Enchantra (Wicked Games, #2)

by Kaylie Smith

Hell was made of swirling darkness and secrets just like the man in front of her.

“Love. Loathing. Same passion, different names,” he told her. “And how easily and swiftly the line can be blurred, don’t you think?”

Nor had she been ready to admit the largest reason she’d stopped scorning the paranormal. Because she was no longer trying to win the affections of a man who’d never loved her…

“One can be only so intimidating when gifted with such a darling appearance, I suppose,”

Besides, what was worse? Coming so close to everything she’d been wanting for so long and walking away like a coward—or dealing with another insufferable man? Those are a dime a dozen, she thought.

“We were married, with Knox’s permission, and eventually went on to have our seven children: Gravington, Covington, Rowington, Remington, Sevington, Wellington, and Ellington.”

“Can’t I marry one of the others instead?” she suggested. “No,” Rowin stated. “This was my idea. Therefore, you’re mine. If anyone is winning freedom from the Hunt, it’s me.”

He’s just a man. But that wasn’t really true anymore, was it? He was her husband.

“And I won’t be showing you any mercy if you lay a finger on my wife.”

“I hate when people say that,” she told him. “It is something you’ve never seen before. Me. And I’m spectacular.”

“Unfortunately, the last time I trusted a man implicitly, he shattered my heart,” Genevieve told him. “I’m not very eager to do so again.” “This game isn’t about hearts,” Rowin told her, a glint of something she couldn’t read in his eyes at her revelation. “Hearts can never truly be trusted, anyway.”

She had a Devil’s game to play. And this time, she wouldn’t be leaving until she won.

“Sometimes I think it’s best not to chase after things. Sometimes all we can do is let them go and hope they come back on their own.”

“If he upset you, I think it’s important for you to remember that, as your husband, it’s my job to defend your honor.”

“You were right.” “About what in particular?” “You aren’t anything I’ve ever seen before,” he said gruffly. “You’re spectacular.”

And I am tired of being referred to as a rodent. Also of pity from men who don’t really care what happens to me. Who just think of me as a pretty girl someone else should rescue. And I say someone else because they never actually want to put in the effort of saving me.”

“I want everyone who bet against me to see my face until they’re sick of it.”

“The light isn’t something you need to chase, Genevieve. The light is wherever you are,” he told her.

She knew what he’d said, about hearts not being logical and that they couldn’t be trusted, but she didn’t fucking care. She wanted him so badly in this moment that she’d let her heart lead her into whatever perilous fires it wanted if he would just keep touching her forever.

“If you thought I was a tireless opponent, wait until you see me as a lover.”

“I’m a creature of Hell, worshipping is not usually in my nature.” Then he lowered himself between her legs and flicked his tongue out to taste her. “But for whatever time you remain in my bed, I will make it your shrine.”

“I… I’ve always been right about you, you know. You’re going to be nothing but trouble for me.”

“It’s never easy to realize that the people who are supposed to protect us are the ones who can create the deepest scars.”

You are the most real thing you’ll ever be able to experience. Your light. Your determination. You can search every corner of the universe for something else and it will never be enough if you’re trying to escape yourself. I don’t know who told you that you weren’t good enough, but they were fucking wrong. You’re more than good enough. Your heart is more than good enough. No matter how many times it has been burned. How many scars it might have. It will keep on beating, brave and passionate, if you will only let it.”

I don’t think I know this new version of me. So maybe going to Hell will be a good place to start looking for her. X, Genevieve

Mortals are lucky. You live, you love, you die. Living forever just means there’s infinite time for people to inflict pain on you.”

“Nothing is eternal. Except for the fact that you’ve ruined me. All I’ve ever wanted was freedom from this wretched game, and I didn’t even hesitate for a second to give it up.”

“Shadows can only be seen in the presence of light,” he told her, the words agonized. “I worry when you leave, there will be no one left to see me.”

Our vows may have said “eternally,” but as I told you then, nothing is ever truly eternal. Except my longing for you.