Page 42 of Grave Intentions

I watch, transfixed, as Lena starts to sway to the pulsing beat, her body moving with a sensual grace that sets my blood on fire. The way her hips undulate, the arch of her back as she loses herself in the music—it’s a sight that sears itself into my mind, branding me with its beauty.

I imagine her pressed against me, our bodies moving in perfect sync as we dance. I can almost feel the heat of her skin, the softness of her curves molding to my hard planes.

But then a man steps behind her, his filthy hands gripping her waist as he grinds against her. Red-hot rage surges through me, a primal, possessive fury that demands retribution. How dare he touch what’s mine?

Before I can think, I’m moving, shoving my way through the crowd with a single-minded focus. I reach them in seconds, my hand clamping down on the man’s shoulder as I yank him away from her. He stumbles back, eyes wide with shock. There’s fear etched into his expression as he takes in my imposing frame and the dark promise of violence radiating from me.

Seizing her by the hips, I yank her flush against me, my body molding possessively to hers. She gasps, lips parting in surprise, but I cut off any protest by swaying my hips in time with the pounding bass.

I keep her facing away, my arms wrapped around her waist as we sway together. A heady mix of adrenaline and desire flowsthrough my veins. She feels right in my arms, like she was made for me.

I lean down, my lips brushing the shell of her ear as I speak, my voice a low, deep rumble through my voice distorter. “You looked like you needed saving.”

She shivers, her breath catching in her throat. “Thank you,” she murmurs, her words nearly lost in the pounding music.

I tighten my hold on her, savoring the feel of her soft curves against my hardened muscles.

“Don’t fight it,” I murmur in a low rasp, pitching my voice deeper to disguise my identity. “Just feel me.”

I grind against her, savoring the soft curves that press into me with every sensuous roll of my hips. She’s frozen, trembling in my embrace, but I can sense the flicker of dark curiosity beneath her fear.

Reaching up, I tangle my fingers in her silken hair, angling her head away so she can’t see my face beneath the mask. Not yet. Not until she’s ready to know the truth of who I am.

“Relax,” I growl against the delicate shell of her ear. “I’ve got you, baby. No one’s gonna lay a hand on you as long as I’m here.” I bite at the skin there, wanting to leave my mark on her.

She moans softly as my other hand splays across her stomach, pulling her back impossibly closer until there’s not a breath of space between us. She’s soft and pliant in my arms, and I revel in her body melting against mine.

This is where she belongs. With me, safe in the circle of my embrace, the heat of our bodies twining together in a sensual, primal dance. Soon, she’ll understand. Soon, she’ll crave my touch and possession as deeply as I crave hers.

But for now, I’ll settle for this stolen moment, for the chance to hold her while she remains blissfully unaware of the depths of my obsession. She doesn’t realize that the man holding her is the same man who took her virginity.

But she will. Soon, she’ll know the truth of who I am, of the lengths I’ll go to keep her safe. When that day comes, she’ll be mine, body and soul.

27

LENA

Ican't stop thinking about the mysterious stranger at the club. A shiver ran down my spine as soon as his strong arms pulled me close. There was something primal and captivating about the way he moved against me, like a predator claiming its prey.

The dim lighting obscured his face, but I caught glimpses of the skull mask he wore. It only heightened the sense of danger and intrigue surrounding him. I wanted to leave with the alluring stranger and surrender myself to him.

When the aggressive man hassling me approached, the stranger's reaction was swift and vicious. He shoved the man away with such force that I knew he was capable of great violence. Yet, in that moment, I felt safer than I ever had. This dark, powerful man shielded me, claiming me as his own.

I recall how the stranger had pulled me closer and his breath had tickled my ear.

I’ve got you, baby. No one’s gonna lay a hand on you as long as I’m here.

The way he said my name sent a thrill through me. He knew who I was, but I had no idea who he was.

When the song ended, I turned to ask him to take me home, but he had vanished. I scanned the crowd, my heart pounding, but found no trace of him. It was as if he had slipped into the shadows, leaving me bereft and aching for more of his touch.

Now, back in my apartment, I can still feel the ghost of his hands on my body. The way he held me, possessive yet protective, has left an indelible mark. I've only ever experienced anything like that with Talon.

Who is this masked stranger? And why does the thought of him make my pulse race and my skin flush with desire? I want to know more, to uncover the mystery that surrounds him. There's a darkness to him that both terrifies and enthralls me. I should stay away; getting involved with someone I don’t know could be dangerous. But something deep inside me yearns to throw caution to the wind and surrender myself to him completely.

David storms out of the bedroom, his eyes like ice. My heart sinks as I anticipate the familiar rage building within him. I know I'm already in trouble for being late—a valid concern given the neighborhood—but my mind has been miles away, consumed by thoughts of the masked man.

Before I can even apologize, he lunges at me, grabbing my arm with a force that makes me wince. "Where the hell have you been, Lena? Do you have any idea how worried I was?" His words slice through the air, sharp with accusation. I try to pull away, but he tightens his grip, his fingers digging into my skin.

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