“That was one hundred percent my intention.”
She laughs, the soft sound rushing through me, reminding me of the beatific melody.
“You were incredible.” My abrupt compliment shocks her. Her eyes widen before shifting into something more curious.
I take my chance, moving closer.
“The way you dominated that room.”—and us—“The way you commanded our attention. We hung upon your every word, every glance.” I take another step, holding her gaze. “You knew exactly what you were doing, and it was... intoxicating.”
Her lips part, as if she’s about to speak, but instead, she tilts her head up and studies me intensely.
Then she smiles—slowly, and it’s devastating. “And for a man who once told me he needed control, how did it feel to have it taken?”
“Enlightening.” I allow the barest hint of a smile.
Her eyes flare with interest, just like I wanted. “Enlightening, how?”
I lean in closer, and she doesn’t retreat. “It reminded me how power doesn’t always come from being in control. Sometimes… it’s in knowing exactly when to let go. Knowing when to surrender.”
Her lips twitch, as though suppressing a smile, but her eyes remain locked on mine, sharp and inquisitive. “Is that what you want me to do, Ezekial? Surrender?”
What. A. Question.
Hearing my name and the word ‘surrender’ from her lips, with that burning gaze.
My darkness rumbles.
“Only when you choose to.” I pause, letting the tension simmer as her once unflinching gaze flickers.
I could touch her now. It would be so easy. I could show her what surrender really feels like.
But I’m pulled from my spiralling thoughts when she turns away, her vibrant curls flashing as she walks to Kacey’s door.
I close my eyes and inhale, calm my inner beast, flex the hand that had begun to rise.
She makes me feel so out of control. It’s dangerous… but also so thrilling.
I follow behind, tracking every movement like a starving predator. My eyes fix on her heeled steps, the backs of her smooth calves, that ridiculous skirt.
Inhale. Breathe. Remember what Julien taught you. I control the darkness. I—
“Could I offer you somefriendlyadvice?” I blurt, forcing my voice to stay light, even as that sliver of milky thigh against the dark, tight, tiny fabric drives me feral.
Jasmine stops but keeps her back to me. My darkness pulses at the refusal, and my eyes drop back to that soft, teasing, exposed skin.
“Of course,friend,” she replies in a mockingly sweet voice, still facing the door.
Thank fuck she can’t see me. My lips curl into a vicious snarl at that endearment.
Friend.
We’re so much more than that.
She is everything—the sun and moon, the dark and light, all things in between.Ana mea.
“I wouldn’t wear that skirt again.” She hasn’t moved, but her shoulders tense. I edge closer, lowering my voice. “Unless you want to test our friendship.”
In a slow, calculated movement that only makes her skirt ridehigher, she finally turns to face me. Her gaze is wide, utterly doe-like, her hand hovering over parted lips in a perfect imitation of shock.
