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† Lucian's POV †
Lucian raked his fingers through his hair, frustration clawing inside him. What the hell is wrong with me? he thought. Is she some kind of witch? The way Mirabel's lips felt against his, the warmth of her body beneath his touch — it was still burning on his skin like fire. He dragged his hand through his hair again, pacing the room, restless.
The door creaked open. Angelica walked in with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Lucy…" she purred, striding toward him with false sweetness.
He raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?" His voice was cold, detached.
Angelica wrapped her arms around his chest, pressing her body to his. "I missed you," she whispered, fingers tracing along his chest as she leaned in for a kiss.
He turned his face away, catching her wrist before she could slip her hand lower. "I'm not in the mood."
Her lips curled. "Don't worry… I'll make you feel good." She reached for his trousers with desperate determination, but his grip tightened, stopping her.
"I said I'm not in the mood," he growled, shoving her hand away.
Angelica stumbled back, shock flashing across her face. He had never pushed her before. Her pride cracked, rage flooding in its place. She forced a smile, but her voice dripped with venom. "So… it's because of her."
Lucian didn't even answer. He brushed past her, his chest heaving with unwanted desire and confusion. Why am I still thinking about her? Why do I crave her scent, her softness, her moans… He clenched his fists. Damn it, Mirabel.
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‡ Mirabel's POV ‡
Mirabel sat on her bed, her heart racing, fingers brushing over her lips as if they still burned from Lucian's kiss. Why did I kiss him back? she asked herself, trembling. Why didn't I push him away?
She squeezed her eyes shut. "No… I have to keep my distance," she whispered. "He's dangerous. He's… better than Dave, but still dangerous."
A sharp knock on the door broke her thoughts. She stood quickly, opening the door — and the sting of a palm cracked across her cheek.
"Ah!" she gasped, stumbling to the floor.
Angelica towered over her, eyes blazing. She yanked Mirabel's hair, forcing her up, and slapped her again, harder.
"Stay the hell away from my man, you filthy bitch!" Angelica spat, her nails digging into Mirabel's scalp.
Mirabel blinked through the pain, confused. "Who—?"
"Lucian, of course!" Angelica sneered.
Mirabel, despite the throbbing ache in her face, let out a small, bitter laugh. "Then tell your so-called man to stay away from me. I don't want him. If you could actually control your beast, maybe he wouldn't be calling for me." She smirked through the blood on her lip.
"How dare you call master a beast!" Rose, standing beside Angelica, snapped. She slapped Mirabel with enough force to make her cry out.
Angelica turned to Rose and Bella, her voice dangerously calm. "You know what to do." She smirked. "This is only the beginning, Mirabel. If you don't stay away from Lucian, you'll regret ever being born."
Rose yanked Mirabel's hair so hard her scalp burned. "Stay away from Dave too, you slut. Next time I see you near him, I'll ruin that pretty face."
"Ah—!" Mirabel winced, her cries echoing down the hall. Bella's boot slammed into her ribs, knocking the air from her lungs. Another kick followed, making her body curl on the floor.
Angelica didn't look back as she walked away, her heels clicking coldly against the marble. "Teach her well. I want her to remember who owns this house."
Rose delivered one last kick before spitting at Mirabel. "Pathetic." Then she and Bella followed Angelica out, leaving Mirabel crumpled on the floor.
Tears streaked her swollen face as she whispered, her voice breaking. "Why is my life like this? Why was I even born? My father never wanted me… and now—" her chest heaved with pain as she looked up at the ceiling. "Mother… if you were still alive, none of this would be happening."
Her body finally gave out. The world went dark as she collapsed unconscious on the cold floor.
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