Page 44 of Owned In Misty Mountain

The need. The fear. The iron promise buried deep.

“I don’t want to be a thing you move around,” she says, voice small.

I step into her space. Lower my voice.

“You’re not a thing. You’re mine.”

Her breath hitches.

“And it’s not about control, baby. It’s about devotion.”

I press my forehead to hers.

“It’s my fucking honor to take care of you. You’re not a burden. You’re a blessing I’m not letting go of.”

She exhales. Shaky. Hands pressed flat against my chest.

“Say yes,” I whisper.

She doesn’t speak.

She just grabs my collar, tugs me down, and kisses me like she’s already home.

Eighteen

Shanay

By the time Mike parks in front of my uncle’s place, I’m already sweating.

“Do you want me to go in first?” I ask as he kills the engine.

“No,” he says.

Simple. Final. Mike.

He walks up the steps like he’s headed into a combat zone.

I follow, heart pounding.

—-

My dad’s sitting with his arms crossed. Uncle Eddie’s leaning against the wall with a toothpick in his mouth.

Both of them have that expression. The one I’ve seen at cookouts, graduations, and once during prom when I camehome five minutes late.

It says: We’re not mad. Just not buying your shit yet.

“Evenin’,” Uncle Eddie says, slow.

“Hey.” Mike nods.

Dad jerks his chin. “You wanted a word?”

Mike looks at me.

I take the hint and head inside.

But I pause just behind the door. Not to spy. Just… to make sure no one throws a punch.

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