Empress Of Wrath, Blood And Desire

Chapter 17: Seduced

My breath quickens with every turn, yet no escape appears. Every path feels like a dead end, each step closer to being caught by him.

"You hear me!" His deep, thunderous voice echoes around me, but I can't tell from which direction it's coming.

I freeze, my mind racing, filled with thoughts of how absurd this all is. It feels pointless.

Yes, I want nothing more than to be away from him, to return to my sister, but at what cost?

To run again, only to be dragged back into his clutches?

He's made it clear, over and over again, that he'll always find me. As if I belong to him.

Even if I do escape him, what then? I'll still be hunted by those who want me dead, and by those who insist I take my place on the throne.

Could I really outrun them all, let alone Marcellous?

The realization hits me like a blow. Running only leads to the same end, an endless chase.

With deliberate thought, I turn back, retracing my steps.

Let's be real, there's no escaping this.

Marcellous is a Mafia leader, with power and resources that could easily shield me from anyone who dares come after me. And for whatever twisted reason, he likes me more than I'd care to admit. Being under his protection would be the safest option. It's a win-win if I'm being logical. But logic hasn't been my strong suit lately.

Before I could dwell on it any longer, my feet began moving on their own, betraying me by following the very voice I've been so desperate to escape from, yet drawn toward.

Soon, I find myself at the familiar triple-path junction.

His voice is closer now, deeper, pulling me in like a siren's call.

Without hesitation, I take the path nearest to the sound, my heart racing faster than my thoughts.

And then I see him, standing tall, his broad, shirtless back facing me. The muscles in his shoulders ripple slightly as if he senses my presence.

My stomach tightens, and a shudder runs through me, not entirely from fear.

There he is, the man I've been running from, but can't seem to stay away from.

As if sensing me, he turns his head slightly, revealing just enough of his well-sculpted face to catch my eye before turning fully to face me.

His expression is dark and ferocious, yet unsettlingly calm as if he's been waiting for this moment all along.

"Oh, look, I found you..." The words leave my lips in a whisper, laced with seduction that hangs thick in the air. Beneath that smooth tone, though, lies something rawer, hungrier. "I guess I get to fuck you now..." I barely recognize my voice, low and filled with a dark promise.

Without hesitation, I stride toward him, each step wide and purposeful, his intense, darkened gaze locked on me, watching and waiting almost daring me to make my move.

In one swift motion, I grab hold of his face with both hands, my fingers pressing hard into his skin as I ruthlessly crash my lips against his. There's nothing gentle about it, it's wild, desperate, as though I'm trying to shatter every boundary between us in one fiery kiss.

He doesn't hesitate.

His hands shoot up to grasp my face, pulling me closer, deepening the kiss with equal intensity, as if he too was waiting for this moment- this clash of rage, lust, and something I will not admit aloud.