LOVING THE MADMAN

The Temptation He Never Asked For

Troy rose to his full stature. "So…when I tell you to take a step back, please…take a step back, Princess."

I didn't budge. I couldn't budge.

He'd just admitted that there was something between us. Something I felt too.

"What if I want what you want?" I asked softly.

"Athena…"

"Don't say my name like that," I cut in, my heart pounding so hard I was sure his Lycan hearing could pick it up. "Don't say it like… like you want me."

I forced myself to breathe evenly, to meet his eyes even though my whole body sizzled with nerves.

"Kiss me."

"I can't."

"You can," I insisted, stepping closer. "There's something between us, Troy. I feel it. You feel it. Kiss me… even if it's just once, Troy. If you feel nothing, I'll leave you alone for good. I swear it. But if you do…"

"No," he cut in. "I'm not playing that game. The bathroom's this way. We're almost there."

He brushed past me, and I spun around and followed, even in my heels.

It was the first time I'd ever chased a man.

The first time I'd laid my pride down at someone's feet or desperately wanted someone to stay.

All for a man I'd met only hours ago. It was crazy.

I caught up and grabbed his firm, strong arm.

"Listen," Troy said, shaking himself free and turning to face me once more. "If we do this, it won't end there. You'll want more, and I don't do 'more,' princess. I don't do sweet words and flowers. I don't do romance or love."

He leaned in, his eyes boring into mine. "I answer to my alpha. I stay focused. And you… you're a distraction."

His heated gaze ran over my body.

"A temptation I never asked for. One, I've been fighting since the moment I first saw you."

I swallowed hard at the dark confession, falling a step back.

"We're nothing alike," he continued. "You come from a different world. And if you let me in… I'll ruin you, Athena. I'll stain and corrupt everything good about you. Is that what you want?"

If it meant being with him, I didn't mind. He made the words 'stain' and 'corrupt' sound so freaking good.

I took another step back, only to bump against something rough and solid.

It was a tree.

Troy kept coming close.

"Your silver hair," he said under his breath, reaching out to touch it. "Your crystal blue eyes. Your flawless skin. The way you look at me like you see something worth saving… Athena, I can never be saved."

"I don't believe that," I said softly. "Everyone can find redemption. Give me a chance."

He shook his head. "It would never work. I chose this life for a reason. I chose not to feel anything, for a reason."

"Then let me be the one exception," I whispered, lifting my hand to touch his face. He turned away before I could touch him. "I already know you feel something for me."

"Don't you get it?" Troy spoke through his teeth. One of his hands pressed against the tree near my head. The other stayed clenched by his side. "You know who I am. You've heard the stories."

"I don't care."

"You should," he growled. "Even if you don't, your family will. Your father. Your mother. Your brothers. Your entire pack."

"Troy," I said softly, looking into his haunted black eyes. "I want you. Not my father or mother or brothers… I."

He didn't move. Neither of us did. The silence between us grew, infused with a s****l tension I'd never experienced before. My heart beat wildly as I glanced at the hand by his side, still balled into a fist like he was trying to hold himself back.

Then I reached for his face once more, touching his cheek.

"Kiss me, Troy," I whispered, pleading with my eyes, leaning in so we felt our breaths.

He groaned like he was in pain. It was so low, I'd barely heard it.

And for the minutest of moments, I was sure he would stop fighting it and kiss me. He leaned in, his mouth inches from mine.

But his earpiece crackled, shattering the chemistry.

Troy stiffened as a tense second passed, then he pulled back with a curse and turned to take the call.

I heard him muttering something about escorting me, his voice switching to his professional tone, before hanging up.

I'd already moved away from the tree, knowing the moment was gone and we might never get to experience another anytime soon.

Whatever spell had overcome us had broken, thanks to his call.

Troy looked at me with an expression I couldn't read, then turned and walked ahead.

I followed in silence.

We didn't speak for the rest of the way.

Once alone in the bathroom in the mansion, I stared at myself in the mirror, ashamed, frustrated, and surprised at just how out of control I'd been around him.

