Word Count: 1750

~Millicent

I hold the note between the tips of my fingers.

Biting the edge of my lip, I consider all my options. I could open it, read the words upon it, or I could toss it into the fire I sit directly in front of. The flames lick up the concrete capturing it in, begging for me to give it the letter, let it take it out of my life. These thoughts I'm having, that I can trust Sinful to help me, are wicked. Poisonous.

But yet, I need help. I'll admit that. And I can't trust anyone, not Kyser, not a single guard, or even that Virtue who lives on the other side of the estate. But Sinful...he's my mate. I might not know his full motive, but he wouldn't hurt me, right?

"Everything okay?" I hear from behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I eye Lucy. She closes my bedroom door behind her, before she removes her jacket.

"Everything is fine," I reply.

What the hell.

I fold the letter open, unable to withhold my curiosity any longer. The note isn't too long, the writing small, intricate in its perfection. Such a perfect example of Sinful.

My lovely mate. Writing this gives me that feeling, like I'm writing to my doting lover, like this a game of romance between two people who actually love each other. Except, you don't love me, do you.

However, we both know how painfully boring your life must be. Me coming into it, in the ways that I do, have to be the most exciting aspect of your existence. Yet you would never admit that, because of your duty, your expectations. There are people living in that place, in that prison, who want you dead, or who want you, in ways I want you.

But of course, we won't talk about that.

Now, to my point. Come see me, visit me, live with me. My estate has more than enough room for you, if you would like to avoid me. Tell me you don't like a challenge. What are you so scared of?

Your alluring mate, Sinful.

Rolling my eyes, I screw up the note and throw it into the fire. Typical, cocky bastard. He's trying to lure me out, when he knows what the Moon is capable of. He knows that if I wanted to leave, I couldn't, without serious consequences. Yet he still plays his games, walking on a thin line.

"Lucy, could you get Analia for me please. I need to schedule an appointment with my mate," I mutter.

She nods, before leaving the room. She never questions me, which is why I love her so much. She knows that if she were to open her mouth, I would be put at risk, and her entire life is put toward protecting mine.

Tapping my fingers impatiently against my bare thigh, I wait for her return. It takes a long while. It doesn't take much to call for Analia - she should be here by tomorrow morning - which makes it all the irritating the Lucy is taking her time. I'm wanting this confrontation over with as soon as possible, and it's bad enough I have to sleep on it.

"Some things are better done yourself," I mutter, getting up to walk out the foyer after waiting for Lucy for what felt like over twenty minutes.

She's not out in the foyer. But someone else is.

"Hello my lovely mate." It's Sinful, of course. He stands at the other end of the room, sitting down in my chaise lounge, book in his hands. Lucy is nowhere to be seen, which is annoyance I tuck into my subconscious for later.

I loosen a breath, concealing my body around the door. "What are you doing here, Sinful? I'm not decent, right now. You should go."

There's a glint in his eyes which unsettles me, but I remain calm, watching him intently, not letting a single movement of his go unnoticed. I wanted to see him, but on my terms, when I had time to consider what to approach him with. He gently closes his book, and when he stands, I see what he is reading, the title nearly knocking me off my feet.

The Moon Goddess.

"Something in the air told me my mate needed me," he comments, smiling boyishly, suggesting is had nothing to do with the air.

"I think needed is a strong word," I reply.

He raises an eyebrow at me, as he sets the book down on the side table. He's not going to let me read that thing until he wants me to. There has to be something interesting within there that even I don't know about.

"You read my letter. I sensed it. Thought I would pay a visit so we could discuss. I can practically feel the unease pouring off you," he says, grinning at me. I hate the way he smiles. It moves to his eyes, taunting me, teasing me. I hate it, because of the way it makes my heart flutter. It's disarming.

"You weren't invited. Now you've arrived and I'm not prepared to see you. I'm in a nightgown," I scold, clutching the door I hide my body behind.

Sinful rolls his eyes comically. "Please, I'm not here to see you in your nightdress, although that would be an added benefit."

