Page 14 of Lured By the Cartel

Then, I decided to change the subject.

"So, what about your college life?"I asked abruptly. Too many feelings stirred within me already; no need to add fuel to flames burning brightly already. Besides, I wanted—no, needed—to understand more about him. Everything about him. Even mundane details seemed relevant somehow, important even. They were things I couldn't live without.

He nodded, smiling faintly at the reminder."Yeah. It's going okay, I guess. Nothing special. Just normal stuff - classes, friends, parties..."

"Normal stuff,"I echoed softly, envy stabbing unexpectedly sharp. Normalcy eluded me every day; always had since I was born. Yet hearing him talk about it, experiencing it vicariouslythrough his words alone... fuck, it made something ache deep within my chest. Something I refused to acknowledge.

"And you?"He inquired curiously, tilting his head slightly to one side."Your life must be anything but 'normal', right?"

Understatement of the century, but I appreciated his directness. Most people tiptoed around sensitive topics, too afraid to ask outright. Not Lucas. He faced everything head-on, unafraid and unapologetic. It was yet another quality that drew me to him.

"Yeah,"I agreed readily, chuckling darkly."Far from it actually. Dangerous, chaotic, unpredictable..."I trailed off, leaving unsaid words hanging heavy between us.

Silence stretched thick and awkward, filled only by distant sounds echoing faintly throughout the estate. Eventually, he broke it, sighing heavily."So... what are we going to do now?"

Good question indeed. One I wished I had an answer ready for. Unfortunately, I didn't. Not one that satisfied either of us anyway.

Chapter 7

Lucas

Time ticked away slowly, each second stretching into eternity as I waited impatiently for Marco's response. His silence grew heavier, more oppressive, making my heart pound anxiously against my ribcage. What did he plan on doing? Why wouldn't he speak up?

Meanwhile, his eyes remained glued onto mine, intense and unblinking, sending shivers down my spine despite myself. God, there was something about the way he looked at me...

Abruptly, he moved, startling me as he reached for the hem of his shirt, pulling it up smoothly over his head in one fluid motion. My breath hitched involuntarily, caught off guard by his sudden action. What was he doing? Where was this leading? I had no idea, but I liked it anyway.

"Marco?"I questioned uncertainly, watching warily as he tossed his discarded clothing carelessly aside. His smirk widened, turning devilish, sending another jolt straight to my groin. Jesus Christ, he wasn't playing fair. He never did, to be honest.

"You really think we can keep pretending like nothing's happening here?"He challenged softly, taking a step closer until mere inches separated our bodies. Heat radiated off him, warm and inviting, making me want to close the distance entirely.

"But-"

"No buts,"he interrupted firmly, shaking his head."It's pointless, Lucas. We both know why you came here tonight. You've already told me so."His hand lifted, tracing the line of my jaw lightly, sending sparks igniting wherever he touched."And I'm done fighting it."

I swallowed hard, trying desperately to maintain composure under his scrutiny."Fighting what?"I managed to choke out weakly, knowing full well yet needing confirmation regardless.

His grin turned wicked then, predatory almost, revealing teeth gleaming white beneath the soft lighting."This,"he replied simply, gesturing vaguely between us before leaning in closer still. Close enough for his lips to brush softly against mine, barely a whisper of touch yet enough to send electricity zinging through me.

My mouth opened reflexively, gasping silently at the contact. Fuck, how could he make me react so easily? So helplessly? So eagerly?

"It's pointless,"he repeated, voice dropping lower, deeper, resonating within me like a physical caress."We both know what we want."

Before I could respond, he took advantage, pressing forward fully this time, capturing my mouth. No gentle exploration anymore; this kiss demanded submission, dominance, and surrender. And god help me, I gave in immediately, melting against him, opening up when his tongue thrust against my own.

He groaned low in his throat, pulling back briefly before diving back in, kissing me fiercely, thoroughly, completely. UntilI was left breathless, boneless, desperate for more. More kisses, more touches, more everything he offered freely.

When he finally pulled away again, we were both panting heavily, chests heaving in sync. Our gazes locked, held captive by some unseen force binding us together. Or maybe it was just lust clouding judgment, blinding us from reality.

"What about your heat now?"He rasped roughly, breaking the spell."You said earlier..."

Right. Shit. I'd forgotten momentarily amidst the haze of desire fogging my mind. Now, reality crashed back violently, reminding me sharply of the consequences awaiting if I continued down this path.

"I... I don't know,"I admitted, looking away. How could I tell him that part of me hoped he would take care of it? Take care of me? Despite knowing better, wanting otherwise?

He sighed, running a frustrated hand through his hair."Jesus fucking Christ, Lucas,"he muttered, sounding exasperated."What am I going to do with you now?"

The question lingered between us, unanswered, impossible to resolve without hurting someone eventually. Yet even as awareness dawned, understanding sank in, and neither of us moved to stop whatever was coming next.

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