#otp: he’d set fire to the world around him but never let a flame touch her

[pyrrhvcs]

GRIFFIN 📱NADYA

GRIFFIN: Feeling bored here, love. Give me a list of things to watch on Netflix?

@pcvrlys

[pyrrhvcs]

@pcvrlys

©

[goforwardgreenwriter-blog]

The Worm Reads: Empire of Storms, Ch 34 - 37

Because Chapter 38 is a... doozy, today we’’ll be covering some extra chapters. My treat.

She was a liar, and a murderer, and a thief, and Aelin had a feeling she’d be called much worse by the end of this war.

Pfft, I’ve called her worse during these chapter reviews.

Securing this alliance was only part of it. The other part, the bigger part … was the message. Not to Morath. But to the world.

“I mean yeah innocent people might die but who cares I just want attention from the whole world because I’m so ~special~ lol!”

[Aelin] was not a rebel princess, shattering enemy castles and killing kings. She was a force of nature. She was a calamity and a commander of immortal warriors of legend.

No, you’re a selfish asshole who cares only about herself and throws tantrums whenever someone doesn’t immediately bow down to you. Also, love that final nail in the coffin to the original concept of t0g. May the first two books rest in peace.

Gavriel was still too busy staring after Aedion, who hadn’t so much as glanced at his father before fastening his shield and sword across his back, mounting a sorry-looking mare, and galloping for the watchtower.

I S2G SJM, leave Gav alone.

People were panicking in the streets as the dark force took shape on the horizon: massive ships with black sails, converging on the bay as if they were indeed carried on a preternatural wind.

See Alien you fuckin’ prick, innocent people live here!!! And you’re totally okay with them all dying if it means everyone knows what an uber powered snowflake you are you piece of shit!!!!!

Rowan’s hatchet gleaming while he hooked it at his side

Again, total nit pick, but.. why do both Lorcan and Rowboat use hatchets? I mean it’s totally okay, I love other kinds of weapons getting used other than swords, but they both have hatchets? Let’s get some battle axes, maces, and other cool weapons in here!

Aelin strode for them. “Anchor them to the mainmast and make sure there’s enough room for them to reach right … here.” She pointed to where she now stood in the heart of the deck. Enough space clear of everyone, enough space for her and Rowan to work.

I’d point out she doesn’t have authority here, Rolfe does because it’s on his ship, but I might as well talk to a wall. Alien is putting the iron there in order to steady herself while using her magic, FYI. She has so much snowflake power she literally needs restrains lmfao SJM you’re killing me.

[Aelin] flicked a glance toward either watchtower to see Dorian arrive—then Aedion’s golden hair racing up the outer spiral staircase to the enormous mounted harpoon at the top. Her heart strained for a moment as she flashed between now and a time when she’d seen Sam running up those same stairs— not to defend this town, but to wreck it.

I despise Alien but the callback here works pretty well. Whereas back then, Alien was wrecking this town, she is now defending it, even without Sam at her side which highlights how much has changed and how much she’s gone through since her previous visit here. I mean, she is also the reason this town is in danger, but regardless.

Lysandra jumps into the sea and transforms into a sea dragon. I’ve already complained about her OP shifting powers, but I’ll admit, this scene is pretty cool.

Lysandra dove, and she let them see the long, powerful body that broke the surface bit by bit as she plunged down, her jade scales gleaming like jewels in the blinding midday sun. See the legend straight from their prophecies: the Mycenians would only return when the sea dragons did. And so Aelin had ensured that one appeared right in their gods-damned harbor.

Like c’mon, that’s pretty bad ass. Lysandra is a cool character in spite of her shitty powers, and that’s really only the fault of SJM’s crappy magic system. We transition into Assdion’s POV.

Aedion chucked off the shield from his back and slammed into the seat before the giant iron harpoon, its length perhaps a hand taller than him, its head bigger than his own.

So like.... a harpoon cannon, essentially? Because those were invented in the late 19th century. Consistent world building who?

Well, at least [Aedion] now knew what secret form Lysandra had been working on. And why Aelin had insisted on getting inside Brannon’s temple. Not just to see the king, not just to reclaim the city for the Mycenians and Terrasen, but … for Lysandra to study the life-size, detailed carvings of those sea dragons. To become a living myth.

How does this make any sense?? So Lysandra can perfectly replicate the system, the anatomy, and the size and powers of a beast by looking at a drawing of it? The fuck??? She doesn’t even need to see it in real life?

Gonna pull from Animorphs again; the kids have to see the animal in real life and actually touch it to absorb its DNA. They can’t turn into animals they haven’t touched even if they know what they look like. This makes sense in a sci-fi fantasy setting. Lysandra’s shifting powers do not.

Lysandra had studied the carvings of the sea dragons at the temple, once Aelin had burned away the dirt on them. Her magic had filled in gaps the carvings didn’t show. Like the nostrils that picked apart each scent on the current, the ears that unraveled varying layers of sound.

HOW DOES MAGIC DO THAT??? We’ve received several hints magic is its own sentient being but it’s never explained or expanded upon?? Lysandra’s magic is only as old as her, how can it know all these details about a beast she’s never seen? SJM I’m not asking for an amazing magic system, I just want things to be consistent and make sense!

Next chapter!

Perched on the rail of the Sea Dragon, gripping the rope ladder flowing from the looming mast, Aelin savored the cooling spindrift that sprayed her face as the ship plowed through the waves.

Even though the sudden pirate and adventures on the seas element is... well, sudden, I’m all for it. Gimmie some awesome pirate battles!

Tightly grasping the rope, Aelin leaned out, the vibrant blue and white below passing in a swift blur. Not too fast, she’d told Rowan. Don’t waste your strength—you barely slept last night. He’d just leaned in to nip at her ear before sliding onto Gavriel’s bench to concentrate.

