Page 26 of Devils Cut

The rain drummed against the windows, a steady beat that echoed the pounding in my head. I tried to focus on the papers before me, but frustration built within me like a caged beast.

"Fuck this paperwork," I muttered, scowling at the endless tasks that never seemed to disappear. A small knock sounded at the door. I called out for them to enter, and Emily sauntered into the room. Her eyes were dark and predatory as she made her way around the desk, sinking to her knees before me.

"Looks like you're stressed, VP," she purred, reaching for my fly. "Need some help with that?"

My jaw clenched, torn for indecision. Would giving in to Emily's offer help me forget about Tempest? Or would it only make things worse?

"Fuck, Emily," I grumbled, not pushing her away but not encouraging her either. She smirked, sensing my inner turmoil.

"Come on, Corvus. You know you want it," she whispered, her fingers teasing the edge of my jeans.

Is this really worth it? I wondered, my heart racing. The memory of Tempest's smile haunted me, but the ache between my legs demanded attention.

Maybe it's just because I haven't been laid in so long, I thought, trying to justify my actions. But deep down, I knew it wasn't that simple.

Emily's hands slid up my legs, her touch sending shivers down my spine. She undid my pants with practised precision and reached in to pull out my dick. I glanced down, surprised to find myself still soft in her grasp. This had never happened before.

Emily didn't seem discouraged, though. She leaned in, her lips wrapping around my soft flesh, moaning like the goddamn whore she was. But something was off. I could tell she wasn't enjoying it, and neither was I. My mind kept drifting back to Tempest.

Shit, is this really happening? I thought, my hand gripping the arms of the chair. Can't even get it up for a willing piece of ass.

A sudden knock on the door had my head flicking up. The handle turned, and there stood Tempest, her eyes widening at the sight before her. Emily's head bobbed between my legs, but it might as well have been a ghost for all the sensation I felt.

"Shit, sorry," Tempest stammered, her cheeks flushed like a wild rose. She started to close the door, but I'd had enough.

"Get off me," I growled, pushing Emily away with a force that sent her sprawling across the floor. She looked up at me, her eyes full of hurt, but I didn't have time for her bullshit. "Fuck off."

"Corvus-" she began, but I cut her off.

"Out. Now."

Emily scrambled to her feet and left, her pride in tatters. I tucked myself back into my jeans, wishing I could shove my feelings for Tempest back into some dark corner just as easily.

"Tempest," I called out, my voice strained. "Wait."

I grabbed my cut from the back of the chair and slipped it on, and raced through the dimly lit hallway, my boots thudding against the worn wood.

Chapter 13

Tempest Miller

Icouldn't shake Amanda's words from my mind as I wiped down the sticky bar counter, the smell of cheap booze and sweat hanging in the air. Could Corvus really be into me? And more importantly, did I want him to be? He was a fucking god among men, with that chiselled jaw and warm chocolate eyes that seemed to see right through me. He made me feel safe like I had some kind of protection for the first time in my hellish life.

The front door slammed open, and there he was – Corvus, drenched from the rain pouring outside, his white shirt clinging to his broad chest like a second skin. The ink on his arms seemed alive, the dark lines twisting and wriggling with each flex of his muscles. And fuck, did I want to lick those tattoos, trace them with my tongue until I knew every curve and edge.

His eyes locked onto mine his voice was like a whip, cutting through the noise. "Tempest! Come find me when your shift is done, okay?"

I answered while still working, "No worries,"

My shift dragged on, my mind wandering back to Corvus every chance it got. Was I really interested in him? How could I not be?

Rain pelted against the windows, but inside my thoughts raced like a storm. It was crazy - I'd never wanted to willingly touch another man, let alone kiss or lick one. But Corvus... He was different. Somehow, he made me feel as if I could do all those things and still be safe.

I couldn't help but remember what my stepbrother had done when we were alone. The sick shit he made me do after my mother died. It was like a scene straight out of a horror movie - the kind that left you sleepless for days. I shook my head, trying to force the memories away.

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath, feeling a wave of anger rising, and trying to shake it off.

The clock on the wall seemed to mock me with every tick, each second dragging on like an eternity. I focused on wiping down the bar, my hands trembling ever so slightly as I pushed away the memories that threatened to drown me.

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