Chapter 18

Vivienne’s soft laughter filled the air as Magnus nipped at her lower lip, demanding access to her mouth with teasing persistence.

A wildfire of desire coursed through her veins, consuming every inch of her body. His hands roamed with a purpose, sliding down her back until they cupped the curve of her hips with a firm possessiveness.

She was soaked with need, her arousal undeniable as it pulsed through her core. Vivienne craved him. She craved the way his hands unraveled her, the way his touch ignited something primal and uncontrollable within her.

Her thoughts were clouded with vivid imaginings—his long fingers exploring her depths, his tongue working her clit with dexterity, and the fullness of him pushing her to the brink of madness. Her entire being burned for him, and the yearning was almost unbearable.

“Please,” she murmured against his lips, her voice heavy with desperation as his hands gripped her more firmly.

Magnus pulled back slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips as he leaned close to her ear. His breath sent shivers down her spine as he whispered, “What do you want, Vivienne?”

“You,” she whimpered, tilting her head to grant him full access to her neck. Her voice trembled with raw emotion as she added, “I want you to take me. Now.”

A sliver of rationality lingered in her mind, reminding her that this was a line she shouldn’t cross. But that voice was swiftly drowned out by the haze of longing and the alcohol coursing through her system.

Vivienne had spent five long years shutting herself off from the world of intimacy. After her life had been upended, she had chosen solitude, focusing solely on her children and her career. But Magnus—Magnus was different. He always had been.

With him, the walls she had so carefully constructed came crumbling down. He brought out a side of her that she didn’t even recognize—wild, uninhibited, and hungry.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” Magnus asked, his hands sliding over her waist, sending jolts of electricity through her body.

“Yes,” she breathed without hesitation, her impatience bubbling to the surface. “Stop asking questions and just do it already.”

His low chuckle sent vibrations through her chest. “You’ve gotten bolder,” he remarked, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. Her legs wrapped around his waist, and the evidence of his arousal pressed against her, creating a friction that made her head spin.

Every step he took toward the bedroom felt torturous, the anticipation coiling tighter and tighter within her. By the time they entered her room, her body was trembling with need.

“Which one?” he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke.

“The second door,” she managed to say before capturing his mouth in another kiss.

The moment they reached the bed, Magnus set her down gently, his frame hovering over her. His gaze traveled the length of her body, darkened with hunger that made her shiver.

“I didn’t bring anything,” he admitted, his voice low and cautious.

“It’s fine,” she whispered, her tone steady despite the pounding of her heart. “I’m on birth control.”

His lips quirked into a sly smile. “Convenient.”

In a flurry of heated movements, their clothes were shed, leaving Vivienne bare beneath him. His eyes roamed her body, his expression equal parts reverent and possessive. Her cheeks flushed under his intense gaze, and she averted her eyes shyly.

“You’re stunning,” he murmured, his voice thick with sincerity.

Instead of responding, she reached for him, her hands exploring the hard planes of his chest before dipping lower. A low groan escaped him as she wrapped her fingers around his length, stroking him with a teasing rhythm.

“Vivienne,” he growled, her name a guttural sound that sent a thrill through her.

Before she could say anything, his mouth descended on hers once again, consuming her with his kiss. Then, without warning, his lips began a slow, torturous descent down her body.

Every kiss, every nip of his teeth, and every swipe of his tongue left her trembling. By the time his lips reached the apex of her thighs, she was already undone.

A loud moan escaped her as his mouth worked magic on her sensitive core. His tongue danced against her clit, and his fingers slid into her slick heat, pushing her higher and higher.

“Oh, God,” she cried, her fingers tangling in his hair as he continued his ministrations.

She was close—so close—but just as her release was within reach, he stopped.

“Magnus,” she whined, her voice thick with frustration as she opened her eyes to glare at him.

“Patience,” he said, a devilish smirk playing on his lips as he positioned himself at her entrance.

The moment he thrust into her, her world shattered. Pleasure surged through her, leaving her gasping as her nails dug into his shoulders.

“God, you feel so good,” he murmured, his voice rough with restraint as he began to move.

Every thrust sent waves of ecstasy crashing over her, and she clung to him, her body trembling beneath his.

“Magnus,” she gasped, her voice barely a whisper as she teetered on the edge.

“Come for me, Vivienne,” he urged his pace quickening as he drove them both toward their peak.

And she did. Her climax ripped through her, leaving her breathless and trembling as she clung to him. Moments later, he followed, his groan of release sending a shiver down her spine.

For a while, they lay tangled together, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.

“That was incredible,” she finally said, her voice soft and sated.

“You were incredible,” he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead before rolling off her.

He returned moments later with a damp towel, cleaning her gently before slipping back into bed and pulling her into his arms.

When morning came, Vivienne woke to the sound of her alarm clock blaring. She groaned, shutting it off before sitting up. A pounding headache reminded her of the night before, and as she glanced down at her naked form, the memories came rushing back.

“What have I done?” she whispered, burying her face in her hands.

By the time she made her way downstairs, she found Magnus in the kitchen, plating waffles with an ease that made her heart twist.

“Good morning, Vivienne,” he greeted with a warm smile. “Did you sleep well?”

“Get out,” she said, her voice sharp and cold.

His smile faltered. “Vivienne—”

“Leave,” she snapped, pointing toward the door.

For a moment, he hesitated, his expression a mix of confusion and hurt. But then he nodded.

“Take care of yourself,” he said softly before walking out the door, leaving her alone with her thoughts.