Unveil (Alchemy, #3)

by Elodie Hart

This book is for everyone who’s had to teach themselves sex positivity because it was never modelled for them. I see you.

Alchemy’s ruined me, obviously. That much is true. Sleeping with a nice, sensible guy after being fucked by the animals at the club is like trying to sate yourself with a cosy mystery after reading the most disgusting dark romance you can get your hands on. In a word… Underwhelming.

Fucking TikTok. You look up someone once to perform a little professional due diligence, and its algorithm won’t let you move on. It has the memory of an elephant and the unwelcome stickiness of gum stuck to the sole of your shoe.

But I love nothing more than indulging in a little scorching hot, consensual abasement of the female party, because shame is one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs I’ve ever seen.

I told her I was looking for challenges. I suspect I’ve just found my first one. Something tells me she won’t easily succumb to the inevitable. I’d be hugely disappointed if she did.

‘Come and watch me. You seem worried about trusting me, for some reason. I have no idea why, because if you trust me not to violate the codes of your club then surely you trust me not to violate your own codes, except in all the ways you need. So come and see me in action, as it were. Decide for yourself. And if you don’t like what you see, for some unfathomable reason, then I’ll leave you alone.’

‘You just want to show off,’ she says finally. I grin. ‘Exactly. What’s the problem? Some lucky woman will get the full treatment.’ I drop the grin and lower my mouth as close to her ear as I dare. ‘But the performance will just be for you, Genevieve,’

I blink. He smirks and mouths two words. Watch this. He makes fast work of the other sleeve, sticks his cufflinks in his pocket with ease, and then he’s tearing her dress down over her hips so it pools in a scarlet puddle at her feet, and she’s naked except for her heels.

I wish it had been you last night. And if you think this is me playing games, I can assure you I’m doing precisely the opposite. A. PS these flowers remind me of you

‘You’ve seen me lose control and fuck someone like a beast, so you have the upper hand.’ He lowers his voice. Chooses his words. ‘Now it’s my turn. I want to see you lose control, Genevieve. You know it’s all I think about. Watching you come undone in the messiest, most glorious way. I won’t rest until I get you so worked up you’re fucking shameless.’

‘Because you’re a narcissistic, power-hungry arsehole who needs to demean women to stave off your own insecurities?’

I can only do that when you let go’—he leans in closer and enunciates—‘and embrace your shame. It’s only when you give into being dirty and shameless and wanton, and name your desires, and ask for what you need, that you can feel fully liberated. Am I right?’

I want to return to this conversation. I want to hear her view on every single topic. I could talk to her for years and never get bored.

‘Please,’ I tell her. ‘Please. Let me touch you. You’re extraordinary. I want to show you how extraordinary you are.’

I nod. I lean forward. I put my hand over his and squeeze. ‘I said yes. Touch me.’

‘Touch me, what?’ His voice is low but no less demanding. So this is how it’s going to be? Unbelievable. His humility didn’t last long. But I smile, because I fucking love it. ‘Touch me, please, Anton,’ I say.

‘Fucking finally,’ he grits out. And he dips his face to mine. The first touch of our lips is like being plugged in. It’s such a fucking relief to have his mouth on me. To have his face pressed against mine.

It’s an angry kiss. A why the fuck did you make me wait kiss. A look how fucking good it is between us, you idiot kiss. An I can’t believe you were trying to deny this kiss.

Because I wanted whatever I could get of you. Even if it wasn’t enough.’

I’ll ruin you. And you’ll fucking ruin me.’

Starting my day by riding his face like a shameless sex maniac was an effective icebreaker. I’ll admit that much.

‘Because what we have is raw and authentic, and it feeds our souls. And I can’t live without it, sweetheart. I love you so much. So much.

‘And I love you. In case you missed that bit.’ She laughs, and it’s beautiful. ‘I didn’t.’ ‘Good,’ I say sternly, but I’m grinning like an idiot. She cups my face in her hands. ‘I love you too. I’m completely besotted with you.’ ‘You don’t need to say it back,’

‘I promise you I’ll be healthy for you. I will only be good for you,’ I tell her. ‘I’m so fucking happy you love me.’

Anton fucking loves that he’s the only one who gets to unveil me.