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“I should throw your ass out.” Her voice is sharp. "You’re drunk."
"I may be drunk, but I’m not out of control. I’m never out of control.” I refuse to think about the thin thread I have holding said control as I collapse onto the bed, the weight of the world pressing down on me.
Her gaze softens, concern replacing anger. "Are you okay?" She steps closer, her innate empathy reaching out to me. Magical grace rises from her skin, shimmering in the air before surrounding me, enveloping us in an intangible yet evident aura. This unexpected display of her ethereal side adds a layer of complexity to the moment, heightening the emotional intensity. Her grounding and otherworldly presence offers a solace that I've longed for yet feared to embrace.
I can't bring myself to answer. Instead, I reach out, then hesitate. No matter how much I want her, I can’t—won’t—cross that line without her consent. My restraint hangs in the air between us, a silent testament to the respect I hold for her.
In a move that catches me off guard, Rayne peels off her shirt, her bare skin glowing in the dim light. She takes my hand, leading me without a word. In that moment, her actions speak louder than any reassurance she could offer. She understands, she accepts me—flaws, fears, and all. And that terrifies me as much as it draws me in.
I gaze up at her, a mix of awe and despair washing over me. She stands before me, a vision of beauty that transcends my wildest dreams. My body reacts instinctively, a raw, undeniable yearning coursing through me. At that moment, the barriers I've so carefully constructed begin to crumble under the weight of my need for her. Despite the screaming protests of my mind, my heart surrenders to the magnetic pull of her presence. I'm a man adrift, caught in the tide of my own weaknesses, and as I fall into her embrace, I'm painfully aware of the fragility of the walls I've built around me.
24
RAYNE
There’s something unmistakably altered in Jaden now, standing there with a tempest of raw vulnerability clashing against his habitual urge to dominate, to control. It's a side of him I've never witnessed, and it sends shivers down my spine, a mix of caution and unbidden desire. Every instinct I possess screams at me to back off, to guard my heart against this unpredictable storm. But, damn it, I can't. The link between us, usually so clear, now whispers of fractures in the fortress Jaden has constructed around his soul. My own resolve wavers, torn between self-preservation and the magnetic pull of his brokenness. There’s a part of me that wants to delve deeper, to understand and perhaps mend both of us. Yet another part fears the chaos that might unleash within me. I stand there, a war raging inside me, as I try to decipher Jaden. And I let him in.
I have no idea what possesses me or why I have such a need to care for Jaden, but now isn't the time to explore it. A flicker of doubt sparks within me, questioning if this growing connection will last. But I push it away, focusing on the moment.
“Little Dragon,” he whispers, his voice hoarse with emotion. He takes a step closer, the air between us crackling with intensity as our eyes lock.
The defiant part of me considers turning away, refusing him the satisfaction of my surrender. But curiosity overwhelms me, and I find myself captivated by the vulnerability he's exposed. The raw emotion radiating from him tugs at something deep within me, something I've long kept hidden.
With a shaky breath, I peel off my nightshirt, my bare skin glowing in the dim light. The cool air caresses me, raising goosebumps along my arms, but I don't flinch. Instead, I hold out my hand, challenging Jaden to accept or reject me.
Without a word, he places his hand in mine. His touch is warm and electric as if he carries otherworldly energy beneath his fingertips. As we stand at the edge of the bed, I can feel Jaden's heart pounding in sync with mine, the rhythm echoing through our intertwined hands.
"Show me what you need.” Although I have no idea how, I try to send a message through our mate bond urging him to reveal his true self, whatever that may be. I'm not just asking for the physical act but for the emotional connection as well. I want to understand the man he is, the darkness and hidden light that make up his essence.
"Rayne." Despite being intoxicated, his eyes search mine for any hint of hesitation. But all he will find is determination and an unquenchable curiosity.
"Show me."
"Rayne. . ." His tone is heavy with emotion, and I see his struggle to utter my name. He seems to be at a loss for words, his fingers tightening unconsciously around mine. I know what I have to do.
"Command me." I show my trust through our locked gazes. "Show me your darkness, and I'll show you mine."
He hesitates for another moment, then exhales slowly, letting his walls waver just enough for me to glimpse the tumultuous storm within him. As I watch, his aura shifts, becoming an ethereal tapestry of shadows and light. It's beautiful and terrifying in equal measure, a stark reminder of the power that lies dormant beneath his skin.
Jaden's gaze is unwavering as he motions with his head for me to lie on the bed. I don't hesitate, my heart pounding in anticipation of the unknown territory we’ll explore together.
As I settle onto the bed, my eyes never leave his. The vulnerability he's shown me ignites a hunger within me that I can't quite understand. I lie back, arms crossed over my chest and thighs pressed together, as if I'm ashamed of my body, but really, it's a challenge—a dare for him to take control.
Jaden approaches the bed with purposeful strides, his eyes darkening with every step. He takes a moment to study me, then reaches for a strip of fabric on the nightstand. My heart races as he binds my hands to the headboard, ensuring I'm secure but not too tight. Being restrained sends a shiver down my spine, an odd mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through me.
"Ready?" His voice is low and controlled. I nod, biting my lip in anticipation.
His fingers slip between my legs, and I see surprise flash across his face as he finds me slick with lust. He doesn't say anything but watches my reaction closely, gauging my response to his touch.
A moan escapes my lips as Jaden works his magic, teasing and taunting me with each deliberate stroke. He knows exactly what buttons to push and how far to take me before pulling back. But there's something different now, a desperation underlying his movements that wasn't there before.
“Take what you need.”
He gives me a curt nod, signaling the beginning of our rough and desperate dance.
"Make us forget.” My voice is barely audible as the weight of my conflicting emotions bears down on me. As if in response, I feel a surge of gratitude flood through our mating bond, warming me from within and momentarily soothing my inner turmoil.
Jaden doesn't hesitate any longer. He positions himself between my legs and drives into me, buried to the hilt. His arms brace him above me, taking care not to press against my injuries. "Gods, you feel good." His hot breath whispers against my ear.
