♥ Chapter 19 ♥

Yara Blake.

These last few days have been a real challenge for me. Ever since that scene in the office, when I almost gave in to an insane desire, I made the decision to completely distance myself from Mr. Darkmore. I couldn't afford to give in to those confusing feelings that haunted me. Every time I saw one of them, I would hide or change direction, trying my best to avoid any contact. I tried to convince myself that it was the right thing to do. They are my bosses, they are extremely dangerous men for me, and being around them was like playing with fire.

However, my nights have been torture. I closed my eyes, trying to find some peace, but the dreams came. Intense, vivid, and breathtaking dreams. In them, Mr. Darkmore touched me in ways that made me anxious, and repressed desires became impossible to ignore. With each dream, I woke up frustrated, my body burning with a desire I refused to accept. I hated how they had such power over me, even when I was determined to keep them at bay.

On the second day, I almost got caught. I was in the kitchen, eating something, when I heard heavy footsteps approaching. My heart raced in my chest. Without thinking twice, I hid behind the pantry door, holding my breath. I heard Kael's deep voice discussing something on the phone. I was paralyzed, afraid that he would discover my presence, but soon the sound of his footsteps faded away. Only then was I able to breathe a sigh of relief.

But the worst thing wasn't the almost-discovered encounters. The worst thing was the constant battle I was fighting with myself. I tried to ignore the attraction, but it was like fighting an invisible force that was pulling me towards them, as if there was a connection I couldn't explain or understand. And it made me furious. I am furious at not being able to control my own thoughts. For being at the mercy of these feelings that I didn't ask to feel. I wanted to hate them. I wanted to stay distant and strong. But every time I closed my eyes, every time I felt the warmth that their presence left in the room, it was as if all my resolutions collapsed.

On the fourth day, I was in the garden, trying to find some peace. The wind caressed my face, and the scent of the flowers gave me a sense of normality and security. But even at this moment of tranquility, they invaded my mind. I have a memory of Damien's touch and the sound of Kael's voice whispering my name. Mr. Magnus' intense kiss. I closed my eyes and shook my head, trying to push these images away.

''I have to stop this. '' I muttered to myself, almost like a prayer. ''I need to be stronger.

But deep down, a part of me—the part I avoided acknowledging—knew that I was fighting a battle I had already lost. Desire was a poison running through my veins, and there was no escaping it. The only thing left for me to do was keep avoiding them, hide in the shadows, and pray that, one day, these feelings would finally disappear.

15:30 '' Darkmore brothers' mansion. '' Magnus' room. '' Eldoria.

Today is Friday, the day I dread most in the week. Friday means going back to that prison, to Ronan. I don't want to go back, but I have no choice. As I clean Mr. Magnus' room, my mind is racing, looking for a way out, an excuse, anything to stop me from going. But I know that no matter how hard I try to escape, reality will always pull me back.

I spread a damp cloth on the table and started folding Magnus' clothes, trying to keep my thoughts focused on the task in front of me. I'm nervous, my hands shaking slightly as I fold a shirt. Likewise, I feel my heart beating faster and faster. When I've finished, I reach for a jacket hanging on the hanger and, without thinking, bring it up to my face. I take a deep breath of the scent that exudes from the fabric—a mixture of cologne and something else—something that is uniquely his. I closed my eyes, lost at that moment. Furthermore, I know it's wrong and that I shouldn't be doing this. But I can't help it. This forbidden desire that consumes me is stronger than I am.

''Do you like the smell?'' a soft, provocative voice breaks the silence.

I'm startled, almost dropping my jacket from my hands. I turn quickly and find Magnus standing in the doorway, watching me with a mischievous smile on his lips. My heart races. Why did he have to show up just now? I try to find words, but nothing comes out of my mouth. I'm lost in his eyes, in the intensity of his gaze on me.

''I-I... I was just... '' I stutter, trying to justify my behavior, but nothing I say seems to make sense.

''You don't have to explain yourself, Yara. '' He approaches me slowly, his gaze never straying from mine for a second. ''It's okay to want what you want.

'' I don't want anything... '' I try to defend myself, but my voice comes out weaker than I'd like. My hands are still gripping his jacket, and my face feels hot with embarrassment.

''Are you trying to convince me... or yourself?'' Magnus smile— a smile full of intent that leaves me breathless. He takes another step towards me, and I find myself trapped between him and the wall. My body responds in a way I can't control. The warmth of his body, which is so close to mine, is almost palpable.

''I-I... I'm married, Mr. Magnus... '' I say, almost in a whisper, trying to make an excuse.

'' I know that. '' He lifts a hand, placing it gently on my chin, lifting my face so that I look directly at him. ''But do you love him? Do you have feelings for him, Yara?

'' That... is wrong... '' I whisper, but I can't keep my face away from him. The closeness is almost suffocating, but it also makes me ecstatic in a way I've never felt before.

''Maybe... '' He leans closer, his lips inches from mine, and I feel his warm breath against my skin. ''But sometimes, the wrong thing is what we want most.

My heart beats so loudly that I'm sure he can hear it. His fingers slide down my chin to the line of my neck, and I shiver under the touch. Magnus is so close now that I can feel the heat emanating from his body and his scent intoxicating me again. My hands are clenched around his jacket, and my legs feel like they're about to give way.

'' Fuck. '' Magnus murmurs, his voice low and husky, full of a desire that seems to burn. And then he kisses me.

His lips meet mine with an urgency that leaves me breathless. The kiss is intense, overwhelming, and full of a hunger that we were both trying to ignore. For a moment, I forget everything: Ronan, the consequences, right and wrong. There is only his touch, his taste, and the desire pulsing between us. My hands go up to his shoulders, pulling him closer and surrendering to the moment.

Magnus deepens the kiss, his hands holding my waist tightly, as if he's afraid to let me go. And for a moment, everything seemed to make sense.