Ch3stabel

I once believed I understood love, passion, and longing, until I met him. He turned my world on its axis, making me the object of his obsession while he became the embodiment of my deepest transgression. I became his devoted lover; he became my salvation. He commanded me with unyielding intensity, and I, in turn, surrendered completely to his will.

The Axis of Desire

Amanda folded her arms, tilting her chin up in defiance. "And what if I do win?" 


Raphael's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. That dangerous kind of smile that made her feel like she had already lost. "Then I'll let you go back to work." 


Her breath caught. He can't be serious. 


"But," he continued smoothly, leaning in just a fraction, "on my terms." 


Amanda narrowed her eyes. "What does that even mean?" 


His smirk deepened. "You'll find out when you win." 


She hesitated, her mind spinning. This was what she wanted-wasn't it? Freedom. Work. A piece of herself that she thought she had lost. But something about the way he said it, the way he looked at her, made her stomach tighten with something uncomfortably close to anticipation. 


Still, she straightened her spine. "Fine." 


Chapter 30 (Author’s POV)