Page 63 of Seduce Me in Shadow

Twenty-Nine

Sydney’s breathing picks up speed. “Why do you want me?”

“I think of you. Constantly. For once in my life, I’m not in control. I shouldn’t do this. I know that. Yet I can’t stop.”

That’s the complete truth.

“I think of you, too.”

My heart twists. “I never meant to hurt you. I wanted to help my brother, but then I got caught up in you. I’m sorry I wasn’t always honest. But I can’t tell you I don’t want you. That would be the biggest lie of all.”

Sydney presses her lips together. Her expression says she’s staving off tears. “I’ve never had serious feelings for any man. In the blink of an eye, you’ve changed everything. Letting you leave here Tuesday morning was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, but I refused to fight for something you didn’t want. Now you’re back. What’s changed?”

Even in matters of the heart, she whittles away the crap and asks the tough questions.

How the bloody hell do I answer?

I’ve had more dreams of Sydney. My magical instincts and admiration keep growing stronger, as does the fucking ache inmy chest for her. “What I feel is too strong to ignore. I tried, but I’m helpless.”

I edge closer until she fits under my arm, and I lose myself in her heat and her scent. My energy, which has flagged all day, shoots up. Unfortunately, so does my need.

“I can’t fight it, either.” Her breath hitches on a sob.

“You’re smart, sexy, ambitious, tough, compassionate…and brutally honest. I adore you for it.” I’m an instant from losing all self-control and pressing my lips to the red paradise of hers. “But I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You will, if you spend the night and leave again come morning.”

“I’m not sure I can. My connection to you is stronger than my will.”

God, if I’m going to confess that, why not just kiss her? Issue the Call that’s instinctually bred down into every wizard’s bones and be done? I’ve never known or paid attention to the words of the Call until meeting Sydney. Now, they slide through my head with frightening regularity.

Because it could well mean her death.

“You truly want me?” Her voice trembles.

“I don’t think I could leave, even if you tossed me out.”

“Kiss me.”

Yes. God, yes. This is happening. It’s going to be transformative. Life changing.

Perfect.

I’m not thinking consequences as I lean closer—a breath away from the swollen temptation of her lips.

My mobile phone rings. Cursing, I tear free from Sydney and glance at the screen. Duke.

Damn it all.

“Don’t answer that,” Sydney begs.

Desire darkens her eyes. My body tightens, and my cock jerks in response. Fuck, she deserves better than me. But if I go through with Bram’s scheme, she’ll likely never speak to me again. And the knowledge is killing me.

Tonight is all we have.

At least she’ll be safe…

Yes, and likely miserable, too.

---