my sides, tracing over the curve of my breasts, has my body yearning for deeper contact and pleasure like last night.

“You’re a terrible and delicious distraction.”

The dinging of his phone pulls us apart. I catch his grin as he reaches into his pocket.

“The car is ready.”

We take the flight of stairs down, climb into the car, and snuggle closely on the ride to the gallery. The place is already bustling with potential clients, even more than the last show. The serving staff making their rounds approach us, providing glasses of champagne for us to enjoy. Susan sees me enter and joins us.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise. Susan, this is my boyfriend, Cyrus.” When I gesture to him, his eyes light up, his stance proud as he shakes Susan’s hand.

“Pleased to meet you.”

The older woman admires Cyrus with lingering eyes over his handsome face and the fine suit that fits his body like he’s a fashion model.

“Yes, lovely to meet you.” Reluctantly peeling her gaze from Cyrus, she meets mine. “You already have interest in your new collection. It’s absolutely marvelous.”

“Wonderful.”

“It is. Mr. Artino wants to purchase your entire collection,” she beams.

That name rattles around in my brain until I remember where I heard it—the blood magic vampire family.

Next to me, Cyrus’s posture stiffens. With concern in his eyes, he adjusts his jacket as he discreetly sweeps the room. His gaze narrows in on a tall man with short, raven black hair and eyes so pale of a blue they glisten like glass. The man stands regal, emanating dominance in his black fitted suit. Those pale eyes are peering past everyone, centering on me as I follow Susan toward him.

Cyrus keeps his hand on my lower back, his magic radiating from his fingertips. There’s something about Mr. Artino he’s obviously uncomfortable with. As we approach, Mr. Artino’s fierce gaze lowers to Cyrus’s hand on my lower back and the way he’s caressing me. A second later, that sharp, focused gaze fades, and he smiles with a grin as confident as his posture.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Selene Delavore. I’ve heard great descriptions of your art, and it has not disappointed.”

“The pleasure is mine. I’m profoundly appreciative you’ve chosen to purchase the entire collection.”

Those pale-as-ice eyes stare down at me, seeming to study every detail of my face, then lower to my neck and linger for a moment longer than they should. That’s when I’m reminded, this isn’t a man. He’s a vampire, who, if stories are accurate, enjoys drinking blood, and who knows what other terrifying skills he has.

My heart rate kicks up a notch, and the corner of his mouth rises.

“You can show me your appreciation by attending a party I’m having this evening.”

Cyrus’s hand tightens on my back.

“I apologize, Mr. Artino, we already have plans.”

I look to Cyrus, surprised by his sudden interjection.

“Surely, you won’t disappoint your newest fan and investor.” Ignoring Cyrus, his brow lifts as he stares at me.

“Investor?” I ask, confused.

Susan glances at me with wide eyes and a clenched smile that reads, don’t mess this up.

“Mr. Artino has donated to the 369 Studio on your behalf for your next three art shows to be shown here.”

My own eyes go wide, words stolen from my lips. I stare at Mr. Artino with my jaw dropped. It takes a moment for me to find the simplest of words.

“I don’t know how to thank you, Mr. Artino.”

“Please, call me Phoenix.”

Shit, shit, shit.

“And please, say you’ll attend my party this evening. It would satisfy me greatly to have you there.”

Phoenix is the blood magic supernatural I’m meant to bond with, and he is a vampire. The pieces may have fallen together about who and what Phoenix is, but I don’t understand why I have the distinct feeling to run far, far away from him.

“Of course, I’m very appreciative of your donation. I’d be happy to attend your party.”

Cyrus’s head lowers, and he breathes in a deep breath. Phoenix’s sharp jaw tightens before the corner of his perfect mouth lifts. Removing a black business card from his pocket, he hands it to me.

“I look forward to getting to know you.”

Phoenix