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He rolls us over so I’m beneath him, and my dress bunches up to my waist, baring my dark red garters. He groans as he takes in the sight of them, ru
Reality slams into me. This man is an abuser who is somehow immune to my magic. I didn’t even know such a thing was possible.
He must see something in my eyes. He frowns. “What’s wrong?”
I jump to my feet, smoothing my dress back in place, and he sits up.
“Hey, whoa. It’s okay, we don’t have to go any further. I didn’t mean to—”
My eyes dart to the door, and he launches off the bed, hands up like he’s approaching a frightened animal. This is it—where I see the real him.
Only he stays where he is. He doesn’t reach for me.
“I’m late,” I blurt.
He barks out a startled laugh. “Late for what? Am I just one of many suitors this evening?”
I bite back a smile, my cheeks warming under his gaze. “Maybe.”
I’ve officially lost it. I’m flirting with him.
“Can’t say I’m surprised you’re so in demand, but I’m wondering if there’s anything I can say that might get you to stay.”
I shake my head, inching toward the door.
“One more kiss, then? I’m dying for it.”
I choke back a laugh. If only he knew.
I nod, and he steps closer, tilting my chin back and looking into my eyes.
“You’d be wiser to let me go,” I whisper.
He licks his lips like he enjoys the taste of my secrets. “Wisdom is overrated.”
He cups my face and kisses me, slow and deep, like he wants to drink me in until he’s had his fill.
“I could do that all day,” he murmurs.
How many times have I stared at other couples, wondering what it was like to feel something tender without fear of killing someone?
And yet, he looks like he’s at my mercy.
I stumble away and yank on my cloak, bracing myself to fight my way out. But he takes a step back.
I dart from the room, down the stairs, and out into the cool night air, like I’m ru