An Illicit Obsession (Mila and Killian) novel Chapter 2

Mila POV

Killian Knight had a presence about him. Even as he walked lazily toward us, it felt as though the very air surrounding him was his domain. His aura dared you to challenge his authority—or look away from him.

“He’s hot!” Nicolai muttered under his breath. “He’s married,” Franny reminded him.

“So what? Doesn’t mean I don’t have eyes.”

I rolled my eyes at Nicolai. Mr. Knight hang his glasses on the neck line of his shirt and he greeted my father. I instinctively stepped back, away from his line of sight. Father introduced Adeline first, then Nicolai, and finally Franny. Killian nodded in acknowledgment, his actions polite, graceful, and measured. Something crackled in the air, and my gaze moved to his on its own accord. My hand twitched with an unnamed urge, and I quickly shoved it into my pocket, confused. My heart was thundering in my chest. Was it fear? I reminded myself that our families had shared generations of friendship. I was just as safe here as in my own home—or so I told myself. I’d always lived this way, constantly questioning. What was there to be scared of now? I wasn’t one to back away from challenges, but I had to keep my stance neutral.

“And who is this?” That deep, sophisticated voice caressed the air as it directed a question toward me.

“This is Mila,” my father answered simply and quickly. His indifference was nothing new to me, but I’d thought—perhaps hoped—that in some corner of his heart, there might be an obligation to pretend otherwise.

“Mila,” Killian repeated, a smile gracing his lips as he stepped aside, his gaze fixing on me with unnerving precision.

“Your eldest.” The glint in his eyes reminded me of a black panther. A jolt of something ran through me, and the air seemed to thin. Mistaking my reaction for fear, I tried to suppress the rush of emotions as he extended his hand toward me.

“It’s a sweet name,” he said. Without much thought, I slid my hand into his. His touch was surprisingly warm—the kind of warmth you feel sitting by a fire during a snowstorm. Close enough to savor the heat but wary of the burn. My breath hitched as his large, rough hand enclosed mine, making my own feel small. The sensation sent a shiver down my spine, one I struggled to suppress. My heart raced, and an unfamiliar undercurrent climbed through my nerves. Meeting his eyes again, I gave this feeling a name. It wasn’t fear. It was desire.

“Shall we?” Kate’s voice broke the spell, and my head snapped toward her. Hell. What was I doing? I withdrew my hand quickly.

“Yes, we shall.” A casual smile lingered on Killian’s lips as he stepped aside. “This way, Princess,” he murmured, so low I wasn’t sure I’d heard it right.

Kate and the others were already several steps ahead, but Killian walked right beside me. I schooled my expression, but it was difficult to ignore him when I was so hyper-aware of his every move.

“Nina will show you to your rooms. Once you’re settled, I’ll give you a tour,” Kate said.

I didn’t stop or turn to acknowledge her as Nina, the head of the staff, led us. At the foot of the stairs, Killian halted, and I caught the faint trace of perfume.

My pace quickened.

“Killian, sweetie,” a voice called from behind. D*mn it. What was I thinking? He’s married.

Killian POV

I am bewitched. Mila Anderson cannot be human and real at the same time. Those sea-green siren eyes were meant to drown every soul they landed on. Her dark red hair cascaded to her waist, and the ripped jeans hugged her curves so perfectly it was almost criminal. She clutched the straps of her messenger bag as if her life depended on it, standing behind her family with her shoulders hunched. But when her eyelids fluttered and her gaze met mine—she had me, right then and there.

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