I'd asked him to kiss me.

No, I'd begged him.

When did I start acting like this? When did I become someone who couldn't hold herself together?

Dragging a hand through my hair, I paced the spacious bathroom, still flushed from what hadn't even happened. But the wetness between my thighs was still there as evidence of just how much he affected me.

"f**k this," I muttered to myself. "I'm Athena Davis. Men pine for me. Not the other way round."

But as I stepped out of the bathroom and saw Troy standing towards the entrance of the house with his back turned towards me, waiting for me patiently, I knew the truth.

That if he so much as looked at me like he wanted me again, I'd throw myself at his feet.

It was pathetic. But guess who didn't care anymore?

As I closed the bathroom door behind me, I heard a familiar voice call out my name.

"Princess Athena?"

I turned to see Nikolaos Wrath, Zephyrus Wrath's youngest brother, walking toward me, looking handsome in a plain shirt and casual pants.

"Nik!" I greeted him with a smile, moving toward him for a quick hug. "How are you doing? You look great."

He grinned, returning the hug before stepping back to admire me.

"You look amazing as well," he said, his smile widening. "What are you doing here?"

"Came to use the bathroom." I gestured toward the door.

"Oh, okay." He nodded, looking past me. "Did you come alone?"

"No," I replied, smiling as I pointed toward Troy, who had turned to listen. "Troy's with me."

Nik glanced at Troy and nodded. "Hi, Troy."

Troy gave a short nod in return.

Nik turned back to me, his grin returning. "You're in safe hands."

"I know."

Glancing at Troy again, I sighed. "Is he always this moody?"

Nik chuckled. "Yeah, but you get used to it. He's a good man."

We started walking toward the door together. As soon as we were outside, Troy followed.

"How are you liking the festival?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "It's alright."

Nik raised an eyebrow. "I came here to escape it."

"No wonder. I didn't see you or Alex earlier," I commented.

"Alex must've sneaked off to some other party. I'll do the same." He paused before adding, "Would've asked you to come with me, but I know how your father is.”

Troy, still following behind, was silent but paying attention to our conversation.

I smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, he's very protective." I sighed again. "Besides, it would be disrespectful if I just left. We came here to bond and celebrate."

Nik nodded. "True. I suppose you'll have to make do with the celebration then. Because I'm out in like…" He checked his watch. "...ten minutes."

"It was nice seeing you again, Nik," I said, wrapping him in a warm hug.

"And you too, Athena," he murmured, his hand lingering on my back. "You should come around more often. Our home will always be open to you PaleMoons."

Touched, I felt my cheeks warm up. "Thank you, Nik."

He winked before turning to Troy. "Take care of her, would you?"

"Of course, Mr. Wrath."

The fact that Troy spoke, rather than offering one of his usual grunts or stiff nods, caught me off guard. I looked at him in surprise.

Nik walked off toward his car, and as the sound of the engine faded, Troy and I resumed our quiet stroll back to the festival grounds.

"Nik is such a nice guy, isn't he?" I said aloud, to fill the silence. "A real gentleman."

I glanced sideways at Troy. "He's got everything. Charm. Looks. Confidence. Money. Plus, his family and mine are allies. I bet my father would favour us if we chose to be together."

Still, he said nothing.

It didn't take long for us to arrive back at the festival grounds, and a sadness crept into my chest.

My time with Troy was coming to an end. He'd return to his post, and I… well, I was pretty sure my family had already noticed I'd gone missing.

We'd just passed one of the food stations when a man walking toward us slowed to a stop, his eyes salaciously raking over my body. They remained far too long on my chest, and I heard Troy growl behind me in warning.

And like that wasn't terrifying enough, the stupid man, whoever the hell he was, opened his filthy mouth and said one of the most revolting things I'd ever heard.

"Damn… that dress really does wonders for your tits."

He let out a low whistle. "Bet those curves feel even better than they look in that tight little..."

Troy sent a punch to his face.