Bound by the Blood moon

Chapter 12

Charlotte fought against his grasp, yet his hold remained firm. "If I were to release you," he insisted, "you must pledge your solemn word that you shall not speak of what was about to pass your lips." Undeterred, she continued her struggle, ignoring his plea. "Charlotte, I entreat you," he said, his voice rising. At last, she ceased her protest, her breath coming in quickened gasps, and nodded slowly. He released a sigh of relief. "I shall uncover my hand now," he warned gently. "But heed my words, should you choose to speak, a great sorrow shall befall us both."

As he withdrew his hand from her mouth and stepped back, Charlotte straightened herself with lividity. "You are positively certifiable!" she declared.

"I acknowledge my lapse, I panicked," he admitted, a hint of remorse flickering in his gaze.

"Indeed," she countered, her eyes narrowed into slits of discontent.

"Lilias has informed you, I presume?" His tone had shifted, now eerily composed.

Charlotte nodded, her brow dipping. "From your reaction, I had not anticipated the severity of the situation."

"It would wound us both," he replied gravely. "The agony may not last physically, yet emotionally, we would forever be deprived of true joy, sensing an emptiness within our souls."

As the truth sank in, realisation dawned upon her. "You selfish man! This is why you are so eager for my company—you think only of your own comfort," she accused sharply.

"I think of both our fates, Charlotte," he snapped, his temper igniting. "Do you truly wish to exist in such a manner? Because I certainly do not. We would lead long, desolate lives, forever haunted by the spectre of potential happiness. To be candid, I would rather be dead. However, I shall be fair. If it is truly your desire to be rid of me and not give this a chance, then say it. You have my word that I will not attempt to hinder you. You may leave, and I will ensure your safe return to your father or wherever it is you wish to go."

She stood before him, once so determined and sure of her convictions, now her bravado had diminished.

"Give this a chance," she said, perplexed. "You poor delusional man, you have done anything but give this a chance. You have vacillated between hot and cold toward me ever since we have met. You cannot abide me, Leo, and to think I am foolish enough to believe otherwise is insulting. I shall not shatter our connection, for selfishness tethers us both. However, I must insist we live separate lives henceforth."

His expression shifted, revealing a spark of passion. "Such matters cannot be dictated by mere separation," he asserted, his gaze drawing her in as though a magnetic force compelled them. "We shall be drawn together. There exists a profound need... a consuming desire." His eyes settled upon her lips, igniting a warmth within her very core.

The way he regarded her ignited a blush that spread like a rosy undertone upon her cheeks. "You speak truly, forgive me," he murmured, stepping closer. "I wished to be candid, yet I have not shown you the respect you duly deserve. I yearn to unravel this bond we share—not solely driven by the pull of fate but by the allure you embody. Never have I encountered a woman so captivating as you." His fingers, gentle yet daring, grazed her cheek as he curled a lock of her hair around his finger, leaving her breathless.

A charged sensation coursed through her as she closed her eyes, drawn into the moment. "Pray, do not," she whispered.

"Do not what?" he queried, his hand finding its place at the small of her back, pulling her into the warmth of his embrace. He brushed his cheek against hers, sending waves of longing through her.

She emitted a soft sound, caught between pleasure and hesitation. "What did I tell you about that?" He reminded her. He pressed his lips gently against her neck, igniting a fire that threatened to unravel her composure.