You’re in a battle. You’re sailing into almost certain death. Can you not be fucking horny for five seconds please I am b egging. Why couldn’t he have done something pure and sweet like a kiss on the cheek?? Why does everything have to be ~sexual~, SJM?

Aelin again looked ahead—toward those black sails blotting the horizon. The Wyrdkey at her chest murmured in response.

You know what? I’ll take this over “The Wyrdkey between her breasts” any day.

Alien puts on the iron chain to restrain her magic. Rowboat kisses her ass for a bit, then we get this.

“I’ve recovered, I’ll have you know. So this morning’s little display…” “A way to take off the power’s full edge,” [Aelin] said wryly. “And make Rolfe piss himself.”

I hate you.

[Aelin] lifted her head to study [Rowan’s] face, the harsh planes and the curving tattoo. He leaned in to brush a kiss to her mouth.

If Ratlin starts making out during this battle I am actually going to quit. No joke. I’m warning you, SJM.

All anyone on deck saw, she knew, was two lovers embracing. But Aelin tunneled down, down, down into her power, felt him doing the same with his, felt every ounce of ice and wind and lightning go slamming from him into her. And when it reached her, the core of his power yielded to her own, melted and became embers and wildfire.

The actual reason SJM didn’t make a magic system was so she could pull this and justify her OTP making out in the middle of a battlefield. You cannot convince me otherwise.

[Aelin’s] magic whispered to start digging through that ash and silt. But Rowan’s grip tightened on her waist. “Easy,” he murmured in her ear. “Easy.”

If this was a ship I actually liked I’d be living because I love the “loved one helps protag with their uncontrollable magic” thing, but I hate Rowboat and Alien. I can’t even win when SJM uses my favorite tropes.

Alien shits out a huge column of fire out after Rowboat lends her his magic.

Aelin was ripped from his arms with the force of it, and Rowan grabbed her hand in a crushing grip, refusing to let her break that line of contact. Men around them stumbled back, falling onto their asses as they gawked upward in terror and wonder.

Higher, that column of flame swirled, a maelstrom of death and life and rebirth.

Oh my god I get it, Alien is the most powerful snowflake ever

So apparently this fire shit isn’t even burning or attacking their enemies, it’s literally just a display to the world. So Alien is burning (no pun intended) all of her magic just for a pretty fire display for everyone to fear how ~special~ she is? Holy shit. People actually stan this shitstain.

The flames winked out at the same second [Aelin] reached into Rowan with burning hands and tore the last remnants of his power from him. Just as she ripped her hand from his. Just as her power and the Wyrdkey between her breasts merged.

JHNDSJKAHDSKAHDKAHDSAJ SJM STOP YOU FUCKING HORNY ASSHOLE I SWEAR TO FUCKING GOD YOU CANNOT WRITE AN EPIC MOMENT OF YOUR PROTAG DISPLAYING HER MOST POWERFUL MAGIC AND THEN STOP TO FOCUS ON HER BOOBIES FOR NO REASON KAHFKHSKFHDSJKFHKSD

So apparently Alien gets possessed because she was wearing the Wyrdkey. Idiot, why’d you go and do that, then? So who is possessing her?

“Deanna,” Rowan whispered. [Possessed Aelin] flicked her eyes to him in question and confirmation.

So for those who didn’t know, Deanna is a goddess mentioned in some of the other books. So the gods have gone from actual gods that were briefly mentioned to spirits who can possess people.... huh.

We switch into Alien’s POV again as she is unable to do anything while Deanna struts around in her body.

And those flames—her flames and her beloved’s magic … they belonged to the Other now. To a goddess who had walked through the temporary gate hanging between her breasts and seized her body as if it were a mask to wear.

Okay, guys, can we be completely honest with each other here? Tumblr user to Tumblr user? Does this bother anyone else?

Am I over reacting? Because I find it completely undercuts the tension of the moment when I’m suddenly forced to picture a Wyrdkey jammed in between Alien’s boobies. IDK maybe I’m just going crazy after being exposed to this book.

Alien busts a nut after hearing Rowboat’s voice and it’s enough for her to gain the willpower and strength to kick Deanna out. Not enough for her to not immediately fuck everything up though.

The ship beneath her, the center and left flank of the dark fleet beyond her, and the outer edge of the island behind it blew apart in a storm of fire and ice.

God job, Alien! If any innocent people died it’s all on you. Fuck you.

My god. We’re only on chapter 36. I... I’m going to break.....

Aelin drifted down, as she had drifted into her power, the weight of the Wyrdkey around her neck like a millstone— Deanna. She didn’t know how, didn’t know why— The Queen Who Was Promised.

Hm.. that sounds familiar.... lemmie just Google it to see if-

INCH RESTING...

Didn’t SJM once claim she hated Game of Thrones? Lmfao she’s so full of shit.

What had she done what had she done what had she done—

Later. Later, [Aelin]’d deal with that rutting goddess who had thought to use her like some temple priestess. Later, she’d contemplate how she’d shred through every world to find Deanna and make her pay.

Okay, but.. is this just Alien fuming or can she, like, actually do that? What are the gods in this world? Are they just spirits who can teleport between worlds I’m?? so confused???

Fenrys takes Alien, since she’s such an idiot who couldn’t save herself from drowning in a puddle, and jumps from the remainders of Rolfe’s ship. Good fucking job, Alien. Can’t wait to see how the narrative justifies this.

Think of that later. Aelin shoved through and ducked under larger bits of debris, past… Past men. Rolfe’s men. Dead in the water. Was the captain among them somewhere?

She doesn’t even give a shit she killed dozens, maybe even more, of innocent people on her side! But I have no doubt she’ll angst about it later but only so Rowboat can fuck her and convince her it’s not her fault even though it fucking is.

