Page 22 of Grave Intentions

Talon’s breathing comes in heavy pants, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His blue eyes are dark, pupils blown wide with desire. I can’t help but notice the prominent bulge in his jeans. He groans, running a hand over it.

“Fuck,” he swears under his breath, shifting in his seat.

My cheeks burn hot, but I can’t look away. The knowledge that I affect him strongly sends another wave of heat through my body. My heart pounds so hard I’m sure he can hear it in the confined space of the car.

The tension between us is thick enough to cut with a knife. Every breath feels charged with electricity. I press my thighs together, trying to ease the unfamiliar ache there.

“We need to stop,” Talon says through gritted teeth, though he makes no move to start the car. “This is already more than I should have allowed.”

“A deal’s a deal,” I say, my voice still shaky from the kiss. “I’ll wait until I’m eighteen to decide.”

Talon nods, adjusting in the seat.

“But I want you to know something.” I gather my courage, heart pounding against my ribs. “I’m saving myself for you. Only you.”

His breath catches, and those intense blue eyes lock onto mine. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“I mean it.” I touch my lips, still tingling from his kiss. “After that... I’ll never want anyone else. Not David, not any other guy. Just you.”

A low growl rumbles in his chest. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I do.” I meet his gaze steadily. “That kiss proved everything I’ve been feeling. Everything I want.”

Talon’s jaw clenches as he turns the key in the ignition. The engine roars to life, breaking the heated silence between us. He shifts the car into drive, his movements precise and controlled. And we return to the Wilsons’ house in charged silence, everything between us altered forever.

15

LENA

SEVENTEEN

Two months later…

Icreep down the hallway, my heart pounding as I approach the living room. The muffled voices of the Wilsons drift out from behind the closed door, their words laced with disdain.

“That boy is nothing but trouble. An absolute disgrace covered in tattoos. He’s twenty-one now, and it’s time he gets out of here.” Mr. Wilson’s gruff tone sends a chill down my spine.

“I don’t know how long we can keep him under control,” Mrs. Wilson replies. “He’s becoming more and more unhinged.”

My stomach twists with fear. They can’t send Talon away. Not when I’ve finally started to see him in a different light. I need to do something. Sighing heavily, I turn and head toward Talon’s room.

I take a deep breath and push open the door, stepping into Talon’s dimly lit room.

He sits on the edge of his bed, his gaze fixed on the floor. At the sound of my footsteps, he lifts his head, piercing blue eyes locking onto mine.

“Lena,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough. “What are you doing here?”

I swallow hard, suddenly acutely aware of how his muscles ripple beneath his shirt. Ever since our kiss, I can hardly look at him without my pussy getting wet. “I heard the Wilsons talking. They want to kick you out, Talon.”

He arches one dark brow. “And so what if they do?”

I take a step closer, my fingers twisting nervously in the hem of my shirt. “I don’t want them to send you away. I—” My voice trails off, the words catching in my throat.

Talon rises from the bed, his movements fluid and graceful. He towers over me, his presence filling the small space. “You what, Lena? Can’t stop thinking about our kiss?” he questions.

The air crackles with tension, and I find myself captivated by the intensity of his gaze. “I... I want you to stay. We made a deal. Once I’m eighteen,” I whisper.

Talon’s lips curl into a slow smile. “We did. But if they kick me out before, it won’t change a thing.” He takes a step closer, and the warmth of his body radiates towards me. “They can’t keep us apart, princess.”

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