10 parts Ongoing MatureOngoing | The Underworld's Secret
His unwavering attraction to her is forbidden, and they both know it. Before her, nothing had ever made his heart stumble and stammer as it does now, all because of one fleeting glance and a glowing smile.
She would rather keep their...whatever it is, he insists on calling it...hidden away, locked behind closed doors, and deep within the depths of the shadows. She wants to protect herself from the scrutiny society will cast upon her for even having the gall to be with him. But he refuses to let their burning passion be ignored, to remain sealed away from the light.
He wants the world-his world, the underworld-to adore her, to bow before her, and to recognise that she is his woman.
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I approach him with caution while he seems to be relaxed by all means. He eyes me as I stand under the light. His shadowy eyes drop down to my feet, and then they slowly come back up to my face. He analyses me, taking me in, silently assessing how easy his kill is about to be.
His nostrils flare, his jaw tightening, my lips parting at the domineering motion. "Ciao, bella," he mutters hoarsely as he takes a step forward.
I do not step back. "Uhm...my name is actually Imogen," I say, my voice trembling.
He throws his head back as he barks out a loud laugh. I feel awkward as I stand in front of him, not catching the punchline of my sentence. "I know what your name is," he says as he calms from his laughter.
He takes a couple of more steps forward, and I'm hit with his strong manly scent, hints of citrus swirling with his scent, as he invades my personal space. I almost stagger back due to close proximity, but I hold my ground.
"Imogen, I'm calling you beautiful. In Italian, bella means beautiful."
"You think I'm beautiful?" I squeak.
He nods with a wide smile. "The most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes on."