While Alien is busy wailing for someone to comfort her poor feefees, Lysandra actually makes an effort to save Rolfe and his first mate even though the sea wyverns are an issue.

Blood laced the current. And not the puffs that had been staining the water since the ship exploded. Great, roiling clouds of blood. As if massive jaws clamped around a body and squeezed.

Ain’t that edgy. We all know SJM is gonna forget all this gore and death took place once the porn kicks in.

[Lysandra] was so tired. Shifting afterward might not even be possible for a few hours.

So amassing the power to shift into a huge ass dragon doesn’t tire you out.... but destroying a few ships with your dragon form. Okay, SJM, okay.

tl;dr Lysandra kills the two sea wyverns and the chapter ends. One more to go for this review... one more....

Assdion’s POV opens up this chapter, where it’s revealed the two sea wyverns Lysandra killed were just juveniles, and there are three adults.

Faster and faster, those three bulls closed in. Lysandra remained at the mouth of the bay. Holding the line.

Even though her magic pisses me off, I think I’m about to stan Lysandra. Here she is, weakened with no magic left, and she’s willing to make a final stand and protect her friends.

The three wyverns spread out, so huge Aedion’s throat went dry. And for the first time, he hated his cousin. He hated Aelin for asking this of Lysandra, both to defend them and to secure the Mycenians to fight for Terrasen.

WHAT THE FUCK??? ASSDION NOT PRAISING ALIEN’S EVERY ACTION???? This can’t be right. This can’t be the Assdion who is only a plot device to kiss Alien’s ass...

Lysandra destroys the last warship and traps one of the wyverns into impaling himself on the remains. Then she leads the other two near Dorian’s tower, where he freezes one of them.

Dorian loosed a battle cry. And Aedion had to admit the king wasn’t that useless after all as the catapult behind Dorian sprang free, and a rock the size of a wagon jettisoned into the bay

Lmao bitch you thought! You've literally done nothing this battle while Dorian is out here killing a sea wyvern so you can climb off your high horse, Assdion. Also, Lysandra loses sight of the final wyvern.

Aedion scanned the bay, rotating in the gunner chair as he did, searching for any hint of that colossal dark shadow— “YOUR LEFT!” Gavriel roared across the bay, magic no doubt amplifying his voice.

Hate when dialogue is typed in all caps. Also magic can now be used as a megaphone? Lmfao aiight.

“SWIM,” Aedion roared, even if she couldn’t hear. “SWIM, LYSANDRA!”

Assdion doesn’t even have Gav’s megaphone magic powers, so you have no excuse for this shit, SJM.

Lysandra swims for the beach and Assdion rushes to her while everyone celebrates. This is a good concept, so like, can anyone write this but with a good ship? Might have to make a self indulgent AU for one of my ships just to scrub away the filth of this novel.

“Open your gods-damned eyes,” Aedion snarled. [Lysandra] snarled back but cracked open an eye. “You made it this far. Don’t die on the rutting beach.” The eye narrowed—with a hint of female temper.

Why the fuck is temper gendered now? SJM, you saying a woman’s temper is somehow different than a man’s? You implyin’ all women have bad tempers and they should be shamed for it? What the fuck is the point of this?

Aedion drawled, even as his relief began to crumble his mask of arrogant calmness, “The useless sentries in the watchtower are now all half in love with you,” he lied. “One said he wanted to marry you.”

Uh... why you lyin’ Assdion? I think he’s trying to compliment her, but this is kinda weird?

“But you know what I told them? I said that they didn’t stand a chance in hell.” Aedion lowered his voice, holding her pained, exhausted stare. “Because I am going to marry you,” he promised her. “One day. I am going to marry you. I’ll be generous and let you pick when, even if it’s ten years from now. Or twenty. But one day, you are going to be my wife.”

FUCK I would like (some of) this scene if it wasn’t for Assdion..... Someone rewrite this but with a good ship please.

Those eyes narrowed—in what he could only call female outrage and exasperation.

... I’m done. We’re packing this chapter up.

Alien and the others show up and Assdion realizes that Alien used the Wyrdkey and nearly killed all of them. He’s understandably mad but criticism against Alien? Rowboat’s Fae peen says no!

[Assdion] was shaking now, that rage indeed taking over. But Rowan snarled at him, low and vicious, “Save it for later.”

Oh fuck you, Rowboat. You know damn well you’ll never let anyone criticize Alien. This entire fucking narrative sucks up to Alien so much and I’m pissed. If your characters make stupid ass mistakes, punish them for it! Let them know! Don’t pretend they’re perfect uwuu unproblematic babies and let others criticize them without being portrayed as villains for it GOD I’M SO FUCKING DONE

As if SJM is trying to throw me a bone, there’s this.. actually decent scene afterwards. Gav watches Assdion as he watches over Lysandra until she has the energy to shift back. SJM refers to Assdion/Gav as the Wolf and the Lion though, gets kinda repetitive.

Sand crusted [Lysandra’s] naked body, and she tried and failed to rise. The Wolf moved then, slinging his cloak around her and sweeping her into his arms. The shifter didn’t object, and her eyes were again closed by the time the Wolf began striding up the beach to the trees, her head leaning against his chest.

In a better world where Assdion wasn’t an ass to Lysandra and he was a good character... I would ship this. Fuck. Just gonna go casually write this scene but with one of my OTPs  so I can get this sweet gesture without Assdion’s shitty personality.

The Lion remained out of sight and held in the offer of help. Held in the words he needed to say to the Wolf, who had downed a sea-wyvern with one arrow. Twenty-four years old and already a myth whispered over campfires.

Fuck... the way Gav describes his son as an outsider, since Assdion hasn’t accepted him yet... it’s really good. I love this. Damnit why can’t the rest of the novel be like this?

