Page 69 of Deadmen's Queen

“You’re mine,” he told me, pulling away, his eyes dark and intense burning into mine as he pushed deeper into me.

“Yes,” I moaned.

“Not just for the year, Paige. Whatever happens after university, you’re mine.”

I gazed up at him, tears coming to my eyes as emotion overwhelmed me.

“God, Nate,” I whispered, pulling him down for another kiss.

Nate gave a soft growl, his hands moving down to cup my buttocks, guiding me as I moved against him. Heat pooled in my belly and spread through me like wildfire. I clung to him, my nails sinking into the hard ridges of his muscles, the pleasure so intense it was almost pain. His movements quickened, becoming more frantic. His grip on me tightened and I could feel the powerful muscles in his arms straining as he held me close. I responded to him eagerly, my body moving with his in a rhythm that felt as natural as breathing. This was Nate. This was us - raw and unfiltered. The world outside didn't exist. There was only this room, this man and the intense connection between us. The inner demons that danced with each other.

Nate broke the kiss, but didn’t stop moving, holding me tight against him. He looked down at me, a strange mix of hunger and desperation in his eyes. It was intoxicating. I tipped my head back as the pleasure began to build inside me, but Nate slipped his hand into my hair, pulling me back.

“Eyes on me,” he growled. “I want to see your fucking soul when you come around my cock.” I obeyed his command, locking my gaze with his. His words sent a thrill through me - of surrender, of possession - and it sped up the pleasure building inside me. I moved faster against him, our bodies slick with sweat as they slid against each other.

I could tell he was close too by the way he moved beneath me, his body growing tense as he neared his climax. He kept watching me, his eyes never leaving mine even as he grunted and groaned with pleasure.

“Paige,” he breathed out just as I saw a flicker of panic in his eyes - a vulnerability that exposed more of Nate than anything else ever had.

The sight struck something deep within me, stirring emotions in depths I didn't know existed. It wasn't just about the physical release, not anymore. With every thrust, every moan that escaped our lips, there was a sense of understanding, of bearing witness to each other's rawness. It felt like we were stripping away layers of fear, guilt, and doubt from each other's souls.

I was on the precipice, teetering dangerously close to the edge of pleasure. Nate's hands on me, his eyes locked onto mine, were the only things anchoring me.

“Nate,” I replied, my voice coming out as a hushed whisper. His name was a prayer on my lips, a plea.

“That's it,” he whispered. “Give in to me. Let go.” His command sent me spiralling over the edge and I came with a shattering breathlessness, my body convulsing around him. Nate's heavy groan filled the room, his movements halting as his own release hit him. He held me tight against him, our bodies trembling together. He pressed his face into my neck as he shuddered against me, and I held him close, stroking my hand gently down his back.

The quiet of the room was shattered by the shrill tone of Nate's phone ringing. He groaned in annoyance before reaching over to grab it off the bedside table.

I watched as his relaxed expression turned grim and he looked up at me as he answered.

“It's Bast,” he said to me. “What is it?”

His jaw clenched as he listened to whatever Bast was saying on the other end of the line. When he hung up, he looked at me, clearly hesitating.

“What?” I asked.

He took a deep breath. “Your friend Amy. Paige, I’m so sorry. She’s gone missing.”

Chapter Twenty Four

UNKNOWN

You know, I've been thinking a lot about the hunt. How it will feel to stalk through the darkness, my senses heightened as I track you down. I can already taste the exhilaration, the sweet rush of adrenaline that will surge through me as I finally corner you. There will be nowhere for you to hide, Paige. Nowhere for you to run.

I'm looking forward to your fear. The way your eyes will widen in sheer terror as you realise there's no escape. The whimpering pleas that will tumble from your lips - begging, bargaining for mercy that won't come. I'll savour each moment, drinking in your fear like a fine wine.

But don't worry, Paige. I'll be gentle. At first.

You see, I understand you more than anyone else ever could. You're not made for this world of cold shadows and ruthless predators; a delicate flower amidst thorny weeds. But with me, Paige... with me you'll bloom in ways you never thought possible.

I'll break you down piece by piece, taking my time until all that's left is the raw and beautiful essence of who you truly are; stripped bare and vulnerable under my unforgiving scrutiny.

And when I'm done... when every last bit of fight has bled out of you and all you know is the darkness of my world, then I will make a masterpiece out of you, Paige. I'll paint you with strokes of pain and pleasure until your body sings the same dark symphony that plays in my twisted heart.

This is not just about possession, Paige. This is about creation. Just as you paint life onto blank canvases, I too shall create art by taking yours.

Chapter Twenty Five

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