Chapter 21. The Unbearable Pull

Magnus

“Thank you, everyone. You may leave us now,” I said, dismissing the maids and the stable man, along with his son, who had been busy attending to their morning duties. They all bowed respectfully and exited the dining room, leaving Astrid and me alone.

As the door closed behind them, I turned my attention to her. Astrid stood there, her hair a tangled mess of chestnut waves cascading over her shoulders. Her lips, slightly parted, were a soft pink, and her face held confusion and relief. The neckline of her dress revealed just enough of her cleavage to make my pulse quicken.

“Come here,” I said softly, extending my hand toward her. She hesitated, her eyes darting around the room, but eventually, she took a tentative step forward.

I pulled her into my arms, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. Her hair smelled like fresh pine and wildflowers, a scent that was intoxicating. As I buried my face in her hair, I could feel the tension