Ethereal: Trials of the Damned (On Hold!)

Chapter Five: Raw Attraction

It was undeniable.

She was drawn to him like a magnet. That was the only way she could explain the stream of emotions passing through her body, the physical urges riling within. Immediately, her breaths grew deeper, her chest heaved with titillation, and her stomach fluttered with a swarm of butterflies. She found herself weak in the knees, light-headed from unknown anticipation.

Eira had heard of love at first sight.

The man stood in the middle of the court. His olive skin glistened underneath the moonlit sky, and his eyes twinkled with mischievous laughter as he stared at her. It took a few seconds but when her tongue felt dry, she realized her mouth had been hanging open. Quickly, she brought her lips back together, tearing her eyes away from his gaze, as heat rushed to her cheeks.

She heard his approaching footsteps.

Eira slowly turned her head back to face him. He stood about five inches taller, his shadow towering over her. She felt her breath hitch the moment he invaded her personal space.

"Hello," he said. The baritone of his voice reverberated through her bones. She nearly melted as the sound hit her ears. His undertone was deep, powerful–bewitching.

"Hi." Her response came out softer than a whisper. He flashed his teeth, revealing a crooked smile.

There was a cockiness about him. Normally, it would have put her off, but on him, it was beguiling. She found herself being drawn to him, and she couldn't explain it.

He wasn't the most attractive man she had ever seen. His jet-black hair was fringed, short, slicked at the front, revealing a widow's peak. His face was long, with small, piercing eyes and untamed brows. Then why was it that just his gaze aroused her more than another's physical touch ever could?

There was a chemistry between them she couldn't define. A spark she couldn't understand. Though, Eira was certain about one thing. He was nothing like the man she'd dreamt about. Nothing about him felt safe.

But she couldn't look away.

This wasn't love at first sight. No. This was attraction in its rawest form.

His steely eyes bore into hers as he asked, "Would you like to try again?"

Unable to form coherent words, she tentatively nodded. Instantly, he reached behind his back and pulled out another basketball.

Eira stood stumped.

He grinned at her, as though reading her thoughts. "Magic."

That made her smile. "Right."

Before long, his hand was on her hip. He gently nudged her around, guiding her back toward the basket. He held the ball to her chest and leaned in. She felt his warm breath on her neck. "Ready?"

He didn't wait for her to answer. Instead, he took his hand and cupped it over hers. She almost jumped upon contact. The electricity from his touch moved through her veins, shaking her from the core. Her body shuddered in response, as goosebumps traveled up her arms and down her back.

She didn't need to see his face to know he was smirking. She could feel it.

Eira held her breath, tightly pressing her lips together as he placed her hand on the ball and took aim.

"Close your eyes," he said. "And take a breath."

Eira bit her lip, closing her eyes.

"Breathe," he repeated.

She inhaled the air surrounding her. It was tainted by his musky scent of leather, laced with hints of sandalwood. A sudden rush passed through her body, and she found it difficult to breathe in his close proximity.