Page 72 of The Library

“You think your little fucking games wouldn’t cost you?” I growl, tightening my grip on her throat just enough to make her breath hitch.

She arches her back, pressing herself against me, her body surrendering before her mind can catch up. She thinks this is a fucking game. It’s not, but my cock is rock hard, straining against my jeans as I push my knee between her legs, forcing her thighs apart. She lets out a soft, breathless moan that only drives me wilder.

“You want to lose yourself in the darkness of this club?” I whisper, my lips brushing against her ear. “I can fuck you right here and drag you into an even darker place.”

Another moan escapes her lips, this one louder, more desperate. She’s already mine. But she needs to learn what that really means.

I release her throat, but before she can even catch her breath, I grab her hand and pull her hard toward me. The people around us definitely notice, and I know they recognize me. I’ve built a reputation in this town—I’m known for not sticking to any woman, never showing an ounce of affection. I’ve fucked more women than I care to count, sometimes more than one at a time, but I’ve never shown any interest beyond that. This breaks every rule I’ve set when it comes to women, but with Lilith, I was never going to follow the rules. I pull her onto the dance floor, where bodies move in time with the pulsing beat. But all I can focus on is her—her wide eyes, the way her lips part in shock as I grip her waist and pull her flush against me. The music thumps around us, but for a moment, it’s drowned out by the sound of my own heartbeat. I lower my head, my lips crashing against hers in a kiss so fierce, so full of hunger and possession, that it takes me by surprise.

It’s not just a kiss—it’s a claim. One I’m making in front of everyone. My hands tighten on her waist as I kiss her deeper, my tongue teasing hers, and for the first time in my life, the rest of the world seems to fade away. It’s just her wrapped in my arms, her body melting into mine as if she’s always belonged here.

I’m so caught up in her that I almost forget where we are until Ty’s voice cuts through the haze.

“Fuck yes!” Ty hollers, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife, his excitement so loud it’s almost infectious. He’s practically bouncing, a wide grin plastered on his face as he leans back against the bar, arms crossed, watching the whole scene unfold like it’s his favorite movie.

“Look at this shit!” he laughs, slapping the counter behind him. “Oh, this is gonna be good, man. You know what this means, right? For you. For her. For all of us.”

I pull back just enough to glance at him, my grip on Lilith’s throat still firm. Ty’s eyes are gleaming, that familiar wildness shining in them. He lives for this kind of thing. For the chaos. For the way control breaks down into something darker. Something twisted.

“Better make sure she’s ready, Sebby,” Ty says with a mocking grin, wagging a finger like he’s scolding me. “You let her off too easy last time. Don’t go soft on us now.”

I grit my teeth, my jaw tightening at his words. Ty loves to push buttons, to rile me up like this. He knows exactly what he’s doing. And it works.

“Shut the fuck up, Ty,” I growl, tightening my grip on Lilith’s throat just enough to make her gasp again. “Or maybe you’ll be next.”

Ty’s laughter echoes through the room, completely unfazed. “Oh no, I’m so fucking scared,” he mocks, holding his hands up in fake surrender. “But really, man. You better piece her back together good. This is your show. Don’t disappoint.”

I roll my eyes, my focus shifting back to Lilith, who’s still pinned against me, her body trembling beneath my hand. Ty’s little outburst just gave me even more reason to push her. To make her understand who’s in control.

I lean in again, my voice low and dangerous. “You’re not going anywhere, Lilith. Not tonight. Not until I’m done with you.”

Anna stumbles over, clearly drunk, but still full of energy. She claps her hands, cheering us on with a loud whoop. “Get it, Lily!” she slurs, hugging her tight and giving her a conspiratorial wink. “I can’t wait to hear all about what happens when he takes you home tonight.”

Lilith blushes, glancing up at me, but I keep my gaze locked on hers, my grip firm on her hips. Anna’s voice fades into the background as I lean down, my lips brushing against her ear. “You started this, Lilith,” I murmur, my voice low and rough. “But I’m going to finish it.”

I pull her even closer, the heat between us undeniable. She thought she could play this game with me, but now she’s about to see what happens when I take control.

But when I get her home, I’ll make sure she realizes that I let her win tonight.

Lilith is already drunk, her steps a little unsteady, her eyes glassy. Ty shoots me a look, one that says he knows exactly what’s going on. We don’t need to say a word. The night is over. It’s time to take them home.

* * *

Back at the house, I can feel the tension building between us, the air thick with everything unsaid. Lilith wants a fight. She wants answers. She’s been pushing all night, and now she’s about to push harder. She’s sobering up, but not enough to not want to start shit.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she slurs, her words laced with alcohol and frustration. “Why didn’t you trust me like Ty trusts Anna?”

“Lilith,” I warn, my voice low and controlled. “You’re drunk. We’ll talk about this later.”

But she doesn’t back down. “No, we will talk about this now! And I’m not drunk! Not anymore!” she snaps, her eyes blazing with anger. “You say you want me, that I’m yours, but you don’ttrust me enough to tell me the truth. What kind of fucking relationship is that?”

Her words hit me like a punch, but I don’t flinch. I knew this was coming. She’s been stewing on this for days, waiting for the right moment to explode.

I step closer, my body towering over hers. “You think you know what’s best, Lilith? You think you can handle the truth? You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“I’m not a delicate fucking flower, Sebastian!” she shouts, her voice cracking. “I can handle the truth, I—”

Before she can finish, I slam her against the wall, my hand wrapping around her throat again, harder this time. Her eyes go wide, her breath catching in her throat.

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