Page 11 of Pose for Me

"You can and you will," he growls. "You’re going to give us everything, Rayne."

The potency in his gaze, coupled with River's relentless assault on my senses, pushes me over the edge again. My eyes roll back as the most intense climax of my life rips through me. I distantly hear myself screaming as my body convulses.

The last thing I register before darkness claims me is River's gleeful laughter and Knox's satisfied growl.

Chapter 9

River

IgentlylowerRayneonto her bed, her limp form pliant in my arms. Her skin is flushed and glistening with a sheen of sweat, dark hair fanned out across the pillow like spilled ink. My eyes trace the contour of her body, drinking in every detail–the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the marks our hands and mouths have left on her skin, the slight parting of her lips as she breathes deeply in unconsciousness.

"I'll clean her up," I murmur to Knox, who nods and settles into a chair nearby, his piercing gaze never leaving Rayne's body.

I move through her apartment with practiced ease, having memorized the layout during my previous visits. The familiarity of the space sends a thrill through me–how many nights had I spent here, watching her from the shadows, imagining this very scenario? And now here we are, the fantasy made gloriously real.

In the bathroom, I fill a bowl with warm water, adding a splash of the lavender-scented soap I know she favors. The gentle floral scent fills the air, reminding me of all the times I've breathed it in while standing unseen in her bedroom, watching her sleep. I grab a soft washcloth and towel before returning to where Rayne lies sprawled across the bed.

Knox's eyes meet mine as I enter, a silent conversation passing between us. The satisfaction and dark promise I see there mirrors my own feelings. We've waited so long for this, planned so carefully. And now that we have her, we're never letting go.

I set the bowl on the nightstand and dip the cloth into the warm, fragrant water. Wringing it out, I start at Rayne's face, gently wiping away the traces of tears and sweat. Her skin is soft beneath the cloth, and I can't resist trailing my fingers along her cheekbone, marveling at finally being able to touch her freely.

Working my way down, I clean her neck, paying special attention to the almost imperceptible marks we've left. A possessive thrill runs through me at the sight knowing we put them there—visible proof that she belongs to us now.

I take my time washing her breasts, admiring how much larger than my hands they are. Even unconscious, her body responds to my touch, nipples hardening as I pass the warm cloth over them. It takes all my self-control not to lean down and take one in my mouth, to wake her with the sensation of my tongue and teeth on her sensitive flesh.

But no, not yet. We have time now. No need to rush.

I continue down her body, wiping away the mingled sweat and fluids from her stomach and thighs. When I reach her pussy, I'm extra gentle, carefully cleaning any of our combined release I missed with my mouth and tongue from her swollen folds. The sight of her like this–used and marked by us—sends a fresh wave of arousal through me. Already, I'm craving more of her, aching to bury myself inside her again.

I almost can't believe this day finally arrived. Only yesterday I was in this very apartment, watching her from the shadows and restraining myself from reaching out to touch her. It took every ounce of willpower not to climb in beside her, to pull her warm body against mine and breathe in the intoxicating scent of her skin.

I let my fingers stroke against the fur of the grey cat, scratching just the way I have learned she likes it. It took more visits than I care to admit—and certainly wont admit to Knox—to win the little feline over without resorting to bribery. I watch Rayne settle back onto her bed and fall back to sleep from where I’m standing in the shadows of the apartment hallway. The soft vibration of the cat’s purr against my palm is oddly soothing, a stark contrast to the electric anticipation coursing through my veins. I knew I didn't just have to learn every little detail about the woman in that room, but also the little feline she called hers. After all, she was my first obstacle, the gatekeeper to Rayne's most private moments.

My eyes never leave Rayne's form as she shifts in bed, her dark hair splayed across the pillow. The sheet clings to her curves, rising and falling with each breath, and I find myself matching my breathing to hers, syncing with her unconscious rhythm. It's intimate in a way that makes my skin prickle.

The cat's ears perk up suddenly, and I feel the change in her posture before I hear anything. The air shifts toward the apartment entry, and I know without looking that Knox has arrived. I give her fur one final scratch before setting her down gently.

Moving silently through the shadows, I retrace my steps back to the living area where Knox stands. His presence fills the room, a familiar comfort that settles over me like a second skin, and our eyes meet in the dim light.

I almost snort out loud as Knox leans down, placing a small pouch on the floor like an offering to a god. The cat eyes it warily for a moment before pouncing, attacking the offering with gusto. It's amusing to see him try to win over the feline guardian, especially when I've already gained its trust.

Stepping closer to Knox, I can feel the tension radiating off him in waves. His jaw is set, eyes dark. I know that look well—it's the same hunger that burns in my own veins, a craving for the woman sleeping just down the hall.

"How long have you been here?" Knox asks, his voice a low rumble that sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.

"Long enough," I reply with a smirk, my gaze drifting back to where Rayne sleeps. "She's beautiful when she's unaware, isn't she?"

Knox nods, his eyes following mine. "Did you...?"

"No," I shake my head. "Just watched. Touched her hair. It's as soft as it looks. And her scent…"

He inhales sharply, and I can see his control wavering. It's intoxicating, this dance we do—pushing each other's limits, seeing how far we can go before one of us snaps.

The cat rolls onto its back, still fixated on the pouch. Its purrs fill the silence between us, a soothing counterpoint to the tension in the air. I crouch down, running my fingers through her soft fur. She blinks up at me lazily, completely at ease.

"You've charmed her little guardian," Knox observes, a hint of admiration in his voice.

I shrug, a smile playing at my lips. "What can I say? I can calm even the most savage beast."

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