The devil on my shoulder whispered in my ear, spurring me to make even bolder, more shameless advances.
Magnus Roland's dark eyes burned with barely restrained desire, the pupils dilating until only a thin ring of color remained. His entire body trembled violently, a raw, guttural groan tearing from his throat.
His calloused hands slid down my back, fingers tightening just enough to send a shiver through me. With one sharp tug, buttons flew in every direction, leaving me exposed before him.
His voice was rough, strainedlike he was fighting for control. "Emily... you need to go. Now. I won't be able to stop myself if you stay."
Why should he stop? I'd dreamed of this moment for years. Finally, I could have all of him.
My hands shook as I dropped to my knees, fingers fumbling with his belt buckle
Then, in an instant, everything shattered.
Magnus shoved me back, his hands flying to his head, veins bulging along his temples. He looked wild, desperateterrifying.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
He slammed his skull against the wall, each impact like a hammer to my heart.
"Uncle, please," I begged, my voice breaking. "I want this. I want you."
"I'm too old for you!" he roared. "This is wrong. You deserve bettersomeone who can give you everything I can't!"
Before I could argue, he stormed into the bathroom. The shower roared to life, drowning out his ragged, tormented cries.
I stood there, frozen, the weight of rejection crushing my chest.
Why?
Numb, I stumbled outside, collapsing near the village fields. Villagers cast worried glances my way, but I couldn't speak. Couldn't think.
Had I really meant nothing to him? Even after everythingeven after slipping that potent aphrodisiac into his drink?
Tears burned down my cheeks as I sobbed, my whole body shaking.
Then a shadow fell over me.
Vincent Dimuccishort, round, and grinning like a foxstood there, his beady eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Rough day, Emily?" he crooned. "Magnus and I go way back. Maybe I can... help smooth things over."
I didn't care how. I was desperate. Obsession had hollowed me outI'd cling to any lifeline.
I followed him home, where he poured me wine and piled my plate with food.
"Let's be honest," he said, leaning in. "I'm the village fixer. Got a problem? I solve it."
So I told him everything.
Vincent whistled low. "Damn. Never pegged Magnus for the type. Never seen him with a womanmaybe he swings the other way, huh?" He smirked. "But if you really wanna test a man's heart? Make him jealous. Works every time."
Then his thick arms wrapped around me, pulling me close.