Page 45 of Grave Intentions

I’m so close, my body trembling with desire. I glance at the photo again, my eyes locking with the stranger’s anonymous gaze. And then I come with a sharp cry, my body convulsing with pleasure.

As I lie there, panting, I realize with a jolt that this whole time, my eyes were fixed on that photo, on him. Oh God, what is happening to me?

I lay in bed, my body still tingling from my release. The shame crashes over me as reality sets in. What kind of person gets off to evidence left by a stalker? But I can’t deny the truth—it’s the first time I’ve felt desire since Talon.

My hand traces over my collarbone where David left bruises last night. Since starting college, I’ve staved off his advances. But last night, it was like reliving being back in Mr. Wilson’s clutches after Talon left. It feels like I’m broken now.

With Talon...sex had been different. Raw. Passionate. Caring. He’d awakened something in me I didn’t know existed. The way his hands had explored my body, how he’d claimed me completely. Even now, the memory sends shivers down my spine.

David’s touch last night was nothing like that. It was mechanical, painful, degrading. He didn’t care about my pleasure or comfort. To him, I was just a toy to be used. And now it’s happened once. It’s bound to happen again. The thought makes bile rise in my throat.

I curl onto my side, wrapping my arms around myself. How did I end up here? Trapped in this nightmare with David, getting aroused by a stalker’s photo while remembering the only man who ever made me feel truly alive? A man who should have been off limits, considering we grew up together.

The worst part is knowing that what happened with Talon wasn’t just sex—it was a connection, an understanding that went soul-deep. Everything since then has felt hollow, especially David’s violations now, that leave me feeling dirty and used.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the memories of David’s assaults. But they creep in anyway, making my skin crawl all over again.

I hurry to clean up, putting my vibrator away and wiping down my body. I feel ashamed, confused, and incredibly turned on all at once. I glance at the photo again before hiding it in my drawer and the note.

What have I become?

30

TALON

Istalk Lena across the college campus, keeping to the shadows as I observe her every move. The thrill of watching her pleasure herself with the image of my hard cock still lingers, stoking the flames of my twisted desire. My heart pounds with anticipation, knowing that soon, I will eliminate the obstacle standing in the way of our union.

As Lena enters the library, I quietly slip in behind her, blending seamlessly into the throngs of students. My eyes never leave her, memorizing her graceful movements and how the light plays across her features. She's utterly captivating, a delicate flower I long to possess and corrupt.

I follow her to the second floor, watching her settle into a quiet nook. Carefully, I position myself nearby, pretending to peruse the shelves with my hood hiding my face while keeping her firmly in sight. The knowledge that I hold such power over her, that I can manipulate and control her life, sends a jolt of exhilaration through me.

Lena appears focused on her studies, unaware of the predator lurking mere feet away. I allow myself a small, satisfied smile, reveling in my sense of control. Soon, I will move, eliminating the last obstacle standing in our way.

The thought of removing that pathetic excuse of a man from the equation fills me with a dark, primal excitement. He dares to touch what is mine, to taint the perfection of Lena Graves. I clench my fists, my knuckles turning white with the intensity of my grip. He will pay for his transgressions, for daring to lay a hand on what is rightfully mine.

As Lena packs up her belongings and heads for the exit, I trail behind her, keeping a safe distance. My eyes follow her every step, my mind already formulating the next phase of my plan.

I slink through the shadows of the campus quad, my gaze fixed solely on Lena's graceful form as she emerges from the library. The mere sight of her sets my blood aflame with an all-consuming desire that borders on madness.

However, the sudden appearance of that sniveling worm, David, shatters my possessive reverie. He strides toward Lena with an overconfident swagger, clutching a bouquet of cheap flowers that reek of desperation. My lip curls with disgust as he wraps his arms around her, planting a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

I bristle with barely contained fury, watching as Lena flinches ever so slightly at his touch. The motion is subtle, but it speaks volumes—that coward has dared to lay his hands on her in a way that has caused her distress. My fists clench at the mere thought, fighting the overwhelming urge to tear him limb from limb.

Lena forces a tight smile, her posture stiff and radiating discomfort as David loops his arm through hers, steering her across the quad. I follow at a discreet distance, my footsteps silent as a wraith, every fiber of my being attuned to the tension emanating from her rigid frame.

She doesn't want this. My Lena, trapped in the clutches of this pathetic excuse for a man, her light slowly being extinguished by his poisonous presence. Rage courses throughmy veins, scalding and all-consuming, as I vow to free her from his clutches, no matter the cost.

If that sniveling bastard has dared to harm a single hair on her head, he will suffer a fate worse than death itself. I will tear him apart, piece by agonizing piece, until he begs for the release of death. And when he finally draws his last, wheezing breath, I will cradle Lena in my arms and show her the depths of my devotion, love, and obsession.

I trail behind Lena and David, my eyes locked on their retreating forms. The urge to close the distance between us and rip him away from her is almost overwhelming, but I maintain my composure. Patience, I remind myself. The time will come.

They enter a small restaurant, the warm glow of the lights beckoning them inside. I pause, considering my next move. I can't simply barge in and create a scene—that would only alarm Lena and draw unwanted attention. No, I need to be more calculated and strategic.

Slipping into the shadows, I find a secluded table near the back, where I can observe them undetected. I am drawn to Lena as she hesitantly follows David to a cozy booth in the corner. She looks so small, so fragile, and my heart aches with the need to protect her.

David orders a bottle of wine, his arrogant grin making my blood boil. I watch as he pours Lena a generous glass, his hand lingering on hers for a moment too long. Lena flinches at the unwanted contact, and I must fight the urge to storm over and tear him away from her.

Forcing myself to remain calm, I observe as the evening progresses. David does most of the talking, his boisterous laughter grating on my nerves. On the other hand, Lena sits quietly, her eyes downcast as she sips her wine. I can see the tension in her shoulders, the way she shrinks into herself, desperately wishing to be anywhere but here.

---