Caught in a mess

CAUGHT IN A WEB.

Zora stood in the dimly lit study, her breath uneven as Lucas leaned casually against the desk, his dark eyes fixed on her with a predatory intensity. The air between them crackled, heavy with unsaid words and dangerous possibilities.

"I shouldn't even be here," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Lucas smirked, pushing off the desk to close the distance between them. His towering frame loomed over her, the heat of his body invading her senses. "And yet, here you are."

She tried to take a step back, but her back hit the bookshelf, leaving her nowhere to go. Lucas placed a hand beside her head, trapping her with ease. His other hand brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering on her cheek.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Zora," he murmured, his voice low and rough, sending shivers racing down her spine.

"I'm not playing anything," she shot back, though her voice lacked conviction.

Lucas's lips curved into a slow, devastating smile. "Oh, but you are. You think you can defy me with those fiery little looks, that sharp tongue of yours, and walk away unscathed?"

His hand slid to her jaw, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Let me make one thing clear, my brother may think he has a claim on you, but I'll burn the world down before I let anyone else have what's mine."

Her heart pounded in her chest, a war raging within her. She should push him away, scream, do anything to break free from the spell he was weaving. But as his thumb traced the line of her lower lip, all rational thought fled.

"You can't—" Her protest died as Lucas leaned in, his mouth brushing against hers in a teasing caress.

"Can't what?" he whispered against her lips. "Kiss you? Touch you? Make you mine?"

Before she could respond, his lips crushed against hers. It wasn't a gentle kiss; it was raw, consuming, and unapologetic. His hands slid down to grip her hips, pulling her against him, as if he needed her to feel every inch of his need for her.

Zora's hands fisted in his shirt, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away. The kiss was fire and fury, a battle for control she was destined to lose.

When he finally pulled back, they were both breathing hard, their foreheads pressed together. His dark eyes burned into hers, leaving no doubt about the intensity of his desire.

"You're mine," he said, his voice softer now, but no less resolute. "You've been mine since the moment I saw you."

His hand tightened on her waist, his knuckles brushing the small of her back as his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "And every time I see my brother touch you, put his lips on you, I feel like killing him. Do you understand me, Zora? I want to rip him apart for even thinking he could have you."

Her breath hitched at the raw confession, her body trembling against him. His words should have terrified her, but instead, they ignited something deep within her—a dangerous thrill that only Lucas could bring.

"You're mad," she whispered, her voice a mixture of disbelief and desire.

"I'm mad for you," he shot back, his lips brushing against her ear. "You make me this way, Zora. I can't think straight when it comes to you, and I sure as hell won't share you. Not with him, not with anyone."

His mouth found hers again, more demanding this time, as if he needed to prove the depth of his claim. She melted into him, her hands tangling in his hair as she gave herself over to the storm he unleashed.

When they finally broke apart, his forehead rested against hers, his breath ragged.

"Tell me to stop," he demanded, his voice rough, though the challenge in his tone made it clear he didn't expect her to. "Tell me to leave, and I will. Tell me you don't want this, and I'll walk away."

Zora swallowed hard, her lips tingling from his kiss. "I can't."

A victorious smirk spread across Lucas's face as his hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him. "Good," he murmured before claiming her lips again, this time with even more fervor.