Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

37.

I glide my fingers along the spines of the books on my bookshelf, the familiar texture grounding me. I pull out a book and examine the cover, flipping it over to read the synopsis. Humming softly, I return it to the shelf and grab another. This one catches my interest, the title promising an escape from reality.

I leave my room and head to the living room where Loki is already sitting, his tall, elegant frame relaxed as he reads. I plop down on the armchair, swinging my legs over the side and sinking into the cushions before I open my book, eager to dive into a new story.

As I read, my eyes widen slightly. I turn the book over, rereading the synopsis with a newfound perspective. I clear my throat and continue reading. Each word ignites a spark within me, sending a thrill through my veins.

My cheeks flush, a slow burn spreading across my skin as I shift slightly in my seat. The words on the page are vivid and intense, and my body reacts despite my efforts to remain composed. From the corner of my eye, I notice Loki looking over at me, his sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I assure him, though my voice wavers slightly.

He hums, clearly unconvinced, but directs his attention back to his book. My gaze wanders to his hands, noting how they hold the book with such ease, each finger perfectly placed. I find myself mesmerized by each one, tracing the path to his large, veiny hands.

God, what I wouldn't give to have him wrap that hand around my throat--

Jesus. What am I thinking?

I tense up, quickly refocusing on my book, my heart pounding in my chest. "You seem tense," he observes, his voice smooth and almost teasing.

"No, I'm fine," I insist, shaking my head. I flip to the next page, trying to concentrate, but the words blur together. A warmth pools between my legs, making me squirm slightly before huffing in frustration.

I need alcohol.

I close my book, swinging my legs over the armrest and tossing it onto the coffee table. I walk past the dining table and into the kitchen, my mind racing with conflicting emotions.

|| || ||

I watch with mild amusement as Cassie disappears into the kitchen, her abrupt departure leaving behind an air of tension. My gaze drifts to the book abandoned on the coffee table, curiosity getting the better of me. Setting my book aside, I reach for hers, flipping to the page where she had stopped. My eyebrows arch subtly as I scan the provocative passages, a faint smirk playing on my lips.

Fascinating.

Glancing over my shoulder to ensure Cassie is still occupied, I delve deeper into the text. The words themselves hold little allure for me but it's her reaction that sparks my interest. I can imagine her cheeks flushing as she reads them, her discomfort and intrigue battling within her.

Very fascinating.

A mischievous idea forms in my mind as my lips tug back. With a smooth motion, I rise from the armchair and stride towards the kitchen doorway, book in hand.

"Cassie," I call out, leaning casually against the doorframe. She turns to face me, a glass of wine in hand, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Loki," she replies, her voice a tad cautious.

"Did you enjoy that part you were reading?" I tease, raising the book slightly, my gaze dancing with amusement.

Her cheeks flush deeper as she narrows her eyes, a playful glint replacing her initial surprise. "You weren't supposed to read that."

"Oh, but how could I resist when it's such an intriguing book?" I drawl, walking into the kitchen with deliberate ease, closing the distance between us. "The prose was positively invigorating."

She rolls her eyes, trying to snatch the book from my hand, but I pull it just out of her reach. "Give it back, Loki."

"Ah, but I was just getting to the best part," I continue, flipping to the marked page and scanning the lines with exaggerated interest. "Shall I read it aloud for you?"

Her face reddens further as she laughs nervously, her attempts to retrieve the book growing more desperate. "Loki, don't you dare."

I feign innocence, pretending to read aloud in a theatrical voice, "His touch was electric, sending shivers down her spine..."

"Loki!" she protests, laughing despite herself.

Chuckling softly, I relent and hand her the book. "Very well, your secrets are safe-- for now."

She takes it, shaking her head but smiling. "You're insufferable."

"But you love me for it," I reply with a smirk, enjoying the playful banter that always seems to find its way between us.

As she leans against the kitchen island, sipping her wine, I move closer, leaning across from her. "So, what other secrets are you hiding in these pages?"

Her eyes meet mine,  challenge in her gaze. "You'll have to read to find out."

"I might just do that," I say softly, my tone suggestive. "Or perhaps I could discover them firsthand."

Her breath catches slightly at my proximity. "You're awfully confident."

"Wouldn't you be, if you were me?" I retort with a grin, reaching out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from her face. The touch lingers longer than necessary, a silent invitation hanging in the air between us.

She meets my gaze, her expression softening as she leans into my touch, her breath mingling with mine. "Maybe I would."

Despite the playful banter, there's an underlying current pulling us closer, tempting us to bridge the gap between friendship and something more.

I lean closer, our faces inches apart, the heat of her breath against my lips. "Cassie..."

She pauses, her eyes flickering between my lips and my gaze. "Loki..."

Before the moment can escalate further, I pull back slightly, breaking the spell but maintaining the tension. "Enjoy your wine, Cassie," I say softly, my voice husky with restraint. "I'll leave you to your thoughts."

With that, I straighten up and turn away, leaving her to ponder the unresolved tension that hangs between us.