If you guys thought these chapters were bad, buckle up. Because the next chapter is the long dreaded it.

Yup, next time we’re covering the Ratlin sex scene.

[pyrrhvcs]

He can't help but chortle at Nadya's response, feeling unfazed by her dismissive demeanor. He leans in, his voice low and smooth as he addresses her. "Oh, come on, love. Don't be like that," he says, never taking his eyes off her. "You can't blame a bloke for trying." He takes a sip of his coffee, his eye on her the entire time before continuing. "Purple, huh? That's a lovely choice," he says, not at all trying to stop his flirtatiousness. "I'll have to remember that. And pizza? Can't go wrong with a classic."

Griffin leans in even closer, his lips dangerously close to her ear as he continues to flirt with her. With her so close, he feels the warmth of her skin sending shivers down his spine. "And as for me ticking you off, I have a feeling I can change your mind about that." He raises an eyebrow, his gaze still fixed on her. "Is that so?" he says, his lips curling into a playful grin. "I have a feeling you're just saying that to put up a front. Deep down, you're dying to spend more time with me."

While he was teasing Nadya his phone starts ringing. He takes it out, checking the caller ID before turning back to her. "Excuse me for a moment," he says apologetically. "It's work." He heads outside to take the call, feeling annoyed that his job is interrupting his flirting. Minutes later, he returns, flashing her a charming smile. "I'm sorry, love," he says. "I have to go. We’ll have to finish this later." He gives her a wink and a charming smile, hoping that their next encounter will be even more flirtatious and exciting. And then, he’s gone.

Nadya let out an eye-roll as Griffin continued his persistent flirting. Despite her annoyance, she couldn't help but find his boldness entertaining. Demir clearly wouldn't give a damn if he caught him hitting on her, and Griffin seemed totally unbothered by it. But then again, why should Demir care? He already made it clear that he despised her. The mere thought of her brother caused anger to boil within her, but she pushed those negative feelings aside before they could get to her.

"Keep telling yourself that if it makes you happy," she snorted, feeling the heat of Griffin's body as he moved closer. "Purple, pizza, and you tick me off," she folded her arms in front of her, grateful for the quick comeback. "You don't know much about me, and I'd like to keep it that way," she tried to sound dismissive. "And just so you know, I'm not interested in taking a walk with you." Nadya was determined not to let Griffin get the best of her, but the mischievous twinkle in his eyes made her heart race. She knew if she accepted his offer, she would regret it. It was better not to play with fire.

[pyrrhvcs]

With a grin of joy, Griffin replies to Nadya's sassy comeback. His brown eyes sparkle with amusement, the mischievous glimmer growing stronger as her cheeks turn red from our playful banter. "Well, I wouldn't dream of making you sweat, love," he says with a playful accent in his voice, resonating through the air and inviting her to keep up with our verbal dance. Her daring defiance both fascinates him and fuels his excitement, her fiery spirit intensifying the anticipation. The thought of what lies ahead makes his heart race in his chest, a lively beat that throbs with the promise of tomorrow.

Even as he playfully bombards her with questions, a part of Griffin revels in her quick-witted comebacks, a testament to her unique charm. The smirk on his face is a challenge, assuring her that he won't back down easily. "Oh, don't worry. I won't spill your secrets," he teases, leaning back in his chair and intertwining his fingers. Yet, beneath his cheerful exterior, there's a touch of sincerity, a subtle reassurance that he genuinely means every word he speaks.

He watches as she takes a sip of her coffee, a part of him feeling a tad disappointed when she suggests we leave. But he understands and respects her need for personal space, agreeing with her. "Alright, love," he says, getting up and offering his hand, "I'll walk you to your car then." His voice carries a hint of flirtatious promise, his hand providing a lingering warmth that reinforces the sincerity of his words. As they go their separate ways, the memory of her company still fresh in his mind, Griffin finds himself whistling a lively tune, his steps light as if he's walking on cloud nine. The prospect of their date tomorrow fills him with excitement and a sense of anticipation.

Nadya felt her face flush as Griffin’s words stung her, and she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to let her guard down completely. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, though. She kept up her sassy and defiant exterior, like a shield she didn’t want to break. His brown eyes sparkled with something that looked like triumph, and his annoyingly charming smirk was becoming all too familiar.

Griffin bombarded her with questions, but she either avoided them or made a playful comeback. His confidence intrigued her, even though his constant attempts to crack her composure were annoying. She was a mix of excitement and worry, like a moth drawn to a dangerous flame. And all the while, she couldn’t ignore the storm of emotions his presence stirred up in her. "Yeah, yeah. Tomorrow night,” she replied casually, even though her racing heart told a completely different story.

“No way am I gonna be sweating tonight, Griffy,” she shot back, trying to hide the whirlwind of thoughts inside her. What would it feel like to be in bed with him, feeling his warmth next to hers? But she pushed the thought away quickly, afraid that her blush creeping up her neck would give her away. She took the last sip of her coffee, the bitter liquid going down her throat, a sharp contrast to the sweet anticipation she felt for tomorrow. Part of her wanted to stay, to let the tension between them play out. But the logical part of her was begging for an escape, and she would escape. “Look, we should get going. I told my friend I’d meet her tonight,” she lied, trying to keep her voice steady. She was already nervous about their date tomorrow, and the last thing she wanted was to embarrass herself tonight.

[pyrrhvcs]

Griffin's heart pounds as Nadya walks by. He knows he can't resist and steps in front of her, blocking the car door. "Aw… C'mon, you're not angry, are you?" he blurts out and it comes out as taunting her. He hopes he’s able to keep his feelings to himself and not have it pour out of him. His head lowers, and their eyes locks. His heart goes into overdrive. Those rich, chocolatey orbs have him completely spellbound, and he's powerless to resist the tsunami of emotions that washes over him. It's like everything else just fades away into insignificance, leaving only the two of them in their own private world.

