Page 30 of Cursed By the Love Witch

Now that he’s tasted her, he’s never letting her go.

14

DARCEE

In all honesty, I hadn’t meant to kiss him.

At least not this soon. A stolen kiss here or there a few days from now would’ve been enough. Something chaste before the potion was out of his system. It would make the situation awkward enough for Bael never to bring it up again, and I could graduate in peace.

Instead, I crawled into his lap and am now trying to eat him alive. The kiss is not as chaste as I planned it to be. The first brushing of his lips against mine had set me on fire. The High Warlock tastes of mint and spice. His smell wraps around me like an embrace. My hands slide from his cheek to tunnel into the silk strands of his dark hair. The kiss breaks for a moment to allow me to breathe, and then our lips are together again.

Low growls and groans slip between his teeth. I gasp as his hands dig into my back, locking me to him. Bael wastes no time in slipping his tongue into my mouth. I moan against it, loving the silky feel as ours tangle together.

It is his fault, really. He just had to be so handsome. His commanding voice had worked me into a state. He had been patient and compassionate with me, which snapped myrestraint. I had to taste him—if only this once. It’s been a long time since I’ve been kissed, and all of that need is rolling through me, focused singularly on him.

Surprisingly, Bael doesn’t kiss with any real finesse of a practiced lover. His mouth is hungry against mine, but there is no teasing or playing. His kisses are earnest, and that causes more arousal to rush through me. His wandering hands are just as thoughtful as they use my hips to work against him.

His seeking hardness is rampant between my spread thighs. He growls against me, his head falling back against the chair. I writhe on him again and moan at the delicious friction. Hands skim up my back before tangling in my hair. He pulls me to him with a gentle tug, and we resume kissing.

I teach him exactly what I like. The frenzy of our kiss slows as his tongue works with mine before retreating. His mouth drifts lower to kiss down my neck, biting and sucking as he goes. One hand remains in my hair, but the other travels to my backside. Warm fingers fall to the back of my thighs and inch up my bare skin.

“Bael,” I sigh, his fingers dangerously close to the one place I need him but can’t allow him.

I don’t stop him, though, wicked thing that I am. They skim up my leg and under my skirt. Bael sighs against my neck, his warm breath tickling me.

“I can feel just how much you’re enjoying this,” he purrs.

My vision goes blurry as his finger slips under the silk strap of my panties along my hip. Our mouths reunite in a clash of tongues and teeth. My own hands move, seeking their forbidden treasure. I skim them down his chest as he licks along my jaw. His head nuzzles under my chin, and his lips press between my breasts.

Not to be outdone, my hands find the waistband of his pants. This is wrong, but I can’t help myself. The desire is pouring offhim in waves. My fingers barely creep below the top of his pants when his hand wraps around mine.

Through heavy-lidded eyes and ragged breath, I watch him shake his head—only once. His breathing is labored as we stay tangled together. His hand slides out from under my clothes and rests firmly on my hip, slowing my movements.

“Not yet,” he rasps.

I can’t hide my pout. In these situations, I’m used to getting my way. Bael chuckles darkly before laying another kiss on me.

“As I said before, little witch, I do not want to rush things between us. There is still much I have planned to woo you.”

My lips twitch.

“I do so like to be wooed,” I say softly, resting my forehead against his.

His smile is brilliant, and I know I’m the only person who’s ever seen it—all because of a lie. The truth of our relationship slams into me. With the frenzy of the kiss cooling, the reality of the situation looms between us. I slide off his lap and tug my clothes back into place.

Goddess, what is wrong with me? Have I no care? Can't I show an ounce of control for even a moment? With this level of encouragement, the potion's effects will only linger. They could intensify if I’m not careful.

At this moment, I make a silent pack. Once Bael has helped me retake all my tests, I will make him an antidote. If the potion has not begun to wane, I will end this by graduation.

I slip on my cloak while Bael picks up my bag, and we exit into the main room. My face heats at the look of his swollen lips. Mine feel just as tender, and I’m sure my hair is in a state. I need to get a better handle on my feelings, if not for him than for myself. Even though it shouldn’t have happened, I can’t regret my kiss with Bael. It was the best one I’ve ever had.

Outside in the main room, the sun is nearly set. Streaks of gold and pink decorate the desolate classroom. In the evenings, the castle is comfortingly still.

“Would you like me to walk you back to your dorm?” Bael asks.

I smile up at him but shake my head. Taking my bag from him, I toss it over my shoulder.

“We’re supposed to be discreet, remember?”

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