Page 48 of Grave Intentions

33

TALON

Islip back into their apartment like a shadow, the UV light heavy in my pocket. The mask and hood shield my identity from any prying eyes or cameras. However, I’ve already disabled the building’s security systems.

My boots barely whisper against the floor as I move through the darkened space. Lena’s still unconscious on the bed, exactly where I left her. Her chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm that pulls at something deep inside me. Focus. I’m here to clean, not watch her sleep.

The UV light casts an eerie blue glow as I scan the hardwood. A few drops near the doorway glow bright—I missed them earlier. I pull out fresh cleaning supplies and get to work. The wood grain fights me, trying to hold onto its secrets, but I’m thorough. No evidence can remain.

Moving methodically across the floor, I check every inch. There is a smear here, a spatter there. Each spot gets the same treatment—bleach, scrub, dry, repeat. The chemical smell burns my nose through the mask. It is a small price to pay for perfection.

My knees ache from crawling around, but I don’t stop until the UV reveals nothing but a clean floor. One final sweep, to becertain. Nothing glows except the natural oils in the wood grain. Good.

Lena stirs slightly in her sleep, drawing my attention. The drugs will keep her under for a while longer.

I run the bath, testing the temperature with my hand. It’s not too hot, not too cold—perfect. The gentle sound of running water fills the master bathroom as steam rises in lazy curls.

Moving back to the bedroom, I strip Lena while she’s lying down, adding the clothes to the pile I’ll need to burn. The blood on her clothes has dried to a rusty brown, staining the delicate fabric. My jaw clenches at the sight. And then, once she’s naked I lift her carefully from the bed. She’s light in my arms, head lolling against my chest.

I lower her into the warm water. Her dark hair fans out around her like ink, and I can’t help but stare at her peaceful face. My hands shake slightly as I begin washing away the blood, moving with careful precision. The water turns pink.

That bastard was so close to entering her against her will, but thankfully I stopped her.

Using a soft washcloth, I clean every trace of tonight’s events from her skin. My breathing grows ragged as I work, heat coursing through my veins. I force myself to focus on the task at hand.

Once clean, I lift her from the tub and wrap her in a thick towel, gently patting her dry.

I carry her to the small sofa in her bedroom, arranging her carefully on the cushions. A strand of damp hair falls across her face, and I brush it with trembling fingers.

Turning away, I gather the bloodied sheets and clothes into a large black bag. Everything must be destroyed. But first, I need to shower and then bleach the bathroom.

I step out of the steaming shower, my skin scrubbed raw. The bathroom gleams from floor to ceiling, every surface bleached twice. Not a trace remains of what happened here.

Moving through the apartment, I double-check my work. The new sheets on the bed are pristine. The floor shows no hint of struggle. Even the air smells clean, pine cleaner masking any lingering metallic traces.

Satisfied with my inspection, I return to where Lena rests on the sofa. Her chest rises and falls steadily, her face peaceful in a drug-induced sleep. The towel has slipped, exposing one delicate shoulder.

My hands clench at my sides. She looks so vulnerable, so perfect. Mine to protect. Mine to possess.

I lift her gently, cradling her against my chest. Her damp hair leaves wet spots on my shirt as I carry her to the freshly made bed. Laying her down carefully, I arrange her limbs in a comfortable position.

The drugs will keep her unconscious for a while. Plenty of time to have some fun before she wakes. I trace a finger along her jawline, relishing the softness of her skin.

“Time to play,” I whisper, sitting beside her on the bed. My hand hovers over her sleeping form, anticipation building in my veins.

I hover over her. My eyes take in every inch of her body, savoring the sight as my hands explore her curves. Her skin is soft under my touch, and I ache to mark it with my mouth.

Lena’s scent fills my lungs as I lean down, inhaling deeply. My tongue darts out, tasting her neck, trailing down to the valley between her breasts.

My mouth waters as I move lower, my tongue painting swirls on her smooth skin. Her taste lingers on my tongue, and I growl softly, the sound vibrating against her stomach.

I can’t resist any longer. My mouth finds Lena’s core, and I lick her slowly, savoring the sweetness of her arousal. Her lips are soft against mine while I feast on her, wanting to devour her.

Lena moans in her sleep, her hips lifting slightly off the bed. The sound goes straight to my cock, making me throb with need. I rub myself against her thigh, desperate for relief.

But I want to be inside her more than anything. I position myself at her entrance, the tip of my cock teasing her wet heat. With a gentle thrust, I slide into her, groaning as her tightness envelopes me.

Her body accepts me, and I sink deeper, filling her fully. My hands grip her hips as I begin to move, slowly at first, but soon, my restraint breaks. I pound into her, my breath coming in sharp pants.

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