Page 66 of Pose for Me

I feel my breath catch in my throat at the sight. This–this right here–is my new favorite look on her. It's like watching the final piece of a complex puzzle slide into place, revealing the full, glorious picture we've only glimpsed hints of before.

The air in the room seems to shift, crackling with an electric tension. Rayne's transformation is palpable, her energy changing from uncertain victim to confident predator in the blink of an eye.

Rayne's eyes sparkle with mischief as she looks up at Knox through her lashes. "With you? Never..." she purrs, her voice low and sultry. The tension in the room shifts.

Knox huffs out a soft laugh, shaking his head slightly. His eyes dance with amusement and something darker, more primal. "Can we at least all stop pretending like we don't know you're the one killing off our targets in very public ways?"

The words hang in the air, heavy with implication. For a moment, the only sound is Lacy's ragged breathing and the soft hum of the overhead light.

Rayne raises an eyebrow, her grin widening impossibly further. The expression transforms her face further, revealing the predator that's always lurked beneath her sweet exterior. It's like watching a flower unfurl its petals, only to reveal razor-sharp thorns hidden within.

"Well," she drawls, each word dripping with dark humor, "you weren't making a move. You had been stalking me for months and still hadn't done anything. What was a girl to do?"

Her words send a thrill through me. The casual way she admits to her kills, the playful challenge in her tone–it's intoxicating. I feel a surge of pride and desire, marveling at how perfectly she fits with us. This beautiful, deadly creature who's been dancing on the edge of darkness all along, waiting for us to catch up.

Knox's eyes darken with desire, his pupils dilating as he drinks in the sight of Rayne's transformation. A slow, predatory smile spreads across his face, matching her wicked grin. The tension in the room ratchets up another notch, crackling like electricity in the air.

"You knew we were stalking you this whole time?" Knox asks, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. "Did you know who I was the whole time?"

Rayne tilts her head, regarding Knox with an expression that suggests he should have realized the obvious by now. Her eyes dance with mischief and dark humor as she lets the silence stretch, savoring the moment.

"Oh, Knox," she purrs, her voice rich with amusement. "Do you think I moved to this town for the scenery?" She pauses, letting her words sink in before continuing. "Or that I just randomly chose to frequent a bakery a block from the police station on the opposite side of town?"

A bark of laughter escapes me before I can stop it. This is absolutely delicious. I move the knife away from our captive, bringing it up to my lips as I hum and send a wicked grin toward Knox and Rayne. As much as I want to carve Lacy up, I already know what Knox is thinking–we need a scapegoat, and Lacy is the perfect volunteer.

I turn toward Knox and Rayne, my eyes glinting with mischief. "You're going to take away my fun, aren't you?" I ask, my voice a playful whine that belies the darkness lurking beneath.

Knox's lips twitch, fighting back a smile. "Sorry, River," he says, not sounding sorry at all. "But you have to admit, this is too perfect an opportunity to pass up."

I sigh dramatically, twirling the knife between my fingers with practiced ease. The blade catches the dim light, sending little flashes across the room. "I suppose you're right," I concede, my tone mock-reluctant. "It would be a shame to waste such a golden opportunity."

Rayne's eyes follow the movement of the knife, her gaze hungry and appreciative. There's no fear in her expression, only a dark fascination that makes my blood sing. She steps closer to me, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from her body.

"Don't worry, darling," she purrs, her voice low and sultry. "I have a feeling we're going to have plenty of fun together very soon."

Her words send a shiver of anticipation down my spine. The promise in her tone, the wicked glint in her eye–it's fucking hot.

Knox reaches behind his back, his movements fluid and practiced. When it reappears it’s gripping a beautiful black gun, the metal gleaming dully in the dim light. He levels it at Lacy, his aim steady and unwavering.

"We can plant some evidence," Knox says, his voice low and controlled. "Zeke can help set up the tech side of things. Make it look like you resisted arrest, had a weapon of your own."

I nod, understanding the implication. "I may need to lose my knife, wipe it down and make sure hers are the only prints found on it," I say, a hint of regret in my tone. "But I'm sure you'll buy me a nice, sexy new one to replace it."

Knox's lips twitch in the barest hint of a smile. "Of course," he murmurs. "Only the best for you, baby."

Rayne tilts her head, a playful pout forming on her lush lips. She huffs softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I mean, at least she gave me flowers," she says, her tone a perfect blend of mock indignation and dark humor.

I can't help but grin at her words, my heart swelling with adoration for this beautifully twisted woman. I turn to face her fully, my eyes locking with hers. "I will happily give you flowers every day if you want, gorgeous," I purr, my voice low and seductive. "Would you like them from my left hand or my right?"

With a flourish, I raise both hands, palms facing towards me, showcasing the intricate tattoos that adorn the backs of them. Delicate peonies and sprigs of lavender intertwine across my skin, their petals and stems flowing seamlessly. The flowers are rendered in exquisite detail, each petal lovingly shaded to create depth and texture. Soft dusky pinks and purples dominate the design, with greys and hints of dark green providing a natural contrast.

I remember the day I got these tattoos, not long after I discovered Rayne's favorite flowers. The artist had looked at me strangely when I requested flowers on my hands, but I didn't care. I wanted to carry a piece of Rayne with me always, even before she knew who I was.

Her gaze traces every delicate petal, every carefully shaded leaf. The wonder in her expression is breathtaking—it's like I've just offered her the moon and stars, or blood diamonds.

I shift to the side so Knox can take care of Lacy so we can go home. I’ll let her look at them all she wants before I wrap them around her pretty throat while I fuck her.

But what happens next catches us all off guard.

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