Page 82 of Rituals & Rivalry

She liked being called that the last time we were together—so long ago—and it seems she still does, nodding adamantly. “Yes, sir.”

I lose my words to moans and grunts as I snap my hips, rubbing her clit in fast circles until she’s twitching, choking my dick, and my cum shoots deep inside. I press my weight into her, rotating my hips until I know she’s full.

The house sighs around us, and I hide in Aurora’s neck.

If I were looking at her, I would see too much—her life force flickering, like it always does. La petite mort. But even if I fucked her to the brink of death, I don’t want to see the proof of it. My magic makes it hard to avoid.

“I—” She lets out a shudder. A sign of life. “I’m probably going to regret saying this, but no one has ever made me come.”

I lift my head, fixing her with a confused look. “But you—what do you⁠—”

I’m not the only one she’s slept with, not even the only one in this town she has, if the gossip is true. That doesn’t bother me, of course, but her words confuse me.

“I…” She swallows thickly. “I do come when I have sex, and I like it. Really like it. But I usually have to touch myself to get myself there. With you⁠—”

I lean in and kiss her softly. “With me, you’re a good girl, so I take care of you.”

She never has to be the one to finish; I’ll make her come whenever she wants, but it feels too bold to say. It may give her the wrong idea—or maybe I already have the wrong idea, thinking of coming back for more. This was one time. One night. I don’t want to end it yet, so I stay there, with her, my lips attached to her neck until she pushes against my chest.

“You’re crushing me,” she says, breathless.

“Oh.” I chuckle, pulling out of her. “Sorry.”

Before my cum can spill on the bed, I move between her legs and slip my fingers into her hole, pushing it back in. The sight is erotic, and I keep my fingers there, my gaze flickering up to meet hers.

“Sterling,” she whispers.

“Hm?”

“I didn’t think you would be such a freak.”

With my fingers still inside her, I let out a loud laugh—and it’s not the last laugh of the night. That night, her bedroom is filled with the sound of glee, late into the evening. When Aurora asks me to keep her company, I do, knowing I’d stay as long as she wanted me to.

Somehow, I’ve dug myself way, way too deep.

When we fall asleep together in the house that both hates and loves me, it serves as a reminder that something could go wrong. I shouldn’t be here. Should keep her safe.

But I can’t bring myself to leave, and her lifeline seems brighter than ever. Just one night.

Chapter 23

Aurora

The house tells on me. Apparently, she’s that kind of friend.

Gods, when did I start thinking of the cottage as a friend?

Just when I’m about to make it out alive, the floorboard creaks beneath my feet—loudly. Up until this moment, Sterling has been sleeping peacefully in my bed.

The middle of my bed, more specifically. He takes up way too much space with his long limbs. His chest was pressed to my back all night, and I liked it too much. I liked how he looked in the morning light with the sun streaming into his hair and across his face.

When was the last time I let someone hold me like that? It’s been years. How could I let this happen? We’re supposed to be totally platonic, but I ruined that over pizza and sex.

It was good sex. Mind-blowing. Life-changing. Legs still sore. His dirty words echoing in my head.

Sterling appears a little less peaceful now that I’ve disturbed him, sitting upright and looking wildly around the room. His curls are a mess, without his usual product and style, and his eyes are so bright.

“Morning,” I chirp, doing my best to seem natural.