Page 33 of Dangerous Allure

“I heard every word, but I also heard your soul begging to be saved, and those are the words I listen to,” he replies, grabbing my hand and leading me out of the art room without another word.

How can this tortured soul climb into my heart? Burying himself there without a backwards glance, only to listen to what I need within and ignore what I don’t on the outside. He’s only hit the tip of the iceberg and I’m afraid once he knows the truth, everything will implode and I’ll be left all alone in a life I want to end.

Chapter 22

Maverick

As I walked into the house after school, the delicious aroma of peppers, onions, and garlic greeted me, making me pause to take a deep breath. I can’t remember the last time we cooked something that didn’t come in a box.

Walking into the kitchen, I’m dumbfounded to see Presley shaking her hips to the music that plays through the speakers on the counter. I lean my shoulder against the cabinet and fold my arms over my chest, watching her work the space so naturally. Like she’s meant to be in here.

Clearing my throat, she jumps, whipping around while holding a knife in her hand. I chuckle, taking a step into the kitchen with raised hands.

“I come in peace, Beauty.” I grin as she lowers her weapon. “Aww, don’t back down now, baby. Come slice me up.” I smirk, but the look on her face isn’t playful. Maybe I should’ve read the room a little better.

“Mav, you can’t be calling me that.” She says with a sad look on her beautiful face.

“Calling you what? Beauty? I’ve been calling you that since forever. Why would I ever stop?” I ask, stepping further into the room as she turns the stove off, placing the knife on the counter.

“Baby. You can’t call me that.” She spits as tears form in her eyes. Caging her against the counter, I cup her face.

“Why is that, baby?” I say, lifting her chin and pressing my lips against hers. She pushes me away and I growl, gripping her hips, caging her once again.

“It wasn’t too long ago that I had your cum dripping down my chin as you screamed my name, calling yourself mine.” I breathe, running my nose along the column of her neck as her breathing hitches.

“I wasn’t screaming your name for one, and two, we were in the moment. We are just friends, Maverick.” She huffs and I roll my eyes.

“Friends don’t go down on each other. Friends don’t make each other cum and friends don’t sleep topless in my bed.” I say, sucking her earlobe into my mouth.

“Why do you have to make this harder for me?” She groans.

“You’re making it harder for yourself by not just giving in. I want you Beauty, just admit that you want me too.” I groan as she slides her warm hands under my tee shirt.

“Mav, please. We have to end this. That’s why I’m here. It’s too dangerous for all of us.” She says pushing me away, but I slam my hands on the counter causing her to jump.

“Are you not hearing me? I want you, Presley. I was too afraid of admitting my feelings to you. I was too afraid that if we tookthe next step, that if we broke up, I’d lose you forever. You aren’t meant for Jacob Lee.” I growl as tears pour down her cheeks. “Please don’t cry. Your tears make me murderous.” I whisper, licking up her cheek.

“You don’t understand. We can’t.” She hiccups.

“You’re wrong. Be mine, Beauty. Let me into your heart and I promise I’ll never disappoint you. I’ll give you the world if you would just admit you want this just as bad as I do.” I whisper, grazing my lips along hers.

“Beast, you don’t know what you are saying. I’m a liar. I’m fake. I’m only real when I’m with you and your brothers, but it’s too dangerous. We can’t,” she whispers, her body trembling in my arms.

“We all have secrets Pres, I know you keep things to yourself. I’m not an idiot, but you bring out the best in me. Being friends with you all these years saved me from going down a dark path. Just please, please tell me what you truly want. Tell me what your heart wants because I can feel that organ in your chest beating erratically when I’m near. Every touch, every kiss, I feel it.” I whisper as she shakes her head. “Look at me, Beauty. Tell me I’m wrong.” I say, lifting her chin, looking into her eyes. She smiles, digging her nails into my ribs as she takes a deep breath.

“You’re right. Your kisses mean more to me than you will ever know. My heart has always belonged to you. Despite who I’m with, it always circles back to you,” she says, taking another deep breath. “But you friend zoned me, pushed me away. Fuck Maverick, there are things you don’t know about me. Things I’ve kept hidden from you and I’m scared. So fucking scared that if I told you, you’d never want me again. So I won’t taint your heart. I don’t want you to see me in that light. So please don’t push it.” She begs and I just look at her.

“For the record, there’s nothing in this world that could ever make me look at you less. Nothing.” I assure her, but she shakes her head.

“You don’t know that, Mav.” She says, and I shake my head.

“Let me prove it to you.” I say. She looks at me with such sadness before she nods.

“Is anyone due to be home soon?” She asks softly, and I shake my head.

“Not for a couple of hours.” I say, raising a brow. “Why?” Without a single word, she pushes me back, removing her hands from my shirt to lift hers over her head. My eyes widen at the bruises littering her rib cage, stomach, breasts and arms. My hands ball into fists as rage crawls up my body from my toes, my heart stammering in my chest. I want to fucking kill whoever did this to her. She takes my fists and loosens my grip, bringing them to each bruise on her flesh.

“Make them better.” She whispers. She doesn’t even have to explain before I bend down, pressing gentle kisses against her black and blue skin. Trying to reign in my anger and not demand answers. I will later, but right now, my girl needs me and I’ll do anything to make her feel better. To make her feel safe.

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