Page 18 of Witch's Fate

“Blocking the aether. You’re not leaving.”

“What the hell do you mean, I’m not leaving?”

“Exactly what it sounds like.” He strode toward her, his gaze intense and his dark hair falling over his brow. So damned handsome.

And she hated him.

Fates, what had she gotten herself into?

“You’re staying with me. At least until this is all over.” His voice was rough, possessive.

Fuck that shit! She drew her wand from the aether and flung her arm out toward him, sending a lightning bolt into his chest.

He stumbled backward, then growled and surged forward, grasping her wrist and lowering it.

So freaking strong! His magic and his body. She didn’t stand a chance against him.

Malcolm pulled her toward him, looming over her. Her heart threatened to break her ribs.

“You can’t just kidnap me!”

“I think I have.”

She struggled to break free, but he held her firm. “Fuck you, Malcolm. You don’t even seem to give a shit!” Her breath was heaving and she knew she had crazy eyes. She didn’t care. He freaking deserved it.

“Don’t give a shit? Of course I care. Of course I want you.”

She almost growled at him. “Kidnapping isn’t a great way to woo a girl.”

He shrugged one big shoulder. “Maybe. But it’s the best weapon in my arsenal, so I’ll use it.”

“Bastard. So suppose I stay here, trapped in your creepy castle—” It actually wasn’t that creepy, but she was pissed. “—what happens to my village? You help me save it?”

He nodded. “For a price.”

“What? You were just trying to convince me that I needed your help.”

“And you thought I’d offer it for free? I’m a mercenary, Sofia. I have been for nearly four hundred years. Of course my help isn’t free.”

She seethed, grinding her teeth until she thought they might crack. Bastard. Every awful thing he did now made her realize how stupid she’d been to ever be hurt by him. He deserved her rage, not her tears.

“You need my help,” he said. “And you’re trapped here, by the way.”

“I could fight you.” She gripped her wand tight.

“You’d lose. Right now, I’m your best bet. Agree to another favor, and I’ll help you save your village.”

“Favor? Another kiss?”

“No.”

“More?” Her mind raced. She hated the idea. And loved it, just a little bit. The anger only stoked her desire. She was sick.

“Maybe. You liked the first favor.”

“Bastard!”

He shrugged.

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