Page 76 of Grave Intentions

I hold her close, grateful for this moment of peace. I know the storm of our pasts will always loom on the horizon. But for now, we're safe—together.

45

EPILOGUE

Eight months later…

Igaze out the window of Talon's truck as pine trees whiz past, their branches casting dancing shadows across the dashboard. The winding road leads us deeper into the Hill Country wilderness, far from the bustling streets of Austin.

"You're being mysterious about this cabin," I say, glancing at Talon's strong profile. His jaw tightens slightly as he concentrates on navigating the rough dirt road.

"That's the point of a surprise." A hint of a smile plays at the corner of his mouth. "Eight months of city life—thought we could use some time away from everything."

I nod, understanding the unspoken meaning. Away from prying eyes, away from having to maintain appearances. Out here, we can truly be ourselves.

The cabin appears through the trees—rustic but well-maintained, with a wraparound porch and large windows. As we pull up, memories of the past year flash through my mind—thedarkness we've shared and the way Talon helps me process my trauma by giving me back control in ways I never expected.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Talon asks as he kills the engine.

"Just thinking about how far we've come. How you understand me in ways no one else does." I reach for his hand. "The way you help me feel safe to explore the darker parts of myself."

He brings my knuckles to his lips. "You're mine to protect. To help heal." His eyes darken with promise. "And to push your boundaries when you need it."

A shiver runs through me, equal parts anticipation and trust. Out here in the wilderness, surrounded by trees and silence, we can fully embrace our shared darkness without judgment or restraint.

Talon grabs our bags from the truck bed. "Let's get settled in. We have the whole week ahead of us."

I follow him up the porch steps, my pulse quickening. In this secluded cabin, we can explore our twisted desires freely—finding healing through carefully orchestrated chaos and processing past trauma through consensual power exchange.

The cabin's interior is cozy, with rustic wooden beams and a stone fireplace dominating the living room. I finish unpacking our bags in the bedroom, hang up our clothes, and arrange toiletries in the adjoining bathroom.

"Talon?" I call out, expecting to find him stoking a fire or preparing dinner. The living room stands empty, shadows lengthening across the hardwood floors as dusk settles in. "Are you in the kitchen?"

Silence answers me. My heartbeat quickens - not from fear, but from the electric anticipation whenever Talon disappears like this. I check each room, finding no trace of him.

The porch creaks under my feet as I step outside. The air has grown cool, pine needles rustling in the breeze. "Talon?" My voice carries through the trees, met only by chirping crickets and distant bird calls.

I wrap my arms around myself, scanning the darkening tree line. The forest feels alive with secrets, but I know better than to venture into its depths alone at nightfall.

A large hand clamps over my mouth from behind. I inhale sharply, recognizing Talon's familiar scent—cedarwood and something distinctly male—even as an unfamiliar, distorted voice growls in my ear.

"Don't make a sound."

My heart hammers against my ribs as I feel the warmth of his body against my back. Talon spins me around, and I bite back a gasp. I know this is him, yet I can't help the adrenaline rush that comes with seeing his eyes hidden behind the mask, his face marked with fake blood.

He holds a knife loosely, the blade glinting in the fading light. Goosebumps rise on my skin, and I struggle to catch my breath as my eyes flick down to the bulge in his sweatpants.

"Turn around and put your hands behind your back," he growls, the rough edge to his voice sending a thrill through me. Obeying without hesitation, I feel the soft give of the porch beneath my bare feet as I turn. I bring my wrists together, anticipation coursing through my veins.

The clink of metal makes me stiffen. I hear the rattle of chains as he wraps them around my wrists, binding them together. I hold my breath, part of me anticipating the cool bite of the metal, but instead, I feel the soft fabric of a blindfold. He's going to blindfold me first.

The fabric brushes my eyelids, then settles gently over my eyes, blocking the world around me. I'm aware of Talon standingbehind me, his breathing heavy, his desire for me tangible. I shift my stance, the porch's wooden planks creaking beneath my feet.

"Comfortable?" he asks.

I nod