*MATURE FANTASY*
Bound by fate, torn by betrayal.
Their souls are intertwined.
She is his mate, and he is hers, whether or not this is something they want.
Elara has spent her life hiding from the oppressive forces of the Light, a powerful cult th...
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My heart raced as if it were running for its life when I faced Rylan. Gray eyes, cold and cunning, drifted over me, sending a shiver skittering down my spine. He was dangerous, and that drew me in even more. The thrill of holding his attention sent sparks of anticipation through me. Desire sharpened by a tendril of fear. Such a hazardous combination, one I seemed to grow drunk from.
And now, in this room, just the two of us, it was as if his presence flooded the space, his aura wrapping around me like a heavy cloak. There was a commanding heaviness that pressed upon me, a dominance that stole my breath. Power simmered beneath his skin, unseen but very much felt.
As he stepped towards me, I couldn't help but step back involuntarily, my heart pounding against my ribcage.
Rylan chuckled, his gaze locked on mine as he tilted his head. Pure predator in that one movement. "Afraid?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.
I bristled. "No."
His lips curved into a knowing smirk.
With another step, he closed the distance between us, and I had to force myself to remain still. Not because he frightened me, though maybe he should have. But being the object of his full attention felt overwhelming. It was as if my skin ignited under his stare, my breath hitched at his proximity, and my legs nearly trembled at the intent darkening his eyes. And, he hadn't even touched me yet.
Rylan towered over me, his presence charging the air between us.
His gaze freely roamed over my face. "Any rules?" he asked.
That question sent a tremor through me. Not enough people asked it. I liked that he did.
"I need it fast and efficient," I replied, trying to maintain a sense of control despite the electricity crackling between us. Get him out of my system, that's all I needed.
"How romantic," he quipped, a playful glint in his eyes.
"This is me clearing my head of you," I said. "This isn't meant to be romance."
The curve to his lips nearly looked ruthless as he shifted towards me. "Have you considered that this might have the opposite effect?" he murmured, his breath warm against my ear as he leaned closer.
"I doubt you're that good," I replied, trying to hide the tremor in my voice.
He smiled, as if accepting the challenge. "Any other rules?"
"The knife at my thigh stays," I said firmly. No way was I going to be in a room with him, without a weapon within my reach.
"I can work with that," he replied, his eyes smoldering with gray darkness. As if he liked that I insisted on the weapon remaining.
