Chapter 20 NINETEEN
(LUCIEN’S POV)
I've always been a man of control. My emotions are kept in a hidden place and the outside world gets just the calm and controlled me. The me who thinks before acting, who doesn't let his emotions win and who certainly doesn't indulge in anything sexual with women.
Until she came along.
Silver hair that shimmers under the moonlight, grey eyes that look like they hold the deadliest of storms and plump lips that don't hesitate to tempt my control on a daily basis.
I almost snapped back in Keiran's office earlier this morning when Riven had his fingers in her. Watching her unravel for him, made Talon growl within me as we burned with the need to claim her.
But I managed to get my control back in place. Everything was going on well till she kissed me. The moment her soft lips pressed against mine, every logical thought flew out the window and Talon took over my reasoning.
Because now I can't think of any other thing other than how soft her lips feel against mine. My hand moves to her waist and I pull her flush against me, opening up and devouring her lips like a starved man.
Talon lets out a soft growl as I kiss her deeper, taking in her strawberry taste which seeps into my soul like an infection I can't seem to fight off.
Her body fits far too perfectly against mine, like the universe is mocking every vow I’ve ever made. Heat bleeds through fabric, through restraint, through centuries of discipline I forged with blood and solitude. Talon surges, pleased, possessive, furious that I ever thought control was enough.
I tear my mouth from hers with a sharp inhale, forehead dropping to hers as I fight the instinct to sink my teeth into her neck and brand her as mine.
“Nyra,” I rasp. Saying her name feels like a sin. “This is exactly what I warned you about.”
Her hands are on my chest.
Not clawing, not begging. Just there.
“I know,” she whispers, completely unapologetic. “That’s why I came.”
The shadows respond to her voice, curling up her legs, brushing her wrists like reverent disciples. They recognize her. Accept her. That alone should terrify me.
Instead, it thrills Talon.
“She is ours, Lucien ,” he murmurs, low and dangerous. “What the hell are you doing staying away from her?"
I ignore him.
Rather, I pull back abruptly, forcing space between us like it’s a blade I can wedge into my chest to keep my heart from leaping out. My hands fist at my sides, nails biting into my palms.
“You don’t understand what you’re playing with,” I say tightly. “If I lose control…”
“You won’t,” she cuts in. Her chin lifts, eyes blazing with that damned stormlight. “Because you’re stronger than you think, because I’m not afraid of you, and because you won't hurt me.”
That lands harder than any spell.
I laugh, once. Bitter. “You should be.”
She steps closer anyway.
Of course she does.
“You’re not a monster, Lucien,” she says softly. “You just keep telling yourself you are so you don’t have to want anything.”
Talon snarls at that.
Because she’s right.
I turn away from her, staring out into the moonlit valley, jaw clenched so hard it aches. “Wanting you isn’t the problem,” I admit, voice low. “It’s what it would cost, what will happen to you when I finally lose control and…”
I trail off, memory of a dark haired woman bleeding out in my arms and my hands stained with blood. I shake my head to chase away those memories.
She’s quiet for a moment. Then I feel her presence beside me—not touching, just close enough that I can sense her warmth.
“The only problem you should have is not being able to satisfy me in bed ” she says.
My gaze snaps to hers and before I register my actions, I'm pouncing on her, kissing her like my life depends on it.
“You’ll regret saying that,” is the only thing I tell her before my shadows surround us when they clear off we are in my bedroom.
Talon growls, taking over as I pull her to me and kiss her even harder. Her lips feel like some kind of drug that I just can't get enough of.
So fucking addictive.
“Fuck, baby!” I growl, burying my face in the crook of her neck inhaling her scent. " You drive me fucking crazy, you know that?”
Her only response is a moan as we fall down on my bed. My shadows get to work, undressing us while I worship her body with my lips, leaving kisses on several places; neck, breasts, tummy, thighs – everywhere.
I would love to explore her body further, but the moment we're both naked, Talon takes over fully and I thrust into her wet heat without warning.
“Aahhhh…Lucien, fuck!” A moan tears from her lips as I pound into her relentlessly. Her pussy clenches around me like a vice and I can barely hold myself from spilling into her instantly.
" Jesus!” Talon growls in my head. " Mark her, Lucien!”
My teeth ache to sink into her skin, but I hold back. I focus on fucking her, her moans edging me on.
It's been so long I was with a woman that I had started to forget how good sex can be. But sex with her is not just good, it's magical.
“Fuck…oh fuck!” She cries as I intensity my pace, my release building.
" This is what you wanted, isn't it” I whisper into her ear. " For me to loose control and fuck you like an animal? For me to claim you so you know who truly calls the shots?”
She nods frantically. " Yes Lucien..fuck!”
Then I feel it.
Deep within me, in the parts I've buried that no one can see, my beast gets a taste and threatens to break through and take over. Talon growls; feral and brutal, enough for me to know it's taken over him. I can't let it control me.
Not when this girl beneath me trusts me with her life.
Big fucking mistake!
There's a reason I have avoided anything to do with women all these years.
And I know, I just know that my days of celibacy are over and I'll have to either rein in my beast or let it destroy me.