"When you're writhing beneath me, begging for more," Magnus whispered, his lips close enough that his breath ghosted over my skin, "You'll call me whatever I tell you to. And trust me, you'lllikeit."
Heat flushed through me, shame and desire colliding in a dizzying rush.
He tipped my chin up with two fingers, forcing me to meet his eyes. "But don't mistake me for Leighton. He might coax you into obedience with charm and promises of reward." His smirk deepened. "I break disobedience. I take it and turn it into devotion. You'll learn the difference soon enough."
And then he picked up my cold tray, and walked to the door. "Chloe will be bringing you a fresh meal. I'll expect your plate to be emptied or I'll be forced to bring you to hand."
With those parting words, he left.
So much for giving me space.
Chapter Nine
The library was quiet, a soft stillness that pressed against my skin. Shelves stretched floor to ceiling, dust motes dancing lazily in the morning light. I'd slipped in to lose myself amongst the books, to breathe without eyes on me.
Except, of course, it seemed they would always find me.
"Well, well," Magnus's deep voice rumbled from the doorway. "Look who's finally decided to join the land of the living."
I stiffened, the book in my hands suddenly heavy. When I looked up, Magnus was leaning casually against the frame, dark eyes glittering, while Leighton stepped in behind him, his smile far too bright for the sting of nerves coursing through me.
"Lisa," Leighton greeted warmly, as though nothing in the world could please him more than finding me here. "We've been patient, haven't we, Mag? Left you to your own devices. All your meals were sent to your room."
"Painfully patient," Magnus agreed with a smirk, prowling forward. "But enough's enough, I think. It's time to talk, little filly."
My pulse jumped. "And if I say I don't want to talk?" I shot back, hating the way my voice wavered.
Magnus's brow lifted, slow and predatory. "Then I'll enjoy coaxing you into wanting to talk."
Leighton chuckled low, stepping closer to my other side. "Darling, don't look so cornered. We've given you space, yes. But you can't hide forever. Not from us." He tucked a stray curl of hair behind my ear before tipping my chin up, forcing me to look at him. "My sweet girl, you've been hiding for days, and as much as I want to indulge you some more, we do need to come to some kind of decision, because you're a single woman, living in a house with two unattached men. We need to get on with wedding plans and your introduction to society out here."
I set the book down with shaking fingers, ignoring the mention of me, a single woman being alone with two men. There were servants, after all. Instead I focused on the most important part. "I don't know if I can agree to this. To... whatever this is supposed to be."
Leighton tilted his head, curiosity softening his scarred features. "Why not, love?"
I swallowed, forcing the words out. "Because you already know it works for you. You've done this before. I haven't. I know nothing except—" My cheeks flamed. "Except a few stolen kisses."
Silence stretched. Magnus's expression darkened, filled with a heavy hunger. "Then we'll show you," he said, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
"No!" The word tore out before I could stop it. "Don't you understand? If I let you... If I let either of you... Then I'll be compromised. Should I wish to leave here, no other husband would have me."
Leighton's smile curved, maddeningly charming. "Ah, but you're forgetting one small detail, love."
"What?" My voice was thin, shaky.
"That you alreadyhavea fiancé," he murmured, brushing his knuckles down my cheek. "Me. And by extension..." His eyes flicked toward Magnus.
"...me," Magnus finished, stepping closer until I could feel his heat hovering over me. He took my hand and pulled me from my seat to stand between their two hard bodies.
My breath came shallow, trapped between them. "That's not... That's not how it works."
"Oh, sweet girl, it works howeverwesay it does," Leighton teased, amusement sparking in his voice.
I tilted my chin up, trying to muster some shred of defiance. "Isay, it can't work that way."
Magnus gave a dark laugh. "And yet here you are. Cornered between us, cheeks flushed, breathing like you're about to beg us to kiss you again."
"I’m not begging," I snapped, though my body betrayed me, leaning toward him without a thought.
