Chapter 6: Surrender to Sin

(From Book 1: The Devil’s Bargain – Dark Temptations Series)

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Seraphina could still feel the ghost of the masked stranger’s touch long after he had vanished. His words clung to her skin, sinking into her bones, leaving behind a trail of questions she wasn’t sure she wanted the answers to.

"If you step too far into the dark, you might not find your way out."

Yet, wasn’t that exactly what she was doing?

She had stepped into Lucian’s world willingly, knowing it was dangerous, knowing it would change her. But she hadn’t expected this—hadn’t expected the weight of temptation pressing against her from all sides, whispering in the shadows, daring her to give in.

She told herself she could still walk away.

But deep down, she knew she wouldn’t.

And neither would Lucian let her.

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The night was thick with promise when Seraphina arrived at the penthouse Lucian had invited her to.

The building towered over the city, its windows gleaming against the dark sky like hidden secrets waiting to be unraveled. She hesitated only for a moment before stepping into the private elevator.

As the doors slid shut, she inhaled sharply, trying to steady herself.

This was a mistake.

And yet, she pressed the button.

The ascent was smooth, silent—much like the man waiting for her at the top.

When the doors finally opened, she was greeted by warm, low lighting and the faint scent of something rich and smoky. The space was vast yet intimate, a blend of sleek modernity and quiet decadence. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined one side, offering a breathtaking view of the city’s glittering skyline.

But Seraphina barely noticed.

Because Lucian was there.

He stood near the bar, his presence commanding even in stillness. His gaze flicked to her the moment she stepped inside, and for a second, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

“You came,” he murmured.

Seraphina swallowed. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”

Lucian’s lips curved into something unreadable. “No.”

She exhaled slowly, her heart pounding as she stepped further inside. “Why did you invite me here?”

Lucian tilted his head, studying her. “I thought you’d enjoy something stronger than champagne.”

Seraphina’s fingers twitched as he poured a dark amber liquid into two glasses. He moved with effortless grace, every movement precise, deliberate.

When he handed her the glass, his fingers brushed against hers, sending a slow, dangerous heat through her.

She should have pulled away.

She didn’t.

Instead, she met his gaze and took a slow sip, the burn of the whiskey sliding down her throat like a promise.

Lucian smirked. “You don’t hesitate.”

Seraphina exhaled, her grip tightening around the glass. “Not when I know what I want.”

Lucian stepped closer, his presence wrapping around her like silk. “And what is it that you want, Seraphina?”

Her breath hitched.

She didn’t know if it was the whiskey or the way he said her name, but something inside her cracked open.

She wanted to say it was curiosity that brought her here. That it was about answers. About control.

But the truth was, she didn’t know anymore.

Lucian watched her, waiting.

And then, instead of answering, she did something reckless.

She reached out and traced her fingers lightly over the edge of his collar.

Lucian stilled, his eyes darkening, but he didn’t stop her.

“You play dangerous games,” he murmured.

Seraphina met his gaze. “So do you.”

Lucian’s smirk deepened, but there was something else beneath it now—something darker.

Without warning, he reached up, his fingers brushing along her jaw before tilting her chin up slightly. The touch was light, almost teasing, but it sent a shiver down her spine.

“Tell me something, Seraphina,” he said, his voice lower now, rougher. “Are you afraid of me?”

Her pulse pounded, but she refused to look away.

“No.”

Lucian’s thumb traced the curve of her jaw, his touch deceptively gentle. “You should be.”

Seraphina swallowed hard, her skin burning beneath his fingertips.

She knew she was playing with fire.

But for some reason, she wasn’t afraid of the burn.

Lucian’s fingers trailed lower, stopping just at the edge of her pulse. He could feel it racing. He knew exactly what he was doing to her.

And he was waiting.

Waiting for her to break.

Waiting for her to surrender.

But Seraphina wasn’t sure she wanted to surrender.

Not yet.

Instead, she took a slow step forward, closing the last bit of space between them.

Lucian’s breath ghosted over her lips, but he didn’t move. He was letting her choose.

And so she did.

Seraphina leaned in, her lips barely brushing against his—just enough to taste him, to feel the sharp intake of his breath.

Lucian’s grip tightened ever so slightly. “Careful,” he murmured, his voice a warning.

But Seraphina didn’t want to be careful.

She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. “Maybe I don’t want to be.”

For a split second, something flashed in Lucian’s eyes—something raw, something dangerous.

And then, just as quickly, it was gone.

Lucian exhaled slowly, his fingers trailing away as he took a step back, putting deliberate space between them.

The loss of his warmth sent a jolt through her, but she forced herself to stay still.

Lucian studied her for a moment before smirking. “You enjoy pushing boundaries, don’t you?”

Seraphina lifted her chin. “Only when they need to be pushed.”

Lucian chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “You’re playing a game you don’t fully understand.”

Seraphina tilted her head. “Then maybe you should teach me.”

The silence that followed was thick, charged.

Lucian’s smirk faded slightly as he studied her, his expression unreadable.

And then, he turned away, retrieving the bottle of whiskey and pouring himself another drink.

“If you want to step into the dark, Seraphina,” he murmured, not looking at her, “you should know something first.”

Seraphina swallowed. “What?”

Lucian finally looked at her, his gaze sharp, unwavering.

“There’s no turning back.”

She knew that.

She had known it from the moment she met him.

And yet, as she stood in the warm glow of the penthouse, her pulse still thrumming from his touch, she realized something.

She didn’t want to turn back.

Not anymore.