Born To Burn

PROLOGUE

Cause I've been shaking
I've been bending backwards 'til I'm broke
Watching all these dreams go up in smoke
Let beauty come out of ashes
Let beauty come out of ashes
And when I pray to God all I ask is
Can beauty come out of ashes?

Ashes - Céline Dion
(from Deadpool 2)

HE SMELLS DIFFERENT.

Of black licorice and lilies and someone nauseatingly sweet.

Jealousy coils around me like a vice until I can barely breathe. He knows. My mind supplies viciously, further rubbing salt into my wound. He know you know. Yet does he feel an iota of guilt? No. It pleases him to see you so tormented.

Closing the gap between us, I rest my palms on his shoulder. "How was tonight, Eric?" I ask, helping him shrug off his Armani coat. It lands in a pile on the floor. Neither of us bother to look.

"The usual. I'm sorry the meeting ran so late." A pause. "I missed you."

"What was it about this time?"

"Nothing of importance. You know how it is with these old fogeys. Always squabbling for more power." He smiles placatingly, his fingers travelling down my spine. "Don't worry. I got it under control."

"You always do." A coy smile toys at my lips, even as rage rears her head, ready to strike. He would never let me be a part of it. It sucks that the house and everything inside belongs to him. It sucks that he'd be given half the shares of the company when we married. Sucks that I was a naive, bumbling, wide eyed princess and he had me hook, line and sinker.

"You know," he continues, when the silence drags on. "Technically, we shouldn't be seeing each other tonight. It's bad luck."

I snort. "If you truly believed that you wouldn't have come when I called."

His lip curls in amusement. "You know me too well. I could never resist you." Leaning forward, he nuzzles my cheek. "Mm. You smell good."

Had I not called, you'd still be warming her bed.

Had I not witnessed both of you with my own eyes, I would've believed you still.

My nails dig into his shoulder ever so slightly before move up to his neck. The tips of his hair are still wet. So, he showered before he came here, I note. Probably to get rid of her scent on him.

Too bad the stench of adultery is permanent.

I could choke him. Close in on his windpipe until his eyes bulge and he squeaks like a rat and begs for mercy. That would be fun to watch.

Instead, I loosen his tie and pull him closer until we're a hairbreadth apart. "Is that so?" I preen under his gaze. Batting my eyelashes like a perfect lovesick fool. "And what do I smell like?"

"Divine, my love." He answers, gaze dropping to my mouth. "Always divine."

Two could play a game.

I smirk, sealing his words with a kiss.

Bergamot is what I don't say as I nip at his bottom lip a little too hard. Its fucking bergamot, you cheating piece of shit.

Tomorrow, I would run. I decide as he pulls me into bed. As the lights dim. As he peppers kisses over my skin. They blossom like bruises under his touch. My ticket is booked. My bags are packed. Tomorrow, there would be no bride on that altar.

⬛️⬛️⬛️

A/N

I've been scarce on wattpad since the end of 2020 and a lot has happened since then. My plan is to start posting this regularly after my exams in March 2024. You guys with me? Do you like it? The story isn't fully fleshed out yet, but if you like it, I will work on it further.

Until then... stay healthy and safe, loves <3

- Chris