Chapter 119

Lily's Pov

My steps are hurried as I run across the slick sidewalk. It rained for the better part of the weekend and some of the snow still remains, though now it’s slushy and dark with debris and dirt. Not fluffy and white like it is when it first falls. When it feels magical and wondrous.

No, now it’s just ugly. The air is cold and damp, the sky a dark, steely gray.

There aren’t many people out this early, so it’s easy for me to make my way to the main building. When I see the entrance, no one is lingering in front of it, not even Crew’s friends. I trudge my way up the steps, going just inside and waiting by the door, so I can see his approach.

We texted briefly last night, but I could tell he was tired. I was too. Plus, I don’t want to come across as too clingy.

Oh my God, I sound like every other girl I know who’s had sex and then wants to play it cool. Like it’s no big deal. And the sex thing isn’t what’s bothering me today. No, it’s the fact that I lost my necklace and I’m scared of my father’s reaction.

He’s going to be terribly mad. I just know it.

Five minutes pass and there’s still no sign of Crew. I send him a text, asking where he’s at, but he doesn’t respond.

He’s driving me out of my mind with worry.Is he avoiding me? Does he know about the necklace? My father’s call last night, his suspicious questions about my trip, left me shaking, my lies about volunteering barely holding, his threat—“I’ll kill you if you’re with a boy”—a blade at my throat. If he finds out about Crew, about the necklace, I’m done.

Finally, I spot him, walking with his friends toward the building, Crew standing in the middle. I walk outside, barely able to repress the smile that wants to appear when I note the way his gaze lights up when he first sees me.How he tamps it down so his friends won’t notice.

Well. That’s disappointing. Though it’s originally what I wanted, so I can’t complain.

Chewing on my lower lip, I wait until he’s closer to say something.

“Hi, Crew.” I glance over at his friends. “Luke. Marcus.”

They both nod and murmur their greetings, Crew watching me with the slightest frown.

“Can I talk to you?” I ask him.

“Sure.”

“Privately?” I send a pointed look in Luke and Marcus’s direction.

“Yeah, definitely.”

Crew lets me take his arm and we walk down the hall, hiding away in the abandoned classroom he dragged me into that one time, when he kissed me so ferociously. Like a jealous lover.

Once the door is shut, Crew is on me, his hands cradling my cheeks, his mouth landing on mine. He devours me like a starving man, consuming me completely.

I eventually push him away, needing a clear head, hating how he frowns, worry crossing his face.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

I stand up straighter, my tone somber. “I lost something this weekend.”

His smirk surprises me. “You sure did.”

My cheeks burn. “Stop.”

“What did you lose?”

“My necklace. The one my dad gave me. It’s a family heirloom—my grandmother’s engagement ring. He’ll kill me if it’s gone.” My voice breaks, tears pricking, the image of Dad’s fist, his rage, choking me. “It’s everything to him.”

It belonged to my grandmother. It was her engagement ring, and it’s really special to him. That’s why he gave it to me,” I explain again, my head starting to hurt.

I will never forgive myself if I lose it for good.

“I know where it is,” Crew says, calm as ever.

Relief floods me, though not enough to ease the fresh headache. “Oh my God, really? Where is it? Can you give it to me?”

He slowly shakes his head. “I can’t.”

I blink at him. “Why not?”

“Because.” He unzips his jacket and reaches for the knotted tie at his neck, loosening it so he can then unbutton his shirt.

I’m so confused. “What are you do—”

The rest of the word sticks in my throat when he pulls out a chain that’s hanging around his neck, my necklace.

My gaze meets his, surprise coursing through me. “Why are you wearing it?”

“It belongs to me now.” His expression is grim.

“What?” I blink, my mind reeling. “It’s mine, Crew. My family’s. My dad gave it to me.”

Okay, he’s really making no sense. “It’s mine, Crew. It belongs to my family. My father gave me that.”I repeat again. "Give it back."

“No, I’m taking it. Because I took you.” He glances down, running his finger through the necklace. “This is mine, just like you are.”

I blink at him, startled by his declaration.A little bit thrilled by it too.

His words hit like a spark, igniting something primal, thrilling, terrifying. My pussy clenches, my body responding despite the fear, the necklace is a symbol of his claim, a rebellion against my father’s control. “Crew…” I whisper, torn between shock and desire, my voice trembling.

“Crew…”

“Don’t argue with me, Lil. You’re mine.” He says slowly ,stepping closer, his lips crashing into mine, fierce, possessive, his tongue thrusting, claiming me.

“You don’t belong to him anymore.” His fingers slide under my chin, his thumb rubbing, his breath hot. “You belong to me.”

The him he’s referring to is my father.Crew slips his fingers beneath my chin, his thumb rubbing. “You belong to me,” he whispers.

Crew’s declaration is a blade cutting through the chains of fear that bind me. My body arches into his, my panties soaked, my heart racing with a mix of terror and exhilaration. He’s stolen the necklace, stolen me, and the intensity of his claim, the danger of it, makes me want him more, want to surrender everything. My father’s rage looms. I can almost feel it burning through my skin, but Crew’s touch, his fierce love, drowns it out, promising a freedom I’ve never dared dream of. I kiss him back, desperate, my hands fisting his shirt, my body his, my soul falling on the edge of defiance, ready to fall into him, consequences is going to be damned.