Once Betrayed Never Forgotten

Chapter 11: Duelling Desires

Going for a ride, Ariama? The deep voter echoed from the other side of the library.

I can’t see the source half hidden in sindows but muumble “what?” in confusion before I can stop myself. Then I look down at my riding out, alization dawning on me.

“I assume you aren’t here to snuggle up in an armchair with a book,” the voice continues sarcastically. “Your outfit is better suited to the doors, Going somewhere?”

I have a pretty good hunch of who’s behind that vole, but sather my nerves and take cautious. steps toward it. I walk over the floor covered in a Persian carpet. In the shadows, I see the silhouette of Aleksandr, my new stepfather’s enigmatic and infuriating jerk of a brother, seated at a grand piano. The broud, muscular back, the tall physique there’s no mistaking him.

How in the world does he know what I’m wearing? He hasn’t even turned around to look at me, Is he some sort of fashion clairvoyant? Does he have eyes on the back of his head? After everything I’ve witnessed in the past twenty–four hours, nothing could surprise me.

“So, what exactly is your plan, child?” Aleksandr’s Voice slices through the silence, making me pause. “You miraculously find an escape from the Custle of Endless Night, you stumble blindly through the snowy valley in that weak mortal body of yours, you inevitably get lost or fall prey to wolves, or worse… and then what? Will you cry out my mume into the dark, begging for me or my brother to come save you?”

I scowl, feeling the urge to snup back with a biting retort. But my survival instincts kick in, and 1 remind myself that maybe, just maybe, I shouldn’t provoke the guy who might actually have eyest on the back of his head.

I

“Never,” I snap. “Where’s my mom? I want to speak to her.”

The cold laugh that follows is chilling, and as Alelundr turns to face me, a wicked grin splits his. unnaturally handsome face. As his fee blue eyes lock onto mine, my mind involuntarily replays. the intimate encounter we’ve had just hos ago. His presence, his touch, his cold breath caressing my ear, the way he’d been so close… his fingers plunging into me…

Oh no, not again, I think, my cheeks heating up as I struggle to keep my composure, fighting back the fire rising up between my legs, the sudden ache of longing deep inside.

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“Tell me where I can find my mom,” I demand, my gaze darting to the floor, avoiding his eyes. “Just point me in the right direction, and I’ll be onliny way.”

“I’ll gladly tell you,” he says smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of cunning. “In fact, I’ll take you

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Chapter 11: Duelling Desires.

there myself.”

In an almost supernatural display of speed and grace, Aleksandr moves from the piano to right in front of me. In close proximity, I can’t help but notice his scent–pine needles and salt and iron, an intoxicating blend that sends unexpected shivers down my spine. I feel pathetically small as he stands towering above me, exuding an air of raw power.

He grins down at me, and the sly twinkle in his eyes is both infuriating and oddly captivating. My breath hitches as his fingers brush against my chin, and I mentally curse my traitorous body for responding to his touch..

“Take me, then,” I manage to say, my voice betraying more than a hint of ambiguity. “I mean, take me to my mom.”

I blush at the unintended double entendre, mentally chastising myself for the involuntary response. But hey, there’s no denying he has a certain appeal–even if he’s a pain in the neck. Figuratively and maybe literally.

“I will,” he

he purrs,

his finger tracing a path down my jawline, sending electric sensations racing across my skin. I suppress a shiver, inwardly cursing the fact that he’s probably enjoying my reaction. “But I’d urge you to reconsider.”

“Why?” I counter, my voice faltering as I feel a swirl of conflicting emotions. I clench my thighs. together as an urgent throb pulses through me, momentarily clouding my thoughts. “I can handle myself just fine.”

The amusement dancing in his eyes only fuels my frustration. It’s as if he can sense the internal battle I’m waging, and I have a strong urge to wipe that self–satisfied smirk off his face.

“Because, unless you’ve already forgotten, your lovely mother was wed to my brother but mere hours ago,” he continues, his finger trailing down my collarbone, setting my skin on fire. “They are newlyweds, and this is their first night as a married couple. They’ll be going at it like two cats on heat for many more hours, I’m sure. Do you really want to bear witness to all that?”

Gross. The mental image of my mom and Konstantin getting busy is enough to make me want to hurl. I recoil, my face contorting in disgust.

“Of course not,” I mutter, sighing deeply as I flop down into an armchair.

“So, how long do I have to play prisoner in this creepy castle?” I ask, my gaze fixed on the eerie

blue flames. “I mean, I hope this isn’t a forever thing.”

“No worries, little one,” Aleksandr replies smoothly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “You’re not

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