13. Sam

The lights are dim, the gallery purposely cold—a necessary requirement for an exhibition showcasing ancient clothing. I nibble on my lower lip, a nervous habit I can’t seem to shake. If I keep this up, it’s going to burst open. I try to focus on the antique costumes spread before me, a mesmerizing array of velvet and the finest vintage silks, delicate embroidery clinging to the fabric by the frailest of threads. All this beauty surrounds me, and I know I should be captivated by it, but my mind whirls with rattled anticipation, making it impossible to concentrate.

I check my wristwatch for the umpteenth time. It’s not late. In fact, I arrived early, having snuck out of home all by myself. No guards, no entourage. Given the recent craziness in my household, I doubt anyone will even notice my absence. Everyone’s attention is fixated on the Deverauxs, my brother absolutely triumphant about securing that coveted head chair at the witches’ séance.

“The Opera?” a voice purrs in my ear, sending delicious shivers down my spine.

I turn my head, my gaze meeting ocean eyes that never fail to take my breath away. Nik’s lips stretch into a faint smile that slowly broadens, and I can’t stop myself from smiling back, my heart fluttering in my chest. “Do you mean a crowded place where no one will notice us?” I tease, lifting my brow slightly. “Yeah.”

Nik’s warm fingers interlace with mine, sending tingles through my limbs and setting my cheeks ablaze. His touch summons vivid memories of that night at the club... Gods, the magic those fingers created, the way they set my body on fire.

As he draws near, I catch a whiff of his intoxicating cologne, his face temptingly close to mine. “You’re admiring the costumes?” Nik asks coolly, his gaze gliding to the exhibit. I’m immediately grateful for the momentary respite he’s giving to my racing heart.

His hold on my hand tightens, a silent reassurance that sets my nerves on fire.

“I was,” I manage to say, trying to sound casual even as I’m shaking inside, my body extremely aware of his proximity.

We saunter to the central piece in the room, our steps in perfect sync.

“Wow... this is amazing.” Nik leans closer to the glass pane, his eyes alight with genuine interest as he admires a Venetian mask lined in black silk, a crown of glossy black feathers adorning its top.

I read the small card beside the display. “Venetian Mask, 1661.”

Intrigued, Nik crouches a little, his voice low and alluring as he continues, “This mask belonged to the grand soprano, Letizia Leone. Legend has it the mask was a gift from the Devil, who purportedly granted the singer’s prodigious voice.” He smirks, throwing me a side glance that sends my pulse racing. “A deal with the Devil, hmm?”

When I turn to face him, we’re standing a mere breath apart, the air between us crackling with electric tension. My heart pounds in my chest, threatening to burst free.

“A legend,” I tell him, watching him with undisguised delight, my gaze lingering on his handsome face before following the strong line of his jaw. I long to feel the roughness of his short stubble grazing my skin, to lose myself in his touch.

“Yes. Like magic, and stories of shifters and witches...” he says knowingly, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Completely fictional.”

The corner of my lips curls, pleased by his answer. His family might be the enemy, but it’s wonderful to share the truth of our world with him—the world of the supernatural. I sweep our surroundings with a furtive glance, making sure no one is close enough to overhear. “If only they knew...” I whisper conspiratorially.

Magic flickers in Nik’s eyes, and in a flash, his mouth seals over mine in a slow, deep kiss that sets my very soul on fire. Liquid heat courses through my veins as I answer with the same simmering passion, my body molding to his. His firm hand cups my cheek, gently pulling me closer, and I feel my knees buckle under the onslaught of sensation. Gods, why did I choose a public place to meet him? I want him right now.

As he lazily parts from me, I’m left gawking at him like a lovestruck fool, my brain scrambled by his kiss. He’s the sexiest man alive, and I’m putty in his hands. Nothing but pure resolve holds me together in this moment.

“Sam,” he breathes, his voice low and determined, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Nik...” I beg in a whisper, my body aching for his touch. But then, behind him, a flicker of movement draws my attention. My gaze glides down the slump of his shoulder, and as I tilt my head, my eyes widen in shock. “Shit!” I hiss, panic gripping my heart.

A frown creases Nik’s brow, concern etched on his face. “What is it?” he asks, glancing back over his shoulder.

“It’s Mila,” I say, my voice tight with restless anxiety. My best friend saunters across the gallery, oblivious to the turmoil her presence is causing. “She’s here... Why is she here?” I shake my head, struggling to understand, my mind racing with the potential consequences of being caught.

“Who’s Mila?” Nik asks, his nose wrinkling in confusion—a rugged, enticing gesture that sends a flutter through my stomach, even in the midst of my panic.

“The girl who...” I bite my lower lip, hesitating as I search for the right words. “The one who knocked on the door when we...”

Understanding dawns on Nik’s face, his fierce stare narrowing. “Ah, so that’s Mila.” He doesn’t sound too pleased, and I can’t blame him. He sweeps the crowd with a cautious glance, searching for that familiar face. “Is she spying on you?” The words sail through his lips, laced with suspicion.

“I don’t know,” I say urgently, my heart pounding in my chest. “Nik, she can’t see me with you. She knows who you are... If my brother finds out...” Mila strolls closer, moving through the exhibit in a dark purple dress, her fawn hair bouncing with each step. It’s a miracle she hasn’t spotted me yet, but I know our luck can’t hold much longer.

Nik dives his fingers through his dirty-blonde hair, frustration clear in his movements. “Fuck...” He heaves a heavy sigh, then squares his shoulders, locking eyes with me. “Alright...” he says, his voice filled with renewed conviction. “Let’s go away for the weekend.”

“What?” A nervous laugh escapes my lips, and I feel the heat rising in my cheeks. Is he being serious?

He looks around once more, ensuring no Ursa men are lurking nearby. When he’s satisfied we’re not being watched, he faces me again, his eyes intense. “I have a small house in Brittany. We’d have the entire place to ourselves...” Nik pauses, and my heart threatens to burst from my chest, hope and longing warring within me. “Do you think you can find a way to...?”

“I’ll find a way,” I interrupt breathlessly, not even caring how desperate I sound. I’ll move heaven and earth to be with him, to steal this precious time together.

His charming smile broadens, relief and delight radiating from his countenance. As Nik steps back, ready to leave my side, the brief distance between us feels like a physical ache, a void that needs to be filled.

“Nik,” I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah?” He inches closer, and I seize the moment, stealing a searing kiss from his lips. Our tongues lap together in a sensual prelude to the paradise that awaits us.

When we part this time, Nik is absolutely radiant, magic rippling through his being in waves that I’m not sure he’s even aware of. But I’m a witch, and to me, it’s as clear as day—a breathtaking sight that steals the air from my lungs. His radiance is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. Golden. Like the sun.

And in that moment, I know with absolute certainty that I’ll risk everything to be with him, to bask in the warmth of his light. Consequences be damned. I’m falling hard for Nikolaas Draken, and there’s no turning back now.