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Blaine leaned in for another kiss, his hands sliding up her body. Erin let herself get lost in the sensation, knowing that this was just the beginning of a dangerous and intoxicating journey.
The kiss was slow, as if Blaine was in no rush to leave her lips. Erin was quickly losing her sense of self, the heat between them rising with each passing second. She couldn’t deny the way Blaine made her feel wanted and desired. But she also couldn’t ignore the nagging voice in the back of her mind that whispered warnings of danger. She was playing with lightning, and while Erin knew that would have once slowed her down, now the risk only inflamed her desire.
As they pulled away, Erin’s eyes met Blaine’s, and she saw a flicker of something dark and dangerous in his gaze. She wondered just how far he would go to achieve his goals, but then Erin realized the answer was clear, causing a chill to play across her skin. Blaine hadn’t made it this far by committing halfway. He’d accept nothing but a clear submission to his authority.
Blaine sensed her hesitation and leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “You have nothing to fear, Erin,” he whispered. “I’m a fair and even-handed leader of the council. Imagine what we can accomplish by working together.”
Erin shuddered, a mix of fear and desire coursing through her. She knew Blaine was dangerous, but she also knew that she would take that risk for what she wanted and for the task Dionysos had charged her with.
Blaine’s hand trailed down her body, the rough material of his jacket scraping against her skin. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his lips trailing along her collarbone.
Aware she was seducing the most influential man in the state, the power rushed to her head. The idea only lasted a minute before crashing headlong toward the realization that this might be a common occurrence for him.
Erin couldn’t help but ask, “Is this your usual method of negotiation?”
Blaine laughed, a low and throaty sound that sent shivers down her spine. He pulled away and smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes as his hands traveled up to cup her face. “No Erin,” he replied, his voice thick with desire. “This isn’t myusual method. Besides, you’re the one doing the seducing here, right on cue, I might add.” His gaze burned into hers as if challenging her to deny it, but Erin knew she couldn’t. He had expected her response, and she realized he had pretended to go along with her the entire time.
Erin’s heart sank as she realized that she had fallen right into Blaine’s trap. She had thought she was in control, but now she saw she was merely a pawn in his game. Blaine was a skilled player, and she had underestimated him. She couldn’t deny the attraction she felt for Blaine, but she also knew that it was dangerous to let him get too close.
Erin paused, a wave of confusion washing over her. Ever since Dionysos had awakened the maenad within her, it was as if a dam had burst inside, unleashing impulses and desires she could no longer control. The old Erin, the one who had struggled and scraped to survive in this oppressive system, would never have acted so brazenly or recklessly. But that Erin was gone, transformed into something wilder, something more vicious, seductive, and violent.
Dimly, Erin understood her rage at the injustice in this city remained, but it had warped into a dangerous hunger to punish without thought for human cost. She was no longer bound by human morality or reason. The maenad cared only for satiating her desires, whatever form they took.
Erin shuddered, a small part of her human heart grieving for the loss of who she had been. But the grief quickly faded beneath the maenad’s ravenous appetite. She would do whatever it took to gain the upper hand over Blaine, to make him submit to her desires. Even if it meant playing along in his twisted game—for now.
But Erin wasn’t one to give up easily. She would take what she wanted from Blaine, by force, if necessary. And she would tear down the rotting foundations of this city to clear the way for Dionysos’ new order. The old Erin may have balked at such violence, but the maenad would not hesitate to unleash chaos.
She leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear. “You think you have me all figured out, Blaine,” she whispered, her voice low and sultry. “But you have no idea what I’m capable of.”
Blaine’s eyes widened, before his expression shifted into a sly smile. “I like a woman who knows what she wants,” he said, his hand sliding down her back. “But make no mistake, Erin. You may be a maenad, but I’m the one in control here.”
Anger flared within Erin. She pushed him away, eyes flashing. “We’ll see about that!”
Blaine reached for her, but paused, his gaze turning inward. Erin watched him warily, simmering with frustration. How dare he imply she was just some wild woman to be tamed? She was a force of nature, beholden to no man.
Yet even in her fury, she felt the gravitational pull between them. Try as she might, she could not deny the forbidden attraction.
Blaine’s eyes refocused on her, his expression cautious. Erin searched those azure depths, wondering if he felt as conflicted as she.
“What was that about?” Erin asked sharply.
Blaine measured his words before responding. “Zeus offered some counsel on dealing with your impulsive nature.”
Erin bristled. “Did he now? And what advice did the philandering god so generously provide?”
Blaine held her gaze. “He suggested a light hand. That brute force will only provoke you further.”
Though his tone was even, Erin sensed Blaine’s caution. Clearly, Zeus’ words had resonated.
Erin moved closer, eyes blazing. “I don’t need to be handled, or tamed, or controlled.”
“Nor would I attempt to,” Blaine replied calmly. “But you cannot deny there are forces at work here, beyond our comprehension.” His voice lowered. “Forces that compel us, against all reason.”
Erin knew he spoke the truth. This magnetic draw felt ordained by providence, not born of earthly desire. They were two stars locked in orbit, powerless to break free.
Before she could think better of it, Erin pulled Blaine into a searing kiss. As their lips met, she understood this moment would forever change them both. Whatever came next, they could not emerge from this collision untouched.
CHAPTER26
