Page 83 of Turmoil's Target

The nerves that nearly crippled me on the ride over here melt under his touch.

I breathe in the intoxicating scent of leather and musk that clings to him as my hands slide up his back, feeling every hard ridge and plane.

Being in his embrace makes me feel safe, protected.

Like nothing and no one can touch me here.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Abe murmurs, his gravelly voice rumbling through me and igniting sparks under my skin.

His fingers tangle in my hair as he tips my face up to his.

Those piercing blue eyes bore into mine with an intensity that steals my breath.

I’ve never had a man look at me the way Abe does—like he wants to possess every inch of me, body and soul.

It’s thrilling and terrifying all at once.

My heart pounds against my ribcage as he leans in, his breath hot on my lips.

I know I shouldn’t be here, wrapped up in the arms of the enemy.

If my mother knew what I was doing, she’d kill me herself.

But in this moment, lost in Abe’s burning gaze, I can’t bring myself to care.

All the guilt and inner turmoil fades away as his mouth claims mine in a searing, passionate kiss that consumes me entirely.

I melt against him, giving myself over to the forbidden pleasure of his touch.

Nothing else matters but this—his lips moving over mine, our bodies pressed together, the rest of the world falling away until it’s just him and me, lost in each other.

Abe’s strong arm wraps around my back, pulling me flush against his hard body as the kiss deepens.

His tongue teases the seam of my lips and I part for him eagerly, desperate to taste more of him.

He explores my mouth with purposeful strokes, stroking the flames of desire higher and higher until I'm weak in the knees.

“I’m taking you inside, baby,” he rasps against my lips when we finally come up for air.

A thrill of excitement and trepidation shoots through me at his words.

The mysterious, intimidating clubhouse looms before us—the lair of the Reapers Rejects.

Never did I think I’d ever be stepping foot inside.

My heartbeat kicks into overdrive and anxiety swirls in my stomach like a storm.

But as Abe interlaces our fingers and leads me forward, his touch grounds me.

I trust this man, even if I don’t fully understand it.

With a deep breath, I let him guide me up the steps and through the door.

Cigarette smoke and the cloying scent of whiskey hit me as we step inside the dim interior.

Music throbs from unseen speakers.

But what stops me in my tracks are the penetrating stares locked on me from all directions.

---