ARIA'S POV
"Then I dare you to…" I whispered, my eyes glinting with mischief as I let the challenge linger in the air between us.
Magnus arched an eyebrow, crossing his arms in mock defiance. "To what? Huh?" His voice was low, teasing, and sent a thrill through me. But as I held his gaze, I found myself instinctively backing up until I felt the edge of a seat behind me. I sank into it, feeling my cheeks warm as his towering figure loomed over me, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his body.
His scent surrounded me, earthy and rich, a mix of cedarwood and something undeniably him. My words vanished, replaced by the thumping of my heart echoing in my ears. I had a quick thought—his grandmother was still around, right? She'd only stepped into the other room for a moment. I didn't even get a chance to introduce myself to her properly, yet here I was, lost in Magnus' intense gaze.