"I'm sorry, love. Didn't mean to give you a hard time this morning," he says, his voice softening. He wants her to know he didn't mean to upset her. He's itching to crawl under her skin, to explore every inch of her being, but he'd never dream of doing it if it caused her any pain.

When she stepped out of her house, she thought today was going to be a great day. It started out that way. The sun was shining, and the birds were chirping. It was a the making of a perfect day. Except Griffin had to ruin it. She wasn't in the mood to deal with his condescending manners today, but also couldn't ignore him altogether. As she walked towards her car, she watched him—hard muscles, sweat lined skin and all—waiting for her.

"What do you want, Griffin?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest while scowling at him. "Since when am I ever your favorite anything? All you do is taunt me." She still didn’t know what his point was for all this. “Have a good day. I’m going to work.” Not wanting to play this asinine game with him any longer, she spun around and headed towards her car. This was stupid, and she was done playing.

[pyrrhvcs]

He quickly glances at Nadya, innit, who looks well chuffed, her eyes sparkling in the soft glow of the dashboard. He can't help but have a chuckle at her gobsmacked expression. "Ain't it the buzz that makes it mint?" he says with a smug grin, feeling a surge of energy. He casually drops a question on her, sly like, "Ever been to The Estuary, love?" Her face is priceless, proper gobsmacked, and he can't help but have a smirk. He knows this posh restaurant's got the charm - the amazing view and posh nosh. He reckons this revelation will only get her even more excited.

Before she can reply, he jumps in, speaking all flirty and lowers his voice, "Nadya, tonight's all about you. Only the top-notch stuff, yeah?" Her reaction is priceless - she's proper stunned and blushing. They exchange a look filled with respect, or at least he reckons so. He effortlessly flashes his charming grin. "Don't worry 'bout the bill, love. It's a date and I've got you covered," he reassures her, his gaze softening. A quiet moment hangs in the air after his honest confession. He shifts his focus back to the road, feeling a fresh wave of excitement, picturing how perfect this evening's gonna be.

In the middle of their playful teasing, he notices a different side of Nadya, right adorable it is. This side only came out after they snogged yesterday. It warms his heart to see her lost for words, and he makes a mental note to remember this moment. When they get to The Estuary, Griffin opens the door for Nadya. Their hands find each other, fingers interlacing like they've done it before, before he hands the keys to the driver to park the motor. They're shown to a table inside, with a banging view of the shoreline stretching out like a proper masterpiece. "We're gonna have a wicked time tonight," he says after they've taken their seats.

Nadya’s heart raced like a wild horse inside her chest as Griffin’s words broke the silence in the car. His playful, teasing tone made her burst out laughing, but her laughter got caught in her throat when he revealed where they were heading. “The Estuary?” she gasped, her breath hitching with surprise. It was a fancy place, famous for its fancy food and breathtaking city views. With a touch of sass in her voice, she playfully scolded him, “Just because I dress up doesn’t mean I’m all high and mighty, Griffin.” An astonished chuckle slipped out, and she looked at him under the dim light of the dashboard. She admired his relaxed grin, his eyes brimming with confidence and mischief. Despite the grandness of their plans, he seemed so laid-back, and it made her smile back at him, forgetting her shyness for a moment.

But when he spoke with a flirtatious tone and his voice got deeper, her cheeks flushed with color. Her jaw dropped slightly as she tried to process his words and what they meant. “Wait,” she said, her fingers nervously fidgeting in her lap. Friendly banter was one thing, but this… this was new territory for her. She wanted to respond in the same playful way, to throw back the flirtatious ball he had sent her way, but her words got stuck, tangled in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her.

Finally, she managed to muster a shaky response. “Don’t think you can just smooth-talk your way out of this, okay? It’s not about who’s paying. It’s…” She paused, biting her lower lip in an attempt to hide her widening smile. “It’s just that… this is too much. The Estuary is way too expensive for a first date that might end up in disaster.” As he focused on the road again, she took a moment to process the unexpected turn of the evening. Her heart still thumped loudly in her chest, her mind a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and anticipation. But amidst it all, a soft smile lingered on her lips, a clear sign of the thrill that lay ahead on this unexpected night.

[pyrrhvcs]

The room around them blurs, Nadya's face the only clear thing in his vision. "Blimey, Nadya," he murmurs, his lips stretching into a wider smirk at her incredulity. "Never took you for a sceptic." His words are light-hearted, yet his eyes hold an intensity that proves his sincerity. He's not messing about; he's laying it all bare for her to see. Anticipation and relief courses through him as he observes her struggle with her emotions, her defiance, her strength. It's a tantalising dance between acceptance and denial, and he savours every second of it. "Oi, love," he prods, his tone gentle. "You're looking at me as if I've sprouted an extra head." His chortle ripples through the room, the sound more of reassurance than amusement.

Griffin's heart lurches when she finally speaks, her words carrying a reluctant concession. A rush of victory floods him, but he's careful not to let it show. He nods, meeting her gaze with a softened expression. "No ideas, eh?" His voice is low, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. "Not a one, love. Just you, me and a bit of harmless fun." He reaches out then, his fingers brushing against hers, a spark of electricity crackling between them. He lifts her hand, his gaze never leaving hers as he presses a soft kiss to the back of her hand, a silent promise. "You won't regret this, Nadya," he murmurs against her skin, the words a tender vow. "I'll make sure of it."

