Katya isn’t what I was expecting tonight, but she’s without a doubt what I want and need.
Craving air, I slow my lips as they dance over hers and then painfully pull back.
We stare at each other breathlessly.
Without thinking about what I’m doing, I move my thumb across her lips.
“Do you want me to stop?” I ask.
For a moment, I think she’s going to say yes, which would gut me.
Instead, she pulls my lips back to hers and plunges her tongue into my mouth, devouring me, sucking all the air from my lungs. I dig my fingertips into her waist, grinding my hips into hers, igniting the desire between us. I lift her with ease as she wraps her legs around me and rubs against me boldly. Katya’s hands fall on my shoulders, and her thighs tighten as I move my lips to her neck. My teeth nip and bite at her soft skin, my tongue following to soothe the hurt.
I pin her securely to the wall while she unbuttons my shirt and takes me in. Rushed, she pushes the black material over my shoulders and down my arms until it falls to the floor, all but forgotten. Her eyes widen at the sight of my muscular shoulders and hard abs.
But Katya is more fascinated with the colorful ink that is all over my chest, shoulders, stomach, back, arms, neck, and fingers. My body is a canvas of memories and meaningful creations. She trails her fingers over the tattoos. They pull her in like a moth to a flame.
“These are . . . beautiful,” she blows out. “You’re beautiful, Dragneel.”
Her eyes meet mine, her aura exuding strength and truth.
I’ve always laughed when others said souls recognize each other.
For once, I might believe it. Because mine seems to recognize hers.
With one hand, I pull down the side of her dress that hangs off her shoulder, tug down her bra, and take her bare breast into my mouth while sliding my other hand underneath the hem, between her legs. When my fingers run over her clit and wet lips, I groan deep in my throat. She arches her back against the wall, thrusting her body into my mouth and hand, clutching my shoulders.
Reaching between us, she undoes the belt and button on my dress pants and shoves them down, along with my boxers. I lift her dress so she’s bare to me, and with a few quiet Latin words, a condom wrapper appears in my hand—sometimes being a wizard is fucking brilliant. I rip it open and roll it on before thrusting the full length of my cock into her with an animalistic growl.
I didn’t think it possible, but Katya becomes even wetter at my assault. She gasps and digs her nails into my shoulders as she struggles to spread herself around me. Cupping her ass in my hands, I lift her to give her a better angle and then lower her down onto my hard shaft.
“Fuck, Dragneel,” she pants against my lips, kissing me ferociously.
I hammer into her hard and fast as her back pushes against the cube’s wall, showing no mercy.
“You’re right,” she groans, closing her eyes. “About eternal magic.”
I still inside her, watching her. “What?” I pant, confused.
When her eyelids flutter open, and her gaze meets mine, I see it.
And I don’t fucking like it.
I thought that I wanted this, wanted her to tell me where the card is.
But I don’t. I just want her at this moment. Fuck everything else.
“Don’t,” I whisper and take her lips, sliding in and out of her body at a slower, calmer pace.
Savoring every inch, every breath.
Because when this sinful moment dissolves, we’ll both be left with regret.
And I still won’t have what I want.
Or will I?
Chapter Nine
Back To Reality
Katya
My orgasm is never-ending. I feel my body let go of every ounce of darkness and anger inside of it. I let him fuck it all away. And it disappears, releasing with our own waves of pleasure. My body slides roughly against the wall as he attacks my mouth with his. I’ve never been kissed like this before. Or felt so much want and need coming off of another being who just made me see stars.
I sigh against his mouth, ending the kiss, but he doesn’t stop.
He kisses down my neck, alternating between biting and kissing—it’s like he can’t stop.
“Dragneel,” I whisper, and he stills.
Our eyes meet again.
His chest heaves. “You okay?”
I nod. “I just need to breathe.”
Our foreheads touch, and with one hand, he pushes some of my hair back.
I shiver at the intimate touch.
If he keeps this up, I might not survive my time with him.
He sets me on my feet and exhales. Quickly getting dressed, he says, “I’ll get us something to drink. Be back.”
Without a backward glance, he walks out of the room.
I slowly sink to the floor. What the fuck am I doing? I can’t tell the difference between my attraction for him and my need for someone to just accept me. I don’t know what’s real.
Someone pokes her head in and asks if I’m still doing readings.
Quickly, I pull myself together and nod. “Yeah, sorry. Just give me one second.”
I grab my bag and freshen up as best I can, looking at my own reflection in the tiny pocket mirror. Three hours, and I was already doubting myself because of a stupid kiss?
Because of sex?
Or is it Dragneel?
“Ready?” the same girl asks, and I nod, motioning to the couch.
“Let’s see what fate has in store for you, shall we?”
A short time later, I take in the night sky from the rooftop and just breathe. I promised myself I wouldn’t get distracted tonight, and look how that worked out for me. When the high priestess saved me, I swore to help others. Even with the darkness of blood magic running through my veins. It’s why, as a card mage, I not only read but twist fates in the seeker’s favor. To help them.
The low hum of laughter and chatter swirls around me.
The Ball is almost over.
Dragneel has yet to find the card on his own. The night will soon be coming to an end.
I was prepared to tell him where it was, to end this stupid game of cat and mouse, and yet, he stopped me. Frowning, I allow my eyes to slide closed. I don’t feel like a proper eternal magic guardian at all. How long am I going to punish myself for my misguided mistake? Until my last breath?
The cool night breeze brings a strong masculine scent with it. One that assaults my senses. It’s him. I have no idea why, but my nerves are set on fire every time he comes near me. Damn him for making me question who I am and why he has this hold on me. After our wallbang, I ended up reading more fates for the ball’s guests. Now, here we are again. Doing this awkward dance that we’ve been doing all evening—an evening that is going to be over soon.
As will we.
Something thick lodges in my throat.
It’s been a long time since I have felt this way.
I take in a ragged breath when I feel Dragneel’s fingertips brush my hair to one side. His touch fills me with desire and something else that is scary and impossible. His fingers leave my back, and I feel his warm lips press against my exposed shoulder. It’s too much. My heart feels like it’s going to burst as my pulse quickens. Turning, I face him and place a hand on his cheek. He turns his head, brushing his lips against my palm. The intimate gesture causes my expression to soften and my stomach to flutter uncontrollably. Why him? Why tonight?