FROST AND FLAME

The moonlight spilled through the windows of Paris's chambers, casting a silvery glow over her and Mateo as they lay tangled in silken sheets. Mateo traced a finger down her spine, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "You're insatiable," he murmured.

Paris smirked, reaching for the cupboard by the bedside. From it, she produced a sleek, gilded vibrator. Mateo raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"What's this?" he teased, taking it from her hand.

"A little… spice," Paris replied, her voice dripping with seduction.

She turned it on and grinned at him then gestured him how to use it on her.

He took it and made her feel every bit of it, she moans out loudly and then begged him to penetrate her with his manhood.

He immediately penetrates her wet well and started grinding and riding her roughly, she felt as though she was in heaven on earth.

With Mateo, she was free from the constraints of her title, the weight of her cold marriage to Levi, and the growing jealousy gnawing at her when she thought of Sabi.

***

Meanwhile, across the castle, Levi sat alone in his chambers, his mind consumed by the memory of Sabi. The kiss haunted him like a fever dream. He leaned against the window, biting his lip as the scene replayed in his mind, the softness of her lips, the way her breath hitched when he touched her, the fire that had burned between them in those fleeting moments.

She had stopped him when it got so intense.

"No...no"

"Okay... Not here, let's go to my chamber" Levi said trying to catch his breath, his hunger growing stronger.

"No... No... I can't do this" she struggled her way out of his grip and ran away from him.

He had wanted to pull her into his chambers that night, to explore every inch of her, to lose himself in her completely.

Levi clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He had spent years building walls around his heart, keeping emotions at bay. He didn't want this, or better still, didn't need this. But now, look at him, yearning for a woman.

***

The next morning, the castle was alive with the usual hum of activity as breakfast was served in the grand dining chamber. To Sabi's shock, Levi was present for breakfast, he never made it to breakfast.

Her heart skipped a beat as she walked in with the serving tray. His presence was enough to throw her off balance, the way his piercing gaze followed her every step made her palms sweat. She could feel his eyes on her, burning into her skin, and it took all her will power not to falter.

When she reached his table, her hands trembled slightly as she placed the dishes before him. Levi took the opportunity to brush his hand against hers, just a fleeting touch, but enough to send a jolt of electricity through her.

Sabi froze for a split second, her cheeks flushing. She quickly pulled her hand away and continued serving, avoiding his gaze. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she silently cursed herself for the way her body reacted to him.

Paris, seated across the table, noticed everything. Her lips curled into a sneer as she watched Levi's uncharacteristic behavior. Her hatred for Sabi festered.

When breakfast ended, Paris stormed back to her chambers, fuming. Meanwhile, Levi lingered at the table, his eyes still following Sabi as she cleared the plates.

***

Later that morning, Sabi was startled when a guard approached her.

"The duke requests your presence in his chambers," he announced.

Her heart dropped. "Me?"

"Yes. Now."

Sabi's stomach churned as she made her way to Levi's chambers. What could he possibly want from her? She had been avoiding him since the kiss, trying to bury the feelings she knew were wrong. But now, faced with the prospect of being alone with him again, those feelings bubbled to the surface.

When she entered his chambers, Levi was standing by the window, his back to her. The glass highlighted the sharp angles of his face, his broad shoulders, the tension in his posture.

"You… called for me, Your Grace?" Sabi's voice was barely above a whisper.

He turned slowly, his gaze locking onto hers. For a moment, he said nothing, his eyes dark and unreadable. Then, in a voice low and raw, he spoke.

"I want you, Sabi."

Her breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. "Your Grace, I—"

"Don't interrupt," he cut her off, stepping closer. His tone was controlled, but there was an edge to it, a desperation he couldn't quite hide. "I've tried to fight it, but I can't. I've been drawn to you since the moment I saw you. And now… after that kiss…"

Sabi's knees felt weak as he closed the distance between them. "It was a mistake," she stammered, her voice trembling.

"A mistake?" Levi's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "Then why haven't I been able to think about anything else? Why does every part of me ache for you?"

His words sent a shiver down her spine, but she forced herself to stand her ground. "You're the duke, and I'm just a maid. This… whatever this is… it can't happen."

Levi's jaw tightened. "I don't care about titles or positions. I want you. I'll make you my mistress if I have to."

"Your Grace…" she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. "This isn't right."

Levi reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "Tell me you don't feel the same," he challenged, his voice soft but firm.

Sabi closed her eyes, her heart breaking. She couldn't deny it, she felt it too.