15 – Where Hearts Break

*MAGO’s POV*

My breath caught in my throat when I saw her standing near the counter of my bar, her eyes scanning the room as if she belonged here. ARLENE. Of all places, here—my sanctuary, my downfall. What the hell was she thinking, applying to be my apprentice? She shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t have kissed her the last time we met. I should’ve known better.

But how could I have known? She’s innocent—never been in a relationship, never kissed anyone before me. And now, because of my stupidity, I’ve put her in danger. Not physical danger, no—but something worse. Emotional destruction. I can’t allow her to fall for me. I ruin every woman I touch. They fall, and I drag them down with me. Every. Damn. Time.

I’m a cheater. It’s not just some bad habit—it’s in my veins, a twisted inheritance from my mother. I remember my father’s desperate attempts to keep her, as if she were slipping away day by day. He thought getting her pregnant would hold her, would make her stay. But she left anyway