“You’re on the edge,” Leighton murmured. “I can see it all over your face. You’re trembling because your body wants to fall, but you won’t let it.”
Magnus bent closer, so close I could feel the heat of him even without his touch. “So let us take it from you.” His mouth curved into a dark smile. “Come for us. Now.”
The command struck me like lightning. Something inside me broke—shattered—and the coiled tension burst wide open. My cry filled the room as the wave of release crashed through me, my body clenching, shaking, spiraling out of control while my fingers kept moving just as they’d told me.
“Good girl,” Leighton’s voice threaded through the haze, tender but firm, as though he had been waiting for this exact moment. “That’s it. Don’t hold back. Let it all go.”
Magnus chuckled, deep and satisfied, standing over me like a predator who had claimed his prize. “Knew you could be taught.”
Tears prickled at my eyes from the sheer force of it, the unfamiliar intensity of pleasure that left me trembling, undone, unable to do anything but gasp for air.
When the shudders eased, I slumped back against the chair, utterly spent, my hand falling limply away. Shame, confusion, and something dangerously close to joy tangled inside me.
Leighton crouched down so I couldn’t avoid his gaze, his smile softer than I expected. “See? Nothing to fear. You’re not ruined. You’re just… learning.”
And Magnus, ever the wolf, leaned in close to murmur against my ear, his voice a dark promise that sent fresh shivers through me: “And you’ve only just begun, little girl.”
Chapter Twelve
I closed my door behind me with shaking hands, leaning back against the wood as if it alone could hold me upright. My skin still thrummed, sensitive in a way I'd never imagined possible. My lips were sore from biting them to keep back sounds I hadn't wanted to make, and between my thighs... Dear lord, help me, between my thighs, I ached, heavy and sweet. I was afraid that something inside me had awakened, and wouldn't be satisfied with going back to sleep again.
I'd touched myself.There. In front of them.
Because they told me to.
The shame hit hot, spreading like fire through my chest. No respectable woman would have allowed such a thing. I'd been raised to guard my virtue, to carry it proudly. And yet, the moment they asked it of me, I had obeyed.
Worse... I liked it.
And now Icravedit.
I pressed the heels of my hands to my eyes, fighting against the tears that threatened. This wasn't me. I was practical, steady, raised on hard work, not lust and indulgence.
I wasn't meant for... forthis.
A soft knock startled me, and I jerked upright.
The door opened before I could answer. "Miss," Chloe's cheerful voice rang out as she bustled inside and started packing up the tray she'd brought me earlier, "You hardly touched your lunch. We don't want you getting in trouble now, do we?" She set the tray on the little side table near the fire, not sparing me more than a glance.
I wrapped my arms around myself, hoping my maid couldn't see the flush in my cheeks or the wildness in my eyes.
"Thank you, Chloe," I managed. My voice sounded strange in my ears. Thin and strained.
She gave me a curious look as she fussed with the napkin, but didn't press. Instead, she began to chatter about a broken vase in the hall, the post that had come in from town and if the weather would be good enough for them to do all the wash in the coming morning.
I nodded where appropriate, grateful that her words filled the silence. Grateful she didn't ask after things she shouldn't.
But wasn't that the mark of good staff? Isn't that what Magnus and Leighton had told me?
Chloe finished packing and clearing up and left. My stomach twisted as I thought about what had transpired.
Not long after Chloe returned to help me get ready for dinner. It seemed themastershad decreed it was time I took my meals with them again. I swallowed down the nerves, sent a nervous smile Chloe's way and let her chatter at me as she picked a dress and helped me style my hair.
Then I rose, smoothed my skirts with trembling hands, and stared at my reflection in the tall standing mirror. My cheeks were still too pink, my eyes too bright, but there was no helping it.
I had no choice. I could meet them on my terms or have them hunt me down.
If I went to them, at least I could pretend I was still in control.
