Page 28 of Twisted Lies

I shake my head.

“I’ll show you his work someday,” he continues, “He photographed strong women in a way that reminds me of you. I want you to pose as you are. Strong, regal, and in control.”

I smile, convinced that I’m doing the right thing being with him. Appreciation is something I’ve rarely received though I’ve given it. “Thanks,” I reply, “I’ll try to remember how that felt.”

“Pretend you’re a warrior princess,” Justin opens up the bottle and hands it to me. “It’s your enemy, and you’re drinking wine from his skull.”

“That’s a dark thought.” I press myself against him. “It gives me chills.”

“I’m an artist, and my creative right is to be weird.” Justin pushes me away. “Art first, and love later.”

My bra falls away, and I hope it won’t slip through the grate. I push my skirt down my hips and let it drop to the floor as Justin watches. I stand almost naked, watching his eyes savor my toned body. Fighting and running isn’t a way to stay slim or look sexy naked. I work my body to give my emotions a way out of my head. Looking good is a perk I rarely consider.

The leather doesn’t stick to my skin as I sit up straight and drape my sweater over my lap. Crossing my legs, I hold the crystal skull firmly in one hand as if I’m seated on a throne.

“Perfect,” he smiles.

Justin sits cross-legged with the book in his lap, drawing feverishly, glancing at my body and then studying the page.

Something changes as I sit there exposed but above the room. Being in control isn’t such a strange thing to conceive. My gaze takes in the ring below me as I imagine Grinder asking me for my approval as I pick the fighters, and I pay everyone their fair share. I sit taller as my imagination takes my mind to places I didn’t think I could go before. My plans are no longer vague as they gather purpose.

Justin holds the book up, showing me the drawings, and my mouth curves into a wide smile.

“You’re an amazing subject.” Justin flips back and forth between the drawings. He hands the book to me. “Keep the one you want.”

The image that I dreamt of is in my hands, and it confirms that not only do I deserve more, but I can get it. I tear the first page out carefully, balancing the book on my lap. Justin takes the bottle and another swig. Sitting beside me, he tosses the book away and nuzzles close to me, placing his mouth against my neck. I don’t pull away from his hand on my breast. The buzz is enough to relax me, but I know how far I want to go. Just far enough.

“Let me taste you,” he whispers.

I place my hand on his jeans and slowly move my fingers down until I feel his hard bulge. I barely remember how it looks because that awful night is fading into a memory. This moment will replace it. I tug at his belt, but he stops my hand.

“Not yet,” he watches me, “I want a taste first.”

He gets on the ground between my legs and places his hands on my knees, pushing them apart. My breathing picks up as I lean back, opening myself to him. His mouth presses against my thighs as I close my eyes, and his breath leaves a trail along my bare skin. His lips press against me tentatively.

“You smell so good,” he moans, “I want you to forgive me completely.”

My fingernails dig into the couch as my hips move off the seat. Justin holds onto my hips as his tongue continues to explore me. His mouth covers my pussy as his tongue slides over me, into me, teasing me. A tingling awareness spreads over my skin as my breathing becomes ragged. His lips touch me gently as my fingers dive into his hair. I tug him back slightly, not wanting that sensation to disappear too quickly.

I gasp hard as my hands let go and grip the arms of the couch until my nails leave crescent marks. His tongue embraces my clit in circles, flicking it and sucking the right spot in between his soft lips. I shout as he tastes me again and again, and my body shakes in his firm hold.

Gasping, I open my eyes, staring down at Justin. He stands and sits beside me, wiping the tears off my face with his thumbs. He kisses me, and I taste what he wanted so badly. I lick his mouth as he sucks on my bottom lip. My body starts to tremble again. And I wonder if he has a condom.

Justin takes my exploring hands off him.

“What about you?” I ask.

“Next time,” he whispers, “when I paint you.”

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