Page 78 of The Madness Within

Dorian

The night felt different.

I’d been planning it all day, every movement calculated, every word I said to her designed to pull her in just a little further.

The dinner was perfect, soft lighting, the flicker of candles casting shadows across the table. The room smelled of something rich, savory, warm.

It’s all part of me trying to get her to open up to me. There were times, I could hardly control myself around her because she’s just too damn captivating.

She was sitting across from me, that fire still burning in her eyes. I watched her as she took a bite of the meal I prepared, hereyes flicking to me with a hint of something playful, but there was an edge to her movements tonight.

A tension that’s just beneath the surface. I liked that about her. I liked the way she challenged me, even if it was just with her presence.

“You cooked this?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as she took another bite, clearly impressed.

I smiled, leaning back in my chair, my eyes never leaving her. “You didn’t think I was just some animal who could only kill, did you?” My voice was teasing, but the undertone was darker. “I havetaste, Ember.”

She smirked, setting her fork down. “Not sure if I believe that. You don’t seem the type to cook.”

“I’m full of surprises,” I murmured, a hint of danger in my tone. Her lips curled in response, but there’s a flicker of something else in her gaze.

A question.

An invitation.

I leaned forward slightly, my eyes tracing her every movement. There’s a pull inside me, an undeniable hunger that had been growing ever since she set foot in my world.

The way her body moved, the way she felt under my touch, she’s mine, and I was going to do my best to show her.

“You look at me like you want to eat me,” she said, the words low, a teasing challenge.

I didn’t respond right away.

Instead, I let my gaze drift over her, lingering a moment too long on the curve of her neck, the way the dim light kissed her skin.

I could practically taste the blood pulsing through her veins. Her scent, her heat, it was driving me insane.

“You have no idea,” I replied softly, my voice thick with something darker than lust. I didn’t need to say more. I didn’t need toexplainit.

She felt it. I knew she did.

I stood without another word, the air around us thickening with every step.

She’s watching me, waiting, and I couldn’t help but feel that tiny thrill of power, that I could make herwantme, make her crave me without lifting a finger.

I walked over to her, my steps deliberate, and I closed the distance between us, feeling the electricity crackle in the space we share.

She was holding her breath, her eyes wide, unsure of what’s coming next.

I leaned down, close enough to feel the heat of her skin, the rise and fall of her chest. “You’ve always been so good at hiding,” I murmured, my lips brushing the curve of her ear. “Hiding from yourself. Fromme. But I’m not letting you hide anymore.”

I felt her shudder, a soft gasp escaping her lips, but she didn't pull away. She didn’twantto pull away.

Not now.

Not when she was so close to the edge of what’s about to happen between us.

I kissed her.

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