CHAPTER 84: BURNING ATTRACTION

She watched as he ran his fingers through her hair, feeling the strands slip between them. "You have very beautiful hair, little witch," he murmured.

His words sent a jolt of electric heat racing through her body, settling low in her belly. She clenched her thighs together instinctively, trying to steady herself.

His fingers trailed from her shoulder down her exposed arm—featherlight, deliberate. She wasn’t wearing her gloves anymore, and his touch against her bare skin sent another wave of shivers through her spine.

Lilith could tell he was being careful, as if afraid to hurt her. That realization warmed her heart in a way she didn’t expect. She bit her lower lip to suppress the sound rising in her throat as his touches grew bolder, more confident.

Perhaps, the magic used in breaking the curse must also have been the reason why he was able to touch her. Without the demon’s constant whispering and interfering with his thoughts, he was able to have better control over his powers.

He wrapped his fingers lightly around her arm and gently turned her to face him. They stood so close that if she leaned forward even a little, their lips would meet.

He brushed her hair aside, exposing her neck. Then he leaned in, lowering his head until his mouth hovered beside her ear.

"You smell so fucking good," he whispered.

Lilith was completely speechless, her body reacting to his words and touch in ways she never imagined possible. More than anything in that moment, she was on the verge of grabbing his face and kissing him—just to know what he tasted like, what it would feel like to bury her fingers in the softness of his hair.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly, lips parted as she panted. Her knees nearly gave out when his eyes flickered down to her mouth, then back up to her eyes. Hades must have sensed that she was close to losing control, because he abruptly pulled away, putting just enough distance between them to break the tension.

"I’ll leave you to rest," he said, offering her a tight smile before turning and walking out of the room.

All of that—less than a minute.

Lilith could finally breathe when the door closed behind him. She leaned against the wall for support, her legs still trembling. What the hell just happened? she asked herself, replaying the moment over and over in her mind.

She had never felt emotions this intense before. Never had she wanted to kiss someone so badly.

She knew she was attracted to the prince, but now, her thoughts were turning more physical—more dangerous. And wrong. So very wrong. The last thing she wanted was to become his mistress and give life to the rumors already spreading about her.

With a shaky breath, she steadied herself and left his chamber, making her way back to her own.

~~~

With his jaw clenched, Hades made his way to his study. The tightness in his trousers was a painful reminder of just how much his body had reacted to her. Fuck! He was almost ashamed of himself.

He had never been so easily aroused by merely touching a woman—well, it was more than just touching her. It was the feel of her hair, the way it cascaded down her shoulders, the desire in her alluring blue eyes, the goosebumps that spread across her skin, and the way she’d clenched her thighs together.

Fuck me, Hades cursed for the tenth time as he collapsed into his chair, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. It had been a while since he’d been with a woman, but he’d never had trouble going without. Perhaps now, though, his body was demanding release.

The hardened erection trying to break free from his trousers was proof enough that he needed it. He sighed again, running his fingers through his hair.

No matter what happened, he knew he couldn’t allow himself to get attached to Lilith. It would only end in disaster. But for some twisted reason, he couldn’t stay away from her. And now, he was having a fucking hard time keeping his hands to himself. The urge to touch her was like an itch he couldn’t scratch away.

And that was bad because he was certain that one touch would not be enough to satisfy that itch, not until he had a taste of her, his c*ck buried deep inside her and his tongue...

"Fuck!" Hades cursed, tugging at his hair in frustration, trying to rid his mind of the unholy thoughts flooding his head. He needed to distract himself—anything to stop thinking about her.

As if the gods had heard his plea, a knock sounded at the door, and Lucian stepped into the room.

"Your Highness," Lucian said with a respectful bow.

Hades almost let out a sigh of relief, grateful for Lucian’s presence. "Do you have anything for me?"

"Yes. I just received a report that all the crops in a farm within a small town in Walvin were found dead when the farmer went to check on them this morning," Lucian said.

"Dead? How did that happen?" Hades asked, his brows furrowed.

"I have no idea. The farmer explained that the crops were completely withered, with a thick layer of black dust covering the entire land." Lucian paused. "The bailiff of Walvin said he had never seen anything like it in his life."

Hades sighed. "You and Viktor should go investigate. Speak with the farmer and gather as much information as you can."

Lucian bowed. "Very well, Your Highness." He turned to leave, but Hades stopped him.

"Lucian."

He turned back around. "Is there anything else you would like me to do?"

A few moments passed before Hades responded, "Send an invite to Isabel. I will require her service tonight."

Lucian frozen, taken aback by the prince’s request "Isabel, the courtesan?" His eyes widened.

"Yes, that Isabel," Hades replied. He could see it in Lucian’s eyes, the question he didn’t ask, the curiosity he tried to mask. But to his credit, Lucian said nothing.

"Very well, Your Highness. I will send for her immediately," Lucian said, his gaze lingering on Hades a moment longer than necessary before he turned and walked out, leaving the prince once again in his solitude.