Page 13 of Golden Star

Victory.

But he recovers quickly, tilting his head as a slow, lazy smirk spreads across his lips.

“As you wish,” he murmurs, stepping closer, moving so slowly that it’s like he’s trying to tempt fate.

The closer he gets, the more tension coils in the pit of my stomach. His presence is overwhelming—cold and dangerous. But there’s also an undeniable magnetism tohim. Something that draws me in, despite every warning bell going off in my head that I should stay as far away as possible.

But I refuse to show any fear or weakness by taking it back.

He reaches out, his hand brushing a stray lock of my hair from my face, his fingers grazing my skin so lightly it feels like electricity.

“Are you sure about this?” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl.

“I wouldn’t have said yes if I wasn’t.” I lean in, keeping my voice steady, even though my heart’s trying to beat out of my chest.

He smirks again, and I can tell he’s enjoying making me squirm. “You might regret this,” he says, and I don’t have time to respond before his lips brush mine.

His hand cups the back of my neck, pulling me closer as he presses his body flush against mine. A shiver spreads through me, every nerve buzzing with energy.

This is nothing like kissing Matt. It’s more intense, more captivating, and moremagical.

I don’t ever want it to stop.

Then, I feel it. Something cold, physical, and alive brewing between us. Frost creeping along the line of my jaw, down my neck, and spiraling across my arms.

The kiss is no longer just a kiss. It’s a channel for something far more powerful.

“Riven—” I try to speak, but the words die in my throat as the icy tendrils slip across my body, cold and invasive. They wrap around my wrists and ankles, invisible chains binding me to him, threading through my veins like frozen fire.

I try to pull away, but it’s too late. The magic won’t let me.

The spell is taking hold, whether I like it or not.

Finally, he pulls back, but not far. His face is still close, our breaths mingling in the icy air between us as he gazes down at me, fierce and predatory.

I’m too breathless to speak. Too overwhelmed by the cold seeping through me, claiming me.

Likehe’sclaiming me.

“Ice magic,” he says softly. “That’s how the Winter Court seals its deals.”

The frost shimmers along my arms and wrists, fading as the magic settles. It’s inside of me now. A part of me. And while it doesn’t hurt, the sensation is strange, like I’m connected to something I can’t begin to understand.

“Is it done?” I finally bring myself to speak.

“Yes.” His eyes flicker with amusement, or triumph, or maybe even desire. “The magic will ensure you honor your promise. You’ll feel it if you try to break it.”

“Well, that’s ominous,” I say, suddenly feeling like an idiot for jumping into a fae deal without more information.

All I could think about was getting home.

Plus, none of this feels real. I wouldn’t be surprised if I woke up in the hospital soon. There’ll be a doctor hovering over me, telling me they found me in the middle of nowhere after I hit my head, and that they brought me in as fast as they could.

“Keep your promise, and you won’t have to worry about what happens if you try breaking the deal,” he says. “Although who knows… maybe I’ll stop by for another drink sometime.”

“Really?” My heart races at the thought, even though I hate it for doing so.

“You’re amusingly gullible.” He chuckles. “My business in Presque Isle is done.”

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