Page 30 of First Offense

Auric seethed, his woodsy scent spilling into the room. I inhaled the refreshing cologne, recalling how it used to swirl around me when we fucked.

His eyes flashed to mine.

Because yeah, if I could smell him, then he could certainly smell me.

You’re not going to last in this den with me, old friend,I told him with my eyes.I know how to bring you to your knees.And I allowed that knowledge to flourish in my gaze, causing his nostrils to flare in frustration.

He was utterly fucked, and he knew it.

He could hide from the girl all he wanted, and she’d allow it. But me? Yeah, I wouldn’t let him hide. Not even for a second.

“You want to take your chances with this psycho?” he asked, glowering at her and then me. “Fine. You two have fun.”

He stormed over to the single pull-up bar across from the shower. He lifted himself in an effortless motion, dropped down, and then repeated it again.

Nice form, I thought, taking in his muscular arms and tight ass.Nice form indeed.

Layla shifted, drawing my focus to the other nice form in the room. Her gauzy top and gold shorts showcased a body built for my version of sin. And I couldn’t wait to seduce her into my dark, cruel world.

However, I’d give her time.

The sweetest desserts were best when savored, after all.

“I’m, uh, I’m going to lie down,” she said as if I needed to give her permission.

She eyed the options in the room for a moment before choosing the upper bunk across from me. Maybe she thought the height would give her an advantage.

It wouldn’t.

Deciding to play with her—and Auric—I took the bunk beneath her. I couldn’t see her from here. That meant I was obeying the rules, right?

I tucked my hands behind my head and closed my eyes, envisioning her in my mind instead. Her pungent cherry scent drifted down to me like an alluring kiss while Auric’s growls rumbled through the room.

His pull-ups increased in tempo, and I chuckled, knowing my amusement would only piss him off more.

Because the battlefield had been set. The die had already been cast. And this round’s victory went to me.

Welcome to hell, Auric. Allow me to be your guide...

10

Layla

I’m never goingto sleep again.I could hardly blink, let alone rest.

Without a real window, there was no telling how many hours had passed. The scenery never changed. Always a dim sky over the fake ocean. No breeze. No reality. No clock. And no matter how many breaths I counted, time seemed to stand still.

Novak’s leather and smoke wrapped around me, mingling with Auric’s evergreen until I thought I’d go mad.

My fingers tightened as I pulled the tattered bedsheet up to my chin. My body hummed with growing need, reacting to the compatible call of potential mates.

Fate had a screwed-up sense of direction. Because really?

Auric, a Nora Warrior who hated me.

And Novak, a slice of sin that would ensure my Fall remained permanent.

No, neither was a good choice, and yet my mind tumbled over images of a very erotic nature.