Gritting my teeth, I wander back into my room, snatching a robe from the hook. Twisting it around my body, I go to walk back out, but Sinful is standing at the doorway to my bedroom, watching me. Folding my arms over my chest, I glare at him. I may have wanted him to visit, but by no means do I want him in my bed.

"How do you manage to stay so beautiful, even at this hour?"

Sighing deeply, I'm the one who has to refrain from rolling my eyes. "Your flattery isn't getting you anywhere. Why are you actually here?"

"Aren't you the one who wanted me to come here?" He questions, tilting his head. I clench my jaw, tapping my foot. I'm not sure, now that he has entered my bedroom without my permission, I'm taken off guard, unsure of why I even wanted him here in the first place.

"You came at a bad time. How does tomorrow sound?" I ask, trying to lighten my tone back up. I often forget that in front of Sinful, I'm the Moon Goddess. I'm kind and understanding and forgiving.

Instead of being polite and walking away, he wanders into my room. He doesn't even look bothered, like he isn't invading my privacy right now.

"Do you mind?"

"No, not at all," he comments.

With my arms crossed, I see him approach my dresser. He frowns, looking at what's atop it. "Wow, this is depressing. No photographs or nothing?"

"I don't have any family," he reply.

He looks at me for another fleeting moment, before turning his attention back to my dresser. Brazenly, he opens the top drawer. Thankfully I keep my private collection of under garments at the bottom drawer. Of course, I'm not going to let Sinful get the satisfaction, as I approach, leaning in between the drawer and him.

"I'm sorry Sinful, but this is my private room. Please leave, or at least don't touch my things," I say firmly. I'm not being obvious with my irritation. In fact, he's given me enough time to adapt, to become frightful, nervous around him. That's how the Moon Goddess he knows would react.

Sinful watches me carefully, narrowing his eyes. Up close, he is so much more magnificent. I can smell the cloying scent of magic seeping off him. He must be using it to get in here undetected.

That's my first question of business. How is he standing here right now, and nobody's the wiser. Aside from Kyser of course.

I have a lot of questions about that guy.

"Am I not allowed a peek into my mates life?" He asks, that smile speaking for itself. Alongside that magical smell that lingers, is the scent of jasmine. It's so perfectly Sinful. I've switched to quietly trying to breathe through my mouth as often as possible to avoid its manipulative nature.

"Not like this Sinful. It's not proper," I murmur, as if someone might be behind these walls, listening to what I'm saying. If Kyser is really helping Sinful, then maybe we do have perfect privacy. Just the thought of that scares me.

And it seems I'm not foolish for worrying, as his hand suddenly shoots out and he grabs my neck, pressing me against the dresser.

The grip isn't tight enough to even hinder my breathing, but it's enough to keep me in place, my gaze stick in his eyes.

"Sinful please-"

"I'm not sure what it is you want with me, but it's really starting to get to my head, and nothing gets to my head. Ever. I don't care about anything enough for that to be the case. So tell me Millicent, what do you want?" He questions, leaning in so close to my face, I can feel the warmth of his breath, seeing the smallest black specks in his irises.

I'm unsure of what to say for a moment, struck by his forwardness and honesty. I'm so used to consistent lies that this shakes me up.

"This isn't the time. This isn't appropriate," I shudder, wishing he would remove his hand. I can feel each fingertips pressed against my skin, that undeniable spark flickering beneath the surface being the most frightening part. Otherwise, I'm not so bothered by this audacity...

Why did I just admit that.

"Appropriate?" He breathes, biting the edge of his lip. "Nothing between us is appropriate. And as much as you're perfect little facade may trick me, I know you agree with me."

Finally, he lets me go, taking a step back. "And I can tell you liked that. I can sense how wet you are."

My cheeks immediately flush bright red, as he winks at me, stepping toward my bedroom door. I've always known Sinful to be on the less conventional side, but nothing like this is very predictable.

"See you tomorrow morning," he says smoothly. "For a business discussion."

And then he's gone. And I'm left wondering what just happened.

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If you're liking the story, head over to Radish, where this book is ten chapters ahead (:

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~Midika 💜🐼