Ryan's sacrificial ability operated under the principle of equivalent exchange.
Any object he sacrificed yielded a gift of corresponding value. The three offerings at the top of the hierarchy were souls, faith, and knowledge.
Sacrificing knowledge allowed for the direct absorption of its truths. Surrendering a soul meant claiming its owner's power and wisdom. However, pure, potent faith was the rarest currency. Any object imbued with genuine belief yielded rewards beyond material measure when sacrificed.
If only I could sacrifice an entire historic church...
The thought tantalized him. The payoff would be staggering.
Of course, that was pure fantasy. A vanishing church would trigger nationwide panic and possibly be declared a miracle. He'd be exposed instantly.
"What a pain," Ryan muttered.
Still, alternatives existed. Antiques steeped in history could be purchased—for a price. In this capitalist world, money opens doors.
He'd barely stepped inside his home when—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Who's visiting this late?"
The door swung open to reveal a familiar figure who lunged at him. The scent—jasmine and arousal—stayed his reflexive counterattack.
"Darling, hurry," Emma gasped, tearing at his clothes. "Curfew's at ten. We've got ninety minutes."
Ryan blinked as her dress pooled on the floor.
Wait—am I the one being taken advantage of here?
Before he could ponder this, Emma shoved him onto the bed. Her bouncing ponytail taunted him as she straddled his thighs.
The beast within him awoke.
"Enjoy the moment," she purred.
Ryan exhaled through his nose and surrendered to gravity's pull.
----------------- { T/N- 18+ You can skip if u want. }
Ryan gripped her hips with his hands, his fingers digging into her soft flesh. "Oh, I think you'll find that I have no problem keeping up, green-tea bitch."
There was no mistaking the challenge in his voice. Emma's breath hitched as he flipped them, pinning her beneath him with ease. His strength was unmatched, and the raw power radiating from him sent a thrill down her spine. She loved being overpowered, but she'd never admit it—not unless it served her.
"Curfew is in ninety minutes," she reminded him sharply. "Don't make me regret this."
Ryan's grin was dark and wicked. "Relax, baby. I've got plenty to keep you busy until then."
His lips found the sensitive spot behind her ear, nipping and teasing, while his hands roamed her body possessively. Emma arched her back, unable to suppress the rush of arousal that flickered through her. He was toying with her, and she felt a desperate need to reclaim control.
"Less talking, more fucking," she demanded, grabbing a handful of his hair and pulling him back. "Prove you're worth my time."
Ryan chuckled low in his throat. The sound vibrated against her skin as he moved down her body. "Oh, I'll prove it."
His mouth closed around her nipple, his teeth grazing the hardening peak just enough to make her gasp. Her body betrayed her with every touch, every flick of his tongue, her fingers curling into fists. She tried to remain aloof—after all, she was the one with the upper hand. But the way he handled her, as if she were both his most prized possession and something he wanted to destroy, was intoxicating.
When he finally came up for air, she was a trembling mess beneath him. His mouth curled into a satisfied smirk. "Better brace yourself, Emma. I'm just getting started."
Before she could respond, his fingers found the throbbing heat between her legs and began to rub slow circles, making her whimper. She bit her lip, refusing to surrender to him so easily. But his relentless pace was too much, and soon, her hips were rocking in sync with his skilled touch.
"You're such a tease," she gasped, her grip tightening on his shoulders. "Fuck me properly, or I'll find someone who can."
Ryan's laughter was dark as he slipped a finger inside her, his breathing labored. "Oh, is that what you need, green tea bitch?"
Emma's breath caught in her throat as he added another finger, stretching her deliciously. She couldn't suppress the moan that escaped her lips. "Shut up and fuck me."
He didn't need further encouragement. In one smooth motion, he was over her, pressing into her so deeply that she saw stars. Her back arched and her nails raked down his spine as he set a punishing rhythm. She clung to him, wrapping her legs around his waist to keep him close. Her body was slick with sweat and need.
"It's my rod, darling,"
Ryan ground out through gritted teeth. His stamina was nearly endless—something Emma marveled at time and time again. Even as her pleasure built to a feverish peak, he showed no sign of tiring; every thrust was powerful enough to shake the bed beneath them.
"Don't slow down," she panted, her nails biting into his skin. "I need it harder."
If anything, he sped up. His lips crashed against hers, muffling her gasps and cries as she shattered beneath him. Her body pulsed around him in waves of euphoria. He buried himself deep inside her as she climaxed. His own release followed with a ragged groan.
Hours later, a sweat-slicked Emma collapsed, spent. Ryan rolled his eyes and took command.
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"God, you have no idea how much I've suffered," she moaned into his chest. "Buck's utterly useless."
Her fingers traced his muscles with proprietary delight. This wasn't the Emma he remembered—the calculating social climber who had dumped him.
Pregnancy risks surfaced in his mind. "You didn't bring protection?"
"If we're blessed," she murmured. "Buck will play happy father. He'd never suspect."
Her nail dragged down his sternum. "Besides, I want your child."
Ryan studied her flushed face. This wasn't the cold strategist he knew.
Hormones. The clam had seized her brain. This version of Emma, drunk on endorphins, would vanish by dawn, leaving only regret.
"Time to go," he said, checking the clock. Other pursuits awaited.
Emma pouted, but she got dressed and discarded her torn stockings. Before leaving, she claimed a final kiss—deep and passionate.
"Wait for me," she whispered.
"Buck's in the hospital for a week. I'll tend to him, but..."
Her teeth grazed his ear.
"Save your strength. Next time, I'll break you."
--!