Nadya couldn’t take her eyes off him. She was completely focused on his face, and everything else around them seemed to vanish. When he smirked wider, she felt a surge of anticipation running through her veins, stirring up a mix of emotions she had been trying hard to control. She should have been angry, furious at his boldness, disgusted by his confession. But strangely, amidst the confusion, she couldn’t help but see a hint of truth in his eyes. This was Griffin, the guy who always annoyed her, but now he was revealing a side she never knew existed.

"Seriously, you can’t expect me to believe this,” she replied, mustering up all her courage to meet his gaze directly. The question hung in the air, daring her to respond and igniting the whole room. Nadya was not someone who could be easily pushed around. There was no way she would let Griffin’s sudden confession shake her up. Not now, not ever.

She paused, her mind racing with thoughts. Should she give him a chance? Should she go on a date with him? The idea seemed ridiculous, but a tempting whisper of curiosity danced in her mind. She looked at him, hope flickering in his expression, as if silently pleading with her. It was a side of Griffin she had never seen before, and it completely caught her off guard. “Fine,” she relented, hoping she hadn’t made a mistake by going through with this crazy idea. “We can go on one date. But don’t get any ideas, Griffy. It’s just a date.”

[pyrrhvcs]

Grinning, he raises his eyebrows as he watches Nadya's futile attempts to resist him. "Oh, Nads," he drawls, a mischievous smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Don't be shy. You know you can't keep me at bay forever." He leans in closer, his voice a deep rumble. "And I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll be back for more sooner than you think." Griffin watches as Nadya's lips part slightly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

He knows he's treading on thin ice by flirting with his best mate's sister, but he can't help himself. "Got better things to do, do you?" he taunts, his tone light and playful. "Like what exactly?" He chortles softly, enjoying the way Nadya squirms under his gaze. Griffin knows he's playing with fire, but the thought of kissing her, feeling her lips against his, and her body pressed against his sends a bolt of desire through him that's impossible to ignore. "Well, if you change your mind," he says, his voice husky. "You know where to find me." He winks at her, his eyes full of promise, knowing full well that he's bloody hooked.

Nadya tried to ignore the way her heart skipped a beat when Griffin's fingers grazed her cheek. She was confused about how she felt, but she refused to let him see it. "Don't be so sure of yourself, Griffy." She said, though she didn’t sound all that convincing. "I doubt you have anything to offer me that I'm interested in."

She was caught off guard when she felt the need to move even closer to him, as if drawn by some invisible force. But before that could happen, she quickly pulled away—flustered yet trying to conceal it. What are you doing to me? she thought to herself, her mind racing with confusion.

Clearing her throat, she tried to regain her composure. "You know what, I'll pass on your offer." She said, hoping to end the conversation before she made a fool of herself. "I have better things to do than waste my time with someone like you."

[pyrrhvcs]

Griffin chortles at Nadya's response, delighting in her feisty retort. "Ah, love," he utters, leaning in ever closer, his voice a sultry murmur. "You're quite aware you can't withstand my charm. Even if I do fall short of your lofty standards." His lips twist into a sly grin as he observes her eyes flicker to his mouth. He wonders what it would feel like to kiss her. Blimey, Demir would have his bullocks for this.

"Come now," he goads, extending his arm to brush a lock of hair from her visage. "Don't be so hard on me. I'm sure I can make it up to you." His fingers linger on her cheek, gliding gently along the contour of her jawline. The warmth of her flesh beneath his caress sets his heart aflutter. He withdraws a smidge, scrutinizing her meticulously. "You're spot on, though," he admits with a sly smile. "Effortless handsomeness can only take you so far." He pauses briefly, his gaze probing hers. "But maybe I have something else to offer. I could show you, if you’d like.” He reaches for his coffee and indulges the warm beverage, his eyes unwavering from hers.

Nadya rolled her eyes at Griffin's cocky grin. She wanted to be indifferent to him, to not give him the satisfaction of getting a reaction out of her. But as much as she tried to deny it, she was amused that he was flirting with her. The man was handsome, it was just unfortunate that his attitude was a huge turn-off. "High bar? Please, being a decent human being should come naturally. By talking to you, I've set my standards pretty low," Nadya bit back. "You just can't seem to meet even the bare minimum." A sense of satisfaction settled as the words poured from her lips.

"I'm not jealous, trust me." She tacked on. "Effortless handsomeness can only take you so far when you have the personality of a cesspool." She knew she was toeing the line between playful banter and outright insult, but she couldn't resist the urge to put him in his place. When he leaned in closer, her damned heart fluttered. "Funny… If that’s charming to you, clearly you need help."

[pyrrhvcs]

Blimey, I've finally done it now, he thinks, grinning as he gently touches her warm, flushed cheek. He's spent years hiding his feelings, always worried about Demir's disapproval. But with his best friend temporarily gone, he no longer wants to deny himself the desires he's longed for. "Caught you by surprise, did I?" he jokes, his voice filled with amusement. "You can't deny it, love. You've left me feeling as if I've been hit by a lorry." The playful banter effortlessly rolls off his tongue, his heart racing in his chest as he waits for her response. He keeps his eyes fixed on her, taking in the sight of her wide-eyed surprise, the pink flush on her cheeks, and the way her chest rises and falls with each quick breath.

As he gazes at Nadya, he finds himself at a loss for words. The reality of what just happened, the taste of her lips still lingering, leaves him feeling somewhat dazed. "I've wanted this for years, Nadya," he admits, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I didn't act because of Demir, your bloomin' brother, and his irrational dislike for you. Honestly, I've never quite understood it." The confession hangs in the air between them, a secret he's kept hidden for years, now finally out in the open. His mind races, wondering how she'll respond. He waits, his heart pounding in his chest, as he observes her reaction.

"I reckon you'd be lying if you said you didn't enjoy that kiss, Nadya," he says flirtatiously. "And I'm not going to apologize for it. I've held back because of Demir for far too long. But he's not here now, and I don't plan on wasting any more time."

