Chapter 40: Claimed in a Bathroom***
Her eyes were locked on the mirror, watching her own reflection – mouth open, gasping for air, cheeks flushed, completely undone.
"This is what you look like when you’re really satisfied," I continued. "Remember this face. Remember who put it there."
"Cain – I can’t – I need to – "
"Then come."
Permission granted, Vivienne shattered.
Her orgasm ripped through her with enough force that I had to hold her up. Her pussy clamped down on me like a vice, her entire body shaking, and I watched in the mirror as her face transformed – pure ecstasy, raw and unfiltered.
[Energy Transfer: MASSIVE]
[+12.0 Fragments]
[Current Total: 176.2/1000]
[Bond Strengthening: Vivienne fully submitted]
[Note: Dominant approach amplifying energy transfer]
The surge of power was incredible, but I wasn’t done with her yet.
I pulled out, ignoring her whimper of protest, and spun her around. One hand went to her throat – while the other lifted her onto the marble counter.
"We’re not finished," I said, spreading her thighs. "Not even close."
"I can’t – too sensitive – "
"You can and you will." I thrust back into her, and she cried out. "Because you’re mine to use, Vivienne. And I decide when we’re done."
I fucked her on that counter with abandon, her legs wrapped around my waist, her nails digging into my shoulders. The marble was cold against her back, but my body was hot against hers, and the contrast made everything more intense.
"Say it again," I demanded. "Tell me who you belong to."
"You! I’m yours, Cain, I’m yours – "
"That’s right."
I could feel my own orgasm building, and I knew I wouldn’t last much longer.
"One more time," I growled. "Come for me one more time."
I reached between us, finding her oversensitive clit and pressing hard.
Vivienne came again with a scream she barely managed to muffle against my shoulder. Her whole body convulsed, and the feeling of her clenching around me sent me over the edge.
I buried myself deep and came, filling her with everything I had. The energy transfer went both ways, divine essence mixing with her magic, marking her on a level deeper than physical.
[MUTUAL CLIMAX ACHIEVED]
[Energy Transfer: CRITICAL]
[+15.0 Fragments]
[Current Total: 191.2/1000]
[Bond Status: Extremely Strong]
[Vivienne Thornwood: Completely claimed]
We stayed like that for a long moment, both breathing hard, sweat cooling on our skin.
Finally, I pulled back, looking at her. Vivienne was completely wrecked – hair messed up, makeup smudged, dress wrinkled beyond salvation.
"Fuck," she breathed. "That was..."
"Needed," I finished.
"Yeah." She laughed shakily. "I really did." She looked down at herself. "But now I look like I just got thoroughly fucked."
"You did."
"Helpful." But she was smiling. She slid off the counter carefully, wobbling slightly. "I can’t go back down there like this."
"Then don’t. Tell them you weren’t feeling well, had to leave early."
"And you?"
"I’ll leave separately. Meet you at your place in an hour."
She studied me in the mirror – taking in her disheveled appearance, the visible marks on her neck, the satisfied exhaustion in her eyes.
"Sebastian is going to lose his mind when he realizes we both disappeared," she said.
"Let him. He should know by now he never had a chance."
She turned, cupping my face and kissing me – soft this time, almost tender. "It was great."
"Anytime."
She fixed herself as best she could, using magic to smooth out the worst of the wrinkles and repair her makeup. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough to make an exit without obvious questions.
"One hour," she said at the door. "And Cain? Don’t keep me waiting. I’m not done with you yet."
She left, and I waited five minutes before slipping out myself.
The hallway was empty, and I made my way back to the gala via a different route. The party was still in full swing, people clustered in conversation, the auction about to begin.
I grabbed a fresh champagne flute and found a quiet corner to observe from.
Sebastian Thorne stood near the auction stage, scanning the crowd. When his eyes landed on me, his expression darkened. He’d noticed Vivienne was gone. Noticed I’d been gone too.
He was putting the pieces together.
Good.
Let him stew in it.
Jade appeared beside me, her expression amused. "You disappeared."
"Had to make a phone call."
"A phone call that left you looking thoroughly satisfied?" She sipped her champagne. "Sure. Let’s go with that."
"Are you always this observant?"
"Only when it’s entertaining." She nodded toward Sebastian. "He’s going to be insufferable now. You know that, right?"
"He was already insufferable."
"Fair point." She studied me. "You’re making quite a name for yourself. The Velvet Room, now the coven community. People are going to start wondering who Alexander Cross really is."
"I like a good wonder."
"Dangerous game you’re playing."
"The only kind worth playing."
She laughed and melted back into the crowd, leaving me to my thoughts.
I stayed another thirty minutes – long enough to be seen, to make it clear I hadn’t fled, that I had every right to be there.
Then I made my excuses and left.
Sebastian watched me go, his expression venomous. I met his gaze steadily, letting him see exactly zero regret in my eyes.
Message sent, loud and clear.
And if he had a problem, he was welcome to try and do something about it.
I drove to Vivienne’s townhouse, letting myself in with the key she’d given me weeks ago.
She was in her bedroom, already changed into comfortable clothes, looking relaxed and satisfied.
"Took you long enough," she said.
"Had to make an appearance. Couldn’t have people thinking I ran off."
"Did some witch’s look like they were about to murder you?"
"Probably."
"Good." She pulled me onto the bed. "I meant what I said. I’m not done with you yet."
"We just – "
"I know. And now we’re going to do it again, properly, without having to be quiet."
I couldn’t argue with that logic.
We spent the rest of the night proving exactly who Vivienne belonged to, and by the time the sun came up, there was no question left.
She was mine.
Completely.