Page 35 of Darkest Deception

She looks… precious.

Delicate.

I would have never used these words to describe Ambrose, who is usually all harsh lines, scowls, and a bitter tongue.

I take a step forward, my combat boots thumping on the wooden flooring. She takes one back.

“Why are you here?” There is a tremor in her voice as her eyes flick all around, possibly to find an escape, or maybe a weapon.

“I’ve caught you now, little sin.” My voice is the same, and I fear she may know who I am, but when fear takes over people, they are usually unable to think rationally.

“What do you mean? Stop. Why are you walking towards me?” She takes one more step back and slams against her bedroom door, her hand frantically feeling around for the doorknob.

“The minute you exit through that door, I will catch you. What follows after that may not be as nice.” I tilt my head, and a small frown turns her lips down.

“Tell me, little sin, have you ever thought of me?” The words slip out. My mind always takes a different turn when I’m around her.

“N-No. Did they send you? Why are you here?” She bites her lip, and her arms wrap around her chest as if she’s trying to guard herself from me.

Is she expecting someone else? I haven’t given her much to work with.

“Hm, how should I answer that question?”

I advance towards her, my footsteps like the tick of a clock. Her breaths come in short pants. Soon there is just one metre left between us.

She stands up straighter, jutting her chin out, and snaps, “I’m not scared of you, if that is your aim. For months, you’ve haunted me and my nightmares. How dare you just waltz in here as if it’s your given right?”

I lift a brow at her standing up to me. Her strength is unmatched, and something a lot like pride blooms in my chest.

I close the distance between us and press her against the door, caging her in with my arms on either side of her face. I lean down, thankful for the balaclava that covers my face. I could wear contacts, but I don’t really care if she finds out.

“Is that so?” I murmur, leaning my face forward.

The thrill of the unknown between us has me craving a taste of her. I want to press my lips to hers. To steal a kiss as a secret between us, but she won’t know it’s me.

So I restrain myself.

I let my eyes wander down her body, and my fingers skim up her thighs. She clamps them shut. I look at her. There is revulsion within those fierce eyes and yet something is brimming on the edge of it. Her eyes are drowning in fear mixed with … something dirty.

“Yes. I know they sent you to make my life hell, but I’m already living with the consequences of my actions. If you have been watching me, surely you would know that.” The honesty in her voice stops me.

Who are they? And why does she keep referring to them?

Is someone after her for what she has done?

I don’t answer her question, wanting to see if she’ll keep talking, but she doesn’t utter anything else.

“I shouldn’t be touching you like this, little sin. In fact, I should be staying outside, but I can’t help but want to know if your daydreams ever have me touching you… like this…”

She frowns, but when she rubs her thighs together, and my interest spikes.

“No. Never. Get out. Right now, or I will shout for security.”

Her threats don’t scare me.

“Oh? But I told you to stay put. I don’t want to resort to any harsher methods. I only want to touch you, to feel this porcelain skin that glows under the moonlight, to look at you from a step closer.”

During the day, Ambrose would never let me. She would push me, hit me, and even bite to get away from my touch, but there is a vulnerability in her eyes right now. She thinks I was sent by someone.

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