She was in a complete daze, totally disoriented by the mind-blowing reality that had just unfolded before her eyes. Everything around her turned into a strange blur, fading into the background as she struggled to process what had just happened. The scent of freshly brewed coffee, the murmurs of conversations, and the clinking of cups against saucers all seemed to disappear into thin air, leaving her frozen in a state of disbelief. Her eyes, wide and glazed, blinked rapidly, desperately trying to clear the hazy fog that blocked her vision. And right there in front of her was Griffin, his face just inches away, his gaze filled with tenderness and an intensity that made her heart pound against her chest.

Nadya’s mind reeled with confusion—wavering between suspicion and a faint glimmer of hope that threatened to ignite a spark within her. Part of her desperately wanted to believe that he wasn’t playing another one of his elaborate games, that he was genuinely sincere, but her cautious instincts screamed at her, warning her to proceed with caution.

As Griffin gently caressed her cheek, a bolt of electric energy shot through her, causing her pulse to race. Heat flushed up, coloring her cheeks with a delicate rosy hue. Her breath caught in her throat as she shyly glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her heart thundering in her chest. "You caught me off guard, that’s all,” she managed to whisper, her voice remarkably steady despite the hard pounding of her heart. “But don’t get too full of yourself.”

[pyrrhvcs]

His lips curl into a cocky grin as he watches Nadya's face twist with a mixture of disbelief and irritation - filling him with satisfaction. "Decent human being?" he repeats, savoring the words as they roll off his tongue. "That's a pretty high bar to set, ain’t it?" He leans in closer to her, watching the way she tries to mask her emotions from him. Try as she might, he can sense her attraction to him.

"I think you're just jealous of my effortless handsomeness," he teases, punctuating his words with a cheeky wink. As her expression becomes more incredulous, he smiles a little wider. He enjoys sparring with her, pushing her buttons, and seeing how far he can go before she breaks. "When it comes to you, love, flirting comes easy," he says with a smirk. "Don't fret, I'm just being charming, love."

“Uhm, to be a decent human being…” Nadya rolled her eyes and tried not to let the obvious disgust she felt for Griffin show. It wasn't fair that he was so effortlessly handsome when his attitude was about as appealing as a cesspool. She didn't understand why he kept looking at her with that arrogant expression, like he knew something she didn't. Nope, she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of showing any sign of weakness, no matter how fiercely her heart raced whenever his gaze fell on her.

"You don't think I've earned my respect?" Nadya asked incredulously, not believing what she was hearing. "If that's what you think flirting look like." She snorted in disbelief, though inside her heart raced like a racehorse. "You, Mister hate everything, believe in fate? That's a surprise…" She raised an eyebrow, challenging him. He was obviously just trying to rile her up but she couldn't help but take the bait anyway. She wanted to scream at him for the careless way he’d spoken to her in the past, instead, all she did was stand there and watch him with barely concealed frustration.

[pyrrhvcs]

Griffin's hand runs through his hair, as he ponders how to respond to Nadya. He's aware of the dramatic shift in his behavior towards her. He used to relentlessly tease her, but now he's flirting with her. Demir, his best mate, leaving town has given him the nudge he needed to pursue Nadya. She's undeniably attractive, and Griffin can't help but feel drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

"I've always found you enticing," he says with a sly grin. "Have you considered maybe my previous antics were a misguided attempt at getting your attention. But now that Demir's out of town, I thought it was time I started being honest with myself and with you." He watches he watches reaction closely, fascinated by the subtle blush that creeps onto her cheeks. He feels a sense of satisfaction that he might have some effect on her. His roguish grin widens as he continues, "Let's be real here, love. You're absolutely stunning, and it's impossible for any bloke to ignore that."

Nadya glared at Griffin, her annoyance gradually morphing into utter disbelief. Why in the world did she agree to go have coffee with him? He was a thorn in her side, a constant source of irritation, and now he was acting like he was interested in her. She should have shut him down from the start, but instead, she found herself standing in front of the café, talking to him in a hushed tone. "I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’ll take a caramel mocha,” she said, her voice tinged with surprise.

As she spoke, she couldn’t ignore how near Griffin was. The warmth emanating from his body made her all too aware of their closeness. Her heart fluttered as she tried to ignore the heat pulsating through her veins. They ordered their drinks before finding a table near the window, where they sat down. Once she’d caught her breath, she peered at him and blurted out the question that had been niggling on the back of her mind. “What’s up with you? You’re normally a pain in the ass, but now you’re acting all flirty. Have you hit your head or something?”

[pyrrhvcs]

Griffin relishes the sweet taste of victory, his heart soaring with triumph. Yet, he masks his elation, hiding it behind a veneer of nonchalance. With a sly smile, he teases Nadya, his words laced with playful sarcasm. "Intolerable, am I? I must be doing something right if you're willing to put up with me," he asks, his gaze never leaving hers.

Though he knows he shouldn't provoke her, he can't resist the urge to tease her. It's too easy to ruffle her feathers, to see the fire ignite in her eyes. But as they make their way to the quaint café, his thoughts turn to more primal desires. His mind conjures up images of Nadya's naked body, and he feels his cock thickens with arousal. He curses under his breath, knowing he needs to rein in his lustful thoughts.

Griffin manages to maintain a composed demeanor, his gaze fixed on Nadya, even though there is inner turmoil brewing within him. He feels an undeniable magnetic pull towards her, a yearning to draw her close and bask in the warmth of her body. But he restrains himself, aware of the fragile equilibrium that he must maintain. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he asks Nadya, "So, what's your poison? What'll you be having?"

