Page 14 of Forbidden Harvest

“Aria, you look incredible,” he says. “Want to dance?”

I glance at Lisa and Eva, who give me an encouraging nod. Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I take Tyler’s outstretched hand and let him lead me to the makeshift dance floor.

His hands settle on my hips, pulling me close as we move to the pulsing beat. I try to ignore his hands dipping low, sending shivers through me. The attention makes me feel both excited and uneasy.

Suddenly, a tall, muscular figure in a skull mask appears beside us.

“Excuse me,” he rumbles with a deep, synthesized voice. “I’d like to cut in.”

Tyler looks annoyed but lets go of me.

The stranger takes my hand, pulling me into his arms. His tattoos peek out from under his costume. A gasp tears from my lips when he yanks me very close, his hard body pressed against me.

I’m mesmerized by his intense presence. His movements are confident, like those of a predator guiding its prey. The music fades as I struggle to understand who he is.

“Who are you?” I ask.

“Someone who wants to protect you,” he replies.

“Protect me from what?” I question.

“From anyone who would take advantage of you,” he says. “You deserve someone who will cherish and care for you.”

I sink my teeth into my lip. “How do you know what I deserve?”

“Because I know you.” He leans closer. “Better than anyone.”

My heart races. How does he know me so well? Could it be... No, that makes no sense. Jared is across the country, and he doesn’t have tattoos.

“You’re mine,” he says, his grip tightening. “And for the next year, you better stay away from other men. In one year, I’ll come for you.”

His words are threatening, and that should freak me out. I should pull away and run back to the safety of my friends. However, I find myself frozen in fascination.

“I don’t understand,” I say. “How can you claim me when I don’t know you?”

“Deep down, you’ve always known.”

Always known.

“Stay away from other men,” he warns. “They’re not worthy of you. I’ll come for you in one year, and you’ll be mine.”

I open my mouth to protest, but the words die on my lips as he pulls me even closer, his masked face inches from mine. The music fades into the background, and all I can focus on is the intensity of his gaze through the red contacts he’s wearing.

He’s clearly unhinged. A person in their right mind would scream and push him away, but I can’t help but be captivated. Anticipation and excitement build at the thought of being his, of surrendering to this dark and dominant man.

As the music shifts and the moment is broken, I feel breathless and unsettled, my mind racing with a million questions. One thing is clear: this masked stranger has claimed me as his own, and I’m not sure I can resist him.

10

JARED

AGED 18

The rush of anticipation courses through my veins as I abandon Aria at the party. My eyes scan the crowd for a new target—someone who dares to touch what is mine.

Then I spot him. Tyler, the jock who thinks he can have her. I follow him upstairs, each step fueling my rage. My fists clench as I imagine his hands on Aria, his lips on hers.

He stops at the bathroom. This is my chance. I wait until he’s at the toilet, then push open the door, the hinges creaking. Startled, he zips up, turning toward me.

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