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As they ascended to Erin’s office, Blaine couldn’t help but take in the lavish surroundings of the club. The intricate artwork on the walls, the soft glow of candles, and the faint sounds of music drifting through the air gave the place an air of decadence and allure. The tension between him and Erin intensified with each step they took.
Erin’s office, with its luxurious fabrics and commanding view, seemed a perfect reflection of her bold, captivating spirit. The view from Erin’s office was spectacular. The gigantic window took up an entire wall and showed the city below, alive with light and new construction. Surrounding the window were oil paintings depicting flowers and animals, hung at different levels on a dramatically curved wooden frame. The walls, made of genuine wood, had been polished to a shine. They reflected the hanging lamps that scattered bright pools of light across Erin’s desk and chair. Erin’s enormous mahogany desk was piled with papers, notepads, and pens.
The sight of the bed, draped in deep burgundy comforters and soft pillows, ignited something within him. He couldn’t ignore what it would be like to have Erin sprawled beneath him on that inviting bed. But though he ached for her, he was also fearful of the consequences if he crossed that line.
Blaine gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his composure. “You know as well as I do this city needs order, Erin. And as mayor, it’s my responsibility to ensure that order is maintained. Your temple is a threat to that order.”
Erin raised an eyebrow, her gaze never wavering. “Is it really the temple that threatens you, Blaine, or is it me?”
His heart skipped a beat at her words, and he fought to suppress the undeniable chemistry that sparked between them. “Don’t flatter yourself, Erin,” he said, his voice strained. “I’m the most powerful god-touched in this region and my concern is for the city, not for a rogue, fresh to her divine power, no matter how enticing she might be.”
“I might be a rogue, but admit it. I’m a needed breath of fresh air.”
Blaine couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. “You’re fresh, I’ll give you that. But you can’t sway me by appealing to the misguided attraction we may have for one another.”
Erin’s eyes flashed with defiance. “Misguided? You think our attraction is misguided?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Blaine hesitated, the intensity of her gaze making it difficult for him to think clearly. He knew he needed to maintain control, both of the city and of his own desires, but the allure of Erin’s strength was proving hard to resist.
“Yes,” he said finally, his voice firm. “We can’t afford to let our personal feelings interfere with our duties to the city.”
Erin shook her head, a sad smile playing at the corners of her lips. “I suppose you’re right,” she conceded, her voice heavy with resignation. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll just roll over and swear fealty to you, Blaine. My loyalty lies with Dionysos and the people of this city. I won’t let your twisted sense of order destroy what we’ve built here.”
Blaine clenched his fists, his anger rising at her stubborn refusal. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Erin. Don’t you understand the consequences of going against me and the city council?”
She stared into his eyes, her resolve unwavering. He wasn’t much taller than her, and he was almost as brawny as Daniel, the devotee of Ares, but more refined. “I understand perfectly, Blaine. But I also understand that this city is suffering under your rule, and I won’t stand by and let it continue. I’m not afraid of fighting for my beliefs.”
The air in the room crackled with tension, and for a moment, Blaine considered giving in to the temptation that Erin represented. He could lose himself in her embrace, forget his responsibilities and the city’s problems, but he knew that doing so would only bring about disaster.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped back, putting distance between them. “I’ll give you one last chance, Erin. Swear fealty to me and the city council, and we’ll let you continue your work here. But if you refuse, I will do everything in my power to shut this temple down and bring you to heel.”
Erin’s expression softened, her eyes glistening with a seductive glint as she moved close. “Why don’t you let go of all that control, just for a moment, Blaine? Embrace the hedonism and freedom this temple offers. Stop being so stuffy and uptight. Why not let go for a moment and embrace the hedonism that comes so naturally to your benefactor, Zeus?”
Blaine hesitated, his gaze lingering on her lips, the desire to taste them again momentarily overpowering his need for order. He swallowed hard and let out a small chuckle. “Zeus may have been known for his revelries, but I can’t afford to indulge like he did. Not with the responsibilities that hang on my shoulders. Even if I did, the council would never let you run amok with the city.”
Her hand found his chest, fingers splayed over his racing heartbeat. “You’ve never been with a woman who challenges you, have you?” Erin’s breath was warm against his cheek as she whispered, “Maybe that’s exactly what you need, Blaine. Someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to you and remind you that there’s more to life than power and control.”
Blaine’s eyes flicked down to her lips, then back up to her eyes. “I’ve had my share of women, Erin. But none quite like you.”
Erin’s gaze never wavered, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Maybe it’s time to try something new, Blaine. To give in to passion, if only for a moment.”
The air in the room thickened with the mounting sexual tension between them. Blaine’s heart raced, and he found himself momentarily lost in Erin’s eyes. He could lose himself in her embrace, forget his responsibilities and the city’s problems. Just for a moment.
His resolve wavered, and with a deep, ragged breath, he gave in. They crashed into each other, lips meeting in a fiery, passionate kiss. Their hands tangled in each other’s hair, the heat between them undeniable. Blaine’s hands slid down Erin’s athletic frame, a shiver passing through her as he gripped her hips.
Erin whimpered into Blaine’s mouth as their kiss deepened, her hands roaming over his body. She tugged at the edges of his shirt, and he allowed her to peel it away from him. His hands found her hips, and he massaged the soft fabric against her skin, exploring every curve of her body with his fingers.
The heat between them quickly built to an unbearable level as they explored each other with wanton abandon. Blaine pulled back long enough to catch her gaze, and Erin looked back at Blaine with a desire that made his breath catch. He leaned in, his lips meeting hers as they moved together in a passionate embrace. She moaned into his mouth as he kissed her hungrily, exploring her body with his hands and savoring every sensation that coursed through him. His heart slammed against his ribs as their breathing quickened in unison.
Erin’s hands moved up Blaine’s chest, fingers tracing the contours of his muscles as if she was memorizing them for later. He trailed delicate kisses down her neck, nipping and sucking at sensitive spots that elicited little gasps from Erin’s lips. She tilted her head back in pleasure, giving Blaine full access to her gorgeous neck and inviting him to take more.
He complied eagerly, trailing more kisses down her chest and over the swell of her breasts before returning to capture her lips with his once again. His hands moved to cup Erin’s face, thumbs gently caressing her cheeks until she was sighing in delight.
“Don’t stop now,” Erin whispered. “Let me be your escape.” She held out her arms to him, inviting him closer, and he obliged. His body moved over hers in a dance of pleasure as their lips reconnected. She tasted sweet like honey and felt so right against him.
Blaine’s hands trembled as they drifted across her body, exploring every secret spot with a fervent hunger. He hesitated only briefly before tearing off her dress and baring her to his gaze, drinking in the sight of her glorious figure until a frenzied urge drove him to remove his own clothing. Scooping her up in an embrace, he quickly carried her to her bed, tossing her onto the sheets and climbing on top of her with wild abandon.
Erin gasped as Blaine’s lips found hers again. His hands moved over her body with determination and skill that left Erin quivering beneath him. His kisses became more passionate with each passing moment, as his hunger for her proved insatiable.
