Page 69 of His to Possess
"I'm not undone," I insisted, gritting my teeth. "And Laurel's just… she's just another collectible. Nothing more."
"Bullshit," Remy countered. "If she were just another conquest, you wouldn't be here drowning your sorrows."
I slammed my fist on the table, making the glasses rattle. "You don't know a damn thing about it."
"Then enlighten us," Nolan challenged.
I glared at each of them in turn, my jaw clenched tight. "There's nothing to enlighten."
Colton leaned forward, his expression suddenly serious. "Alright, Rex. Let's cut the bullshit. If you tell us the truth, right here and now, it means you're over her. She's just another collectible, like you said. And if that's the case…" He paused, a predatory gleam in his eye. "I'd be very interested in acquiring her myself."
The world went red. In an instant, I was on my feet, my hand around Colton's throat, pinning him against the back of thebooth. "Don't you fucking dare!" Even to my own ears, my voice was barely recognizable.
Nolan and Remy jumped to their feet, but Colton started laughing, a low chuckle that grated on my nerves. I released my grip on his throat, stumbling back as the rage subsided and reality crashed in.
"Well, well," he said, rubbing his neck. "I think we've got our answer."
I glared at him, my heart pounding. "What the fuck are you talking about?"
Remy stepped forward, his eyes searching my face. "Rex, look at yourself. You nearly tore Colton's head off at the mere suggestion of him pursuing Laurel."
"That doesn't mean anything." Even as the words left my mouth, I knew they were a lie.
Nolan shook his head, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Come on, man. You can't bullshit us. We've known you too long."
I sank back into my seat, my mind reeling. Laurel's face flashed before my eyes - her defiant gaze, the way her lips curled when she was about to challenge me, the fire in her eyes when she stood her ground. Fuck. When had she become more than just another acquisition?
"She's different," I admitted, the words barely audible. "She… she doesn't bend. Doesn't break."
Colton leaned forward, his earlier mirth replaced by genuine curiosity. "And that's what you want? Someone who fights back?"
I shook my head, struggling to articulate the storm of emotions raging inside me. "It's not just that. She's not afraid."
"Sounds dangerous," Remy observed, his tone cautious.
"It is," I agreed, a bitter laugh escaping me. "I want to possess her completely. Not just her body, but everything. Her mind, her heart, her goddamn soul."
The intensity of my own words shocked me. I had never wanted anyone like this before, never needed anyone like this. The loss of composure I felt around her was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
"Jesus, Rex," Nolan muttered, running a hand through his hair. "You've got it bad."
I met their eyes, seeing the mix of concern and curiosity reflected back at me. These men had been by my side through everything, yet even they seemed taken aback by the raw emotion they were witnessing now.
"I don't know what to do," I admitted, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. "I can't let her go, but I can't… I can't keep her the way I have before. She'd never allow it."
Colton's expression softened, a rare look of genuine empathy crossing his face. "Maybe that's not such a bad thing, my friend. Maybe it's time for something different."
As the weight of my admission settled in my gut, I felt a familiar sense of composure returning. The fog of alcohol and confusion that had clouded my mind began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound clarity. The chaotic storm of emotions that had been tormenting me suddenly aligned, forming a clear path forward.
I wanted Laurel. Not just her body, but all of her. Her mind, her spirit, her very essence. And with this want came the old, comforting feeling of dominance. It was like slipping on a well-worn glove, familiar and reassuring.
I stood abruptly, my mind set on finding Laurel. The sudden movement sent the room spinning, and I swayed dangerously on my feet. Fuck. I had had more to drink than I had realized.
Colton's sharp laugh cut through the air. "Easy there, tiger," he quipped, his eyes glinting with amusement.
I scowled, hating this display of weakness. I was Rex fucking Compton. I didn't stumble.
"What's your plan, Rex?" Nolan asked, his voice laced with caution.
