Page 50 of Grave Intentions

Feeling her contract around me again pushes me over the edge. “Fuck, Lena,” I grit out, my body tensing. “I’m gonna come, baby. Gonna fill your tight little pussy.”

With a few more fierce thrusts, I spill myself into her, groaning as my release washes over me. Lena’s body shudders with the force of my climax, her inner walls pulsing around me.

Collapsing onto my back, I hold her tight, my face buried in her neck. Our bodies are drenched in sweat, our hearts pounding in unison.

Lena’s fingers trace lazy patterns on my chest, her breath evening out. “Wow,” she whispers, a smile in her voice. “That was...”

“Incredible,” I finish for her, lifting my head to meet her gaze.

I feel Lena’s body tense against mine as reality crashes over her. She bolts upright, yanking the sheet to cover herself.

“Oh God. This wasn’t—I thought it was a dream.” Her eyes dart around the room, panic setting in. “You killed David. You actually killed him.”

I reach for her, but she flinches away. Keeping my voice steady, I explain, “He was trying to rape you, Lena. I watched that piece of shit force himself on you while you begged him to stop.”

“But you—you stabbed him. I remember the blood...” Her voice breaks.

“He deserved worse for touching what’s mine.” My jaw clenches at the memory. “He’s gone now. Forever. No one will ever hurt you like that again.”

Lena’s hands shake as she grips the sheet tighter. “You killed someone, Talon. You actually murdered him.”

“To protect you.” I move closer, careful not to startle her. “Everything I do is to keep you safe. David won’t ever lay his hands on you again. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

I pull Lena into my arms as her shoulders shake with sobs. She doesn’t resist, instead collapsing against my chest. Her fingers dig into my skin like she’s afraid I’ll disappear.

“He made me feel so powerless,” she sobs. “The first time he did it was Friday night, and then after dinner he...”

“Shh.” I stroke her hair, breathing in her scent. “He can’t touch you ever again. No one will hurt you like that again.”

Her body trembles against mine. I hold her tighter, letting her release everything she’s bottled up. My Lena, so strong for so long, letting those walls crumble.

“I hated being under his control,” she whispers into my chest. “The way he’d smile while hurting me like he enjoyed my fear...”

“Everything will be fine now,” I murmur against her hair. “I’m here. I’ll always protect you, always keep you safe. No one else will ever lay a hand on you.”

Her sobs gradually quiet, her breathing steadying as she stays wrapped in my embrace. I continue running my fingers through her hair, feeling her relax against me.

“Thank you,” she breathes, her voice barely audible. “For saving me from him.”

I press my lips to her forehead. “Always, Lena. I’ll always save you.”

34

LENA

Ijolt awake, my head fuzzy with fragments of memories that feel like a nightmare. The bedroom is pristine—no blood, no signs of struggle. Nothing to confirm the violent scene from last night.

“Did I dream it all?” I whisper to myself, running my fingers through my tangled hair. The sheets beside me are cold and empty. No trace of Talon.

My heart pounds as I scan the room. Everything looks normal—too normal. The picture frames still hang straight on the walls, and David’s clothes still lie scattered across the floor where he left them.

David. My stomach lurches as fragments of last night flash through my mind—his cruel grip, the masked figure, the knife...

The bedroom door swings open with a creak. I gasp, pulling the sheets up to my chin as Talon appears in the doorway. His presence fills the room, dark and intense.

“You’re really here,” I breathe. “Last night... it wasn’t a dream?”

“No dream.” His voice is low and controlled.

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