long day?

CHARLOTTE

"So?" Taide asked, twirling a strand of my hair between his fingers. "What’s it gonna be?"

I stood rooted in place, wondering if he was being serious. I studied his features, searching for a possible twitch so I could tell this was all a joke.

Why on earth would he want to mark me? The concept didn't make sense to me at all.

"Harlot you’re wasting time, and I’m not a patient man, you know." He reminded in a sing-song tune, chuckling at the end of his sentence.

My back grew tense, as his breath fanned over my face, with every word he said.

Only now did I realize how close we were, and Taide closed the distance between us even more. He took a step, parting my legs with one of his, and I moved back, only to be blocked by the table behind me.

My heart thumped, playing like a drum in my ribcage, as his face got closer to mine.

I willed myself to remain calm. I felt our noses touch faintly, like an illusion, but he let an inch remain between us, driving that rich earthy smell of