Page 59 of Dark Awakening

He clears his throat, seemingly trying to break the flirty spell between us. “So—" he lounges comfortably at the bar, oozing undeniable sex appeal. “What did Mr. Blackwood have to say?”

Like always, he watches me, and I can’t help but be drawn to him. I should be running away from him and his possessive nature, but something inside me won’t let me. I’m enticed by this sick, twisted game we are playing, and I crave to see where it will take us.

I reply, knowing this would make him either envious or angry. “He told me he couldn’t keep his gaze away from me, that I smelled divine, and that he wanted to get to know me better.”

Rhyland’s eyes spark with furious lust, and he growls, “That fucker had good taste. His obsession with you ends now. You are unbelievably gorgeous, and your smell? Fucking divine. I could devour it for days.” He stands and then leans into me, and I feel his hot breath on my neck as he inhales me deeply like a fine wine, pushing me over the edge of sanity.

I release a deep moan, my body heated and trembling with desire. His passionate words rumble through me like thunder, and I quiver in delight. Every syllable he speaks seems to run over my skin like molten lava, igniting every nerve in my body.

I purr seductively, “Tell me, what do I smell like?”

Rhyland locks his arms around my waist and pulls me tight against his chest. Sitting back down, he nestles me between his legs, my back to his chiseled chest.

His lips brush against my earlobe as he murmurs, “You smell like cotton candy. Like the sweetest nectar of a forbidden fruit. Like a siren song come to life.”

My breath hitches as his lips ghost my flesh. “Keep making those sounds, Angel, and I will act on my words.”

The muted sounds of the orchestra and swirling dancers fade into the background as I am nearly sitting in his lap. The flickering glow casts shifting shadows over his chiseled features as he leans in close, the heat of his ragged breath caressing my bare neck and shoulder exposed by the low-cut gown raise goosebumps, my logic clouded by dizzying desire. I know this reckless dare could bring either unimaginable rewards or devastating ruin. But I'm past the point of no return—this hypnotic man has awakened something wild within me that cannot be caged again.

"I dare you," I whisper heatedly. The charged air between us seems to hold its breath. Time slows. He quickly stands, then grasps my hand, pulling me urgently away as my heart slams against my ribs. Confused exhilaration floods my veins.

I stumble alongside his long stride, lungs burning, unable to grasp what comes next. Where is he taking me, and what does he plan to do? The muted music fades entirely as he leads me down the candlelit marble hallway. My unease grows with each turn, the shadows deepening. I strain to hear the party's hum, but only silence rings.

I'm still unsure where he is taking me, and the longer we walk, the more apprehensive and out of place I feel. It seems like he's been in this mansion before, yet I am entirely lost among the endless rows of doors. Everywhere around us is quiet, almost like we are in our own world.

I don't recognize anything in this sprawling manor. Each grand hallway looks the same. The deeper we go, the more disoriented I become. He navigates with confidence while I struggle to retain any sense of direction. My heart hammers wildly. But relentlessly, he pulls me deeper, farther from the gilded ballroom with its glittering illusion of civilization. I shiver but cannot make myself turn back now. Step by tentative step, I follow, knowing I am leaving security behind with each clicking footfall.

My pulse races wildly as Rhyland's hand searches the shadowy wall until I hear the distinct slide of a hidden latch. He pulls the concealed door open with a mischievous grin.

Once inside, he pushes me against it firmly. I gasp as the impact reverberates through me, pinned there by the delicious pressure of his tall frame. Our eyes lock, and my knees weaken.

Rhyland leans closer until the heat of his breath tantalizes my lips. "You shouldn't dare me, Angel," he murmurs silkily. "Want me to show you what I'd do?"

His words wash over me. My eyelids flutter closed, any shred of resistance crumbling. "Yes...please," I sigh.

At my acquiescence, liquid desire pools hotly within me. My body arches toward him involuntarily.

His lips collide with mine in passionate hunger, and I moan shamelessly into his mouth as he consumes it. He grabs a fistful of my hair, causing me to gasp as the tattoo-like needles of pleasure course down my spine. His grip tightens and yanks me closer as our tongues hungrily dance together. My hands eagerly trail up his neck, taking hold of his inky black hair and tugging it deliciously. He tastes like heaven. All male, strong, and utterly delicious.

He roughly grabs my waist and savagely pulls me into him. I moan as his tongue slips between my lips, enticing me with its warmth.

Nipping at my bottom lip, he whispers, “I fucking missed you, Angel.” against my mouth. I grab the lapels of his suit and tug him closer.

God, I missed him, too.

His hand slides in from the slit of my dress, cupping my bare ass beneath the fabric. He groans in pleasure as his palm squeezes. He hungrily presses his lengthy cock into my belly, letting me feel how aroused he is. I gasp, and it is swallowed eagerly by his hungry mouth. I take full advantage of our passionate connection. Trying to deny this man is a war I cannot win.

Instantly, he swoops me up and spins us around until I’m on a nearby desk. Our mouths crash together in a wild frenzy as our need for each other intensifies. His lips blaze down my neck, his hot breath making me shiver. My fingers tangle in his hair, its silkiness contrasting with the rough stubble on his cheek. I gasp as he nips my ear, my back arching reflexively. The desk's hard edge digs into my legs, but all I can focus on is his warmth, his scintillating touch. His raw masculinity intoxicates me, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. I am lost at this moment, every nerve electric with longing.

I yearn for him. Have I become so foolishly obsessed?

His very presence has wholly overtaken me. My sanity slips away, and I have no idea how to process these emotions.

His touch has left me aching with desperate longing.

Am I too far gone?

Rhyland

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