Nadya’s muscles bunched, her irritation escalating as Griffin’s teasing persisted. "You’re intolerable,” she snapped, totally exasperated. Her focus bounced between the yoga poses and his piercing stare, stirring a tempest of emotions within her. She chided herself for letting him get to her so easily, and her irritation surged at the realization that he knew it. Despite her attempts to center herself with each breath, his presence was an itch she couldn’t scratch.

As the class moved along, she found herself increasingly mindful of his unwavering gaze following her every motion. The tension inside her mounted, her body reacting to his attention. Her pulse raced, and warmth flooded her cheeks, disrupting the peaceful rhythm of her yoga flow. The final relaxation pose only amplified her frustration; she lay there, a tangled knot of annoyance and frustration ready to snap.

When the class finally ended, she quickly rolled up her mat, desperate to break free from the claustrophobic atmosphere. However, before she could reach the door, he materialized before her—his striking features impossible to ignore. For a moment, she was struck dumb, her brain struggling to process his invitation. Was he serious? After everything, was he genuinely asking her out? But then, as if her body was operating on autopilot, she heard herself say, “Alright. Just one. But don’t get any ideas.” What on earth was she doing?

[pyrrhvcs]

His lips curls into a playful smile. "Oh, I assure you, love, this is a privilege reserved only for you," he teases, his voice low and smooth. His eyes continue to roam her form, savouring every detail, even as he tries to appear nonchalant. Internally, he grapples with the overwhelming desire to reach out and pull her close, but he knows he must maintain some semblance of self-control.

"Delusional? Perhaps, but I think you protest too much," Griffin challenges, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. He feigns disappointment when she swats him away, but he can't hide the glint in his eyes. "Alright, alright. You win… for now." He reluctantly moves to his mat, trying to focus on the class as the instructor enters the room.

Bollocks, this is going to be a long class; as it is he’s struggling to keep his eyes off Nadya, he didn’t know how he’ll be able to continue. The yoga poses only serve to accentuate her curves, making it impossible for him to concentrate on anything but her. He chastises himself for letting his desire get the better of him, but the magnetic pull is simply too strong to resist.

Finally, the class ends, and Griffin catches up with Nadya as she gathers her things. "Fancy grabbing a coffee?" he asks casually, hoping to spend more time with her outside the charged atmosphere of the yoga studio.

Nadya’s skin prickled with awareness as Griffin’s eyes bore into her. She tried to steady her breathing, but his scent, a potent mixture of musky cologne and raw masculinity, made it hard to concentrate. She knew she couldn’t afford to be distracted by him, no matter how tempting it was. No, don’t you dare go there, Nadya, she thought to herself. 

So, she squared her shoulders and shot back at him, "Do you make a habit of calling everyone love, or is this just your special way of torturing me?” Griffin’s proximity was unnerving, and she could feel his warm breath ghosting over her neck, making her shiver despite her best efforts to stay cool. She refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was getting under her skin. “You’re just delusional if you think I want you anywhere near me,” she snapped, swatting him away like an annoying fly. “Now, go away. Class is starting.”

Relief flooded her when the yoga instructor finally arrived, signaling the end of his teasing. She took a deep breath, centering herself for the practice ahead, but couldn’t shake off the lingering sensation of his gaze on her.

[pyrrhvcs]

Griffin's brown eyes sparkle with amusement, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards into a smirk at Nadya's sassy retort. "Cocky, love? Me?" He feigns innocence, that signature smirk of his spreading wide across his face. His chest rumbles with laughter at her feisty spirit, the sight of her rising to the challenge sending a jolt of anticipation through him. He's caught the lure of her fiery spirit on his hook, and it's intoxicating.

“It wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me if I didn't live up to that challenge now, would it?" He tilts his head slightly, holding her gaze with a flirty intensity. "A memorable date you say? Trust me, love, you won't forget it." As she attempts to create some distance, His instincts kick in. A thrill shoots through him at the push-pull dance they are doing. Without missing a beat, he leans in, his lips hovering tantalisingly close to hers. "We'll see about that," he whispers, his tone heavy with promise before giving her a light, feathery kiss. As he pulls away, he's already craving more of her.

"Tomorrow night then?" He continues, not giving her a chance to push him away again. His tone is casual, yet the glint in his eyes betrays his excitement. "Unless you'd rather keep sweating tonight," the hint of innuendo in his voice unmistakable as he gives her a cheeky wink. His pulse quickens as he locks eyes with her. Her reaction will tell him everything he needs to know. This game of cat and mouse between them - it's a dangerous dance, but one he's all too willing to participate in. This is the Griffin she hasn't seen before. The Griffin that wants her, that is eager to show her a world beyond their friendly banter. And he can't wait to see where it leads them.

"Seriously, can you blame me when you’ve been such a colossal douchebag to me?” Nadya shot back, her eyebrow arching in challenge. “I wouldn’t be second-guessing you if your track record wasn’t so damn sketchy, but fine, I’ll reluctantly give you the benefit of the doubt.” Pausing for a moment, she exhaled sharply, her breath filled with skepticism and curiosity. “It’s just that this is a whole new side of you, one I’ve never seen before.” Intrigue tinged with a strange attraction pulsed through her veins. “And, oh, by the way, you look completely gobsmacked right now.”

Her heart raced within her chest, torn between wanting to push him away, yet also being tempted to move closer. When his laughter filled the room, she strangely found it comforting. Finally she caved and accepted his invitation. Honestly, what could go wrong, right? Noting how his gaze softened, for a fleeting moment, she caught a flicker of triumph in his eyes before he masked it. “Don’t get too cocky,” she retorted, striving for a sassy demeanor to conceal how she truly felt—excitement over their upcoming date and the tingling in her hand as he pressed a kiss on it. No way was she going to show him how affected she had been. Nope. “Just remember, it’s only a date, and you damn well better make it a memorable one.”