16

Forrest

As the rush of pleasure consumed me, I failed to notice how deeply I had descended into its grasp. It wasn't until a warm wetness spread inside my pants that I realized how far down the path of ecstasy I had gone. The sensation was shameful, a reminder of my lack of control. Yet, I had so fiercely enjoyed the intensity of the moment.

My gaze drifted up to the stunning woman above me, her face flushed and eyes heavy with arousal. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I took in her enraptured state.

"I'm so sorry, I—" Sienna said as she climbed out of my lap. The fog of pleasure had been cleared and reality was returning.

"Don't you dare apologize," I told her. "That was hot as hell."

Her cheeks blushed, a deep crimson spreading across her face. She bit her lower lip, averting her eyes from mine. "I don't usually do things like that. I don't know what came over me. I—"

I reached out, gently tilting her chin so her gaze met mine. "Sienna, I enjoyed every second of it."

"Me too," she admitted softly.

"I think I enjoyed it a little too much," I gestured to my pants, "which is why I should be going."

"Oh!" She clapped her hands over her mouth, desperately trying to stifle the giggles that threatened to escape. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as her cheeks flushed pink. Despite her best efforts, tiny snorts slipped through her fingers, her shoulders shaking with the effort of containing her amusement. "Can I get you something—"

"No, that's okay," I hopped up, grateful for my black dress pants concealing the stain. "I'll be by the bakery first thing tomorrow morning," I promised her, sealing it with a kiss .

"Okay," she hummed. Her eyes were still heavy, her smile unwavering.

The ache in my chest only grew stronger as I fought the urge to pull her back into my embrace. Every fiber of my being longed for the warmth and comfort of her body against mine once more, but I knew I shouldn't have allowed myself to go there in the first place.

With a lingering kiss, I stepped out of her house and into the crisp evening air. The thin fabric of my boxers clung to my skin beneath my pants, damp and sticky from the passionate encounter.

I had blown it.

In more ways than one.

No matter how good it felt to have Sienna's body pressed against me, grinding on me, it was a mistake.

I was sent to Cider Falls for one thing, and one thing only.

And I screwed everything up.

I was in too deep. When I first arrived in the small town, I never would have believed I would develop feelings for one of the locals. Yet, there I was, completely enamored with Sienna. The kind woman had stolen my heart and captured my soul, leaving me no way out.

∞∞ ∞

True to my word, I arrived at Sienna's bakery the following morning just as the sun was beginning to rise. The door creaked as I entered, and I was immediately enveloped in the comforting scent of her baked pastries.

Sienna was in the back of the shop, amidst racks of cooling pastries and shelves of colorful ingredients. She expertly kneaded a pile of dough, her hands moving with practiced grace. As she turned to greet me, she beamed with happiness. Her energetic steps brought her bouncing over to me, and her face beamed with an infectious cheer. As she reached me, my lips met hers in a gentle dance.

"Morning," she purred, pressing her body against mine.

I fought an overwhelming urge to pull her close against the rough, flour-dusted bakery counter and lose myself in a deep, consuming kiss. However, I knew I had to summon the courage to reveal the truth to her.

"Can we talk?" I asked. Our fingers entwined as I led her to a cozy table in the corner.

"What's wrong?" Sienna's body language shifted noticeably. The sultry energy that had radiated from her was replaced with a defensive stance.

A heavy tension hung between us, like a thick fog that refused to dissipate. I had shattered the ease that once existed, but it was necessary.

The thought of losing Sienna's trust weighed heavily on my mind. It was the last thing I wanted to do, to break the bond we were starting to build. My heart clenched at the mere idea of her hating me, of her kind eyes turning cold and distant. The thought was unbearable, a nightmare I never wanted to become a reality.

"Sienna, every second spent in your presence has been unforgettable. But I—" I paused. I struggled to find the right words to tell her, my heart beating rapidly.

She nodded, urging me to continue. "What is it, Forrest? You're scaring me."

"I haven't been completely honest," I began. Sienna's shoulders tensed further, and I drew a deep breath in.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I was sent to Cider Falls by—"

"You were sent here?"

"By the Council of Witches and Wizards," I said .

Sienna's forehead creased with worry, her knuckles turning white as she desperately clutched her sweater.

"Forrest, what are you talking about?"

"Have you heard of the Council?"

She nodded once. "Stories of them, at least. Why would they be interested in Cider Falls?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Your coven's powers are," I paused, "concerning to them."

"Coven? I don't know what you're talking about," she said. She rose from her seat and began to pace back and forth, her steps measured and purposeful. It was as if she were walking through a labyrinth of thoughts, trying to find the right path forward.

"I think you do," I said softly. "I want to help you. I want to help Cider Falls."

"Get out of my bakery," she demanded, though her voice was shaky.

I hung my head. "Please, Sienna. The council will back off if I prove your coven isn't abusing its powers. But until then, they won't rest until they know more."

With a steely resolve, Sienna composed herself and fixed her gaze on me. "We have never abused our powers," she said firmly. "We only use them for the good of our community and to protect ourselves from those who seek to harm us."

I studied her for a moment. "But what are your powers?" I asked.

Whenever I inquired about the matter to the Council, their responses were maddeningly elusive, providing no real clarity.

"Why should I tell you?" she asked. "You've deceived me since the day I met you."

"I can assure you, everything I've told you, has been the truth," I said. "And I'll gladly answer any questions you have."

"I thought the council was just a myth," she murmured.

"They are very much real," I said, "and incredibly nosy."

"Are you a wizard ?" Sienna asked, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.

"Yes," I admitted.

She stepped away from me and crossed her arms over her chest. "Do you have full powers?"

I nodded, suddenly feeling ashamed of my abilities .

"Prove it," she said. "Move that vase."

The vase began to levitate off the table, suspended in the air as if held up by an unseen force.

"Please don't break it!" Sienna screamed, and I returned the vase to its original position on the table.

"Anything else you want moved?" I offered with a smirk.

Sienna reclaimed her spot at the table across from me. "I've never met a wizard, let alone one with full powers."

"I'm sorry I didn't—" I began.

"No wonder our spell didn't work on you," she said under her breath. I watched as she internally battled with the decision to tell me more.

"I know it might seem like you can't trust me," I said, "but I'm on your side. I won't let anything happen to your coven." Sienna's eyes scanned my face for any signs of deception, but she didn't look convinced.

"Please, get out of my bakery," Sienna said softly, gesturing towards the door with a commanding finger. I felt my heart sink in defeat. My feet grew heavier with each step as I trudged towards the threshold.