Coerce (Death in Bloom, #1)

by Candice M. Wright

“Nothing.” I sigh. “It’s just been one of those weeks.” “Ivy, it’s only Tuesday,” she points out. “Oh, trust me, I know.”

Thank you for looking after me, Atlas. I’m lucky you decided you wanted to be my friend.” I smile. “I don’t want to be your friend, Ivy. I want to fuck you.”

“You’re mine. You might not understand it right now, Ivy, but you will. I’m not a good man, but I can be good to you.” “We’re like fire and gasoline, Atlas. This is gonna explode in our faces.” “Undoubtedly, but it’s too late to turn back now.” “We’ll burn up and burn out, Atlas. Neither of us will escape without scars,” I warn him one last time as I feel myself capitulate. “Silly girl. There is no escape, not now.” The worst thing is, I know he’s right. And down the rabbit hole I go.

“You can be whoever you need to be out there, but you’ll always be my hero even if the only person you’re saving me from is myself.”

You get yourself all glammed up and I’ll take you out on a date tonight, but…” I look up at him. All gentleness is wiped from his face. “If anyone touches you, I’ll cut their fingers off and shove them down their throats.”

“Tell me, Ivy. Tell me you get me. This body is mine, this heart is mine, and if I have my way I’ll steal your soul from the reaper himself to bind you to me for an eternity. Now tell me you fucking understand me,”

“You’re mine now, Ivy. It will be my ring on your finger and my seed in your belly. If you try to run from me again, I’ll lock you up, shackle you to me figuratively and literally to keep you by my side. Don’t push me, baby, because you’ll never win, not against me,” he warns me before licking away my tears.

But no man will ever love you like I do, Ivy. I’d die for you, kill for you, burn the world to ash if you asked it of me, but I’ll do it with you by my side.”