Page 8 of Valentine's with the Cartel

I smirked at my own joke, amused by the way Anan's eyes widened at my boldness. He never expected me to say something like that. Silly him. He should know better by now.

He clearly wasn't used to such direct flirtation, especially not from a man he had only just met.

He swallowed hard, his tongue darting out to wet his suddenly dry lips. It was an unconscious gesture that drew my attention to his mouth, making me wonder what he would taste like. I wanted to find out. And maybe I would now instead of waiting for the ceremony.

"I... I just don't think this is appropriate," he stammered, but there was no real conviction behind the words. He was torn between propriety and the undeniable attraction sparking between us. "We hardly know each other."

I chuckled softly, releasing his chin only to trail my fingers down the side of his neck in a feather-light caress. "And whose fault is that?" I asked, my voice husky with barely restrained desire. "You can't blame me for wanting to get to know you better, in every way possible."

Anan shivered at my touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment before opening again to meet mine with a newfound intensity.

"Rafael... this is too much. You're taking advantage of the situation." He sounded breathless, and I could feel the heat radiating off his body in waves. He was as affected by this as I was.

I paused, my hand stilling on his neck as I searched his face for any signs of real distress or unwillingness. But all I saw wasa deepening flush, pupils blown wide with want. He wanted me, even if he was too shy to say it outright.

"Am I?" I asked softly, my thumb brushing over his racing pulse. "Or are we both just too tempted to resist?"

I leaned in closer, my lips hovering a mere breath away from his as I waited for him to make the next move. The tension between us was palpable, a live wire of electricity crackling in the air.

Anan's chest rose and fell rapidly with each shallow breath, his gaze locked on mine as he seemed to war with himself. I could see the battle raging behind those grey eyes. He wanted me, but he knew I was too dangerous.

The intoxicating scent that clung to Anan's skin was a constant distraction, the sweetness of it mingling with something darker and more primal that made my blood heat in my veins. It was a scent that called to something deep inside me, a part of myself that I had long buried under layers of control and self-discipline.

As I inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance wash over my tongue, I couldn't help but think of Valentine's Day and the promise of romance and passion that the holiday embodied. It seemed fitting that this alluring omega would be mine on such a day, as if fate itself had conspired to bring us together at this moment in time.

The scent was changing subtly even as we stood there, growing richer and more complex with each passing second. I could almost taste the sweetness of his skin, feel the heat radiating from his body as he leaned into my touch.

It was an addictive experience, one that threatened to overwhelm my senses and make me lose sight of the bigger picture. But I forced myself to remain grounded, to keep one foot firmly planted in reality even as I let myself be swept away by the moment.

Chapter 5

Anan

How had I gotten myself into this mess? The irony wasn't lost on me as I stood there, my skin tingling with awareness under Rafael's touch. All my life I had dreamed of a fairytale romance, of being swept off my feet by a handsome prince who would cherish and protect me forever. I just never thought it would happen this way.

And now, here I was, on the cusp of marrying a man I barely knew, all because of a business arrangement and an aunt's selfish machinations. It was like something out of a tragic play, complete with the cruel twist of fate that had led me to this moment.

The absurdity of it all crashed over me in waves as Rafael continued to stare at me, his words still resonating in my ears. He wanted me, yes, but only because he thought he owned me now. I was just another prize to be claimed and conquered, like so many others before me. I was so sure of that nothing could change my mind.

And yet, even as my mind recoiled from the reality of our situation, my body betrayed me, arching into his touch with ayearning that made me want to weep with frustration. I couldn't help but respond to the sheer magnetism of him, the power and confidence that radiated from every pore. I lacked those things, and he had an abundant supply of them.

It was infuriating, really. I felt like a puppet on strings, dancing to the tune of a cruel puppeteer who cared nothing for my true desires or needs. Rafael might pretend that this was something special between us, but we both knew it was nothing more than a sham, a pretty facade masking the ugly truth.

And still, as much as I hated to admit it even to myself, there was a part of me that couldn't help but be drawn to him, to the promise in his eyes and the sensual curve of his smile. He was a siren's song, beautiful and deadly all at once, and I was perilously close to being dragged under by his charms.

I had to stay strong, to remember that I was more than just an obedient omega to be bred and broken to my alpha's will. I had dreams and aspirations of my own, a future that I refused to let be dictated by the whims of fate or the selfish desires of others.

But as Rafael leaned in closer, his lips hovering a mere breath away from mine, I couldn't help but wonder if I was already too far gone, if the pull of our connection was simply too strong to resist. And really, what would happen next? Would he kiss me now, right here and right now? What should I do? I didn't want that, but my body certainly wanted it. I felt torn in two. I wished this wasn't happening, but then again, I was still happy with it.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself as I gathered every ounce of courage I possessed. I didn't know if what I was going to do next was going to work.

With a sudden movement, I reached up to grasp Rafael's wrist, my fingers digging into his flesh with more strength than he probably expected from me.

Using that grip as leverage, I wrenched his hand away from my face and shoved him back a step, putting some much-needed distance between us. My heart was pounding in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I stared up at him defiantly.

"No," I said firmly, my voice shaking only slightly as I met his gaze head-on. "I won't let you do this. You may think you have the right to take whatever you want from me, but I'm not some helpless prize to be claimed. I have feelings and desires of my own."

Rafael blinked in surprise at my sudden show of assertiveness, a flicker of amusement crossing his features as he took in my flushed cheeks and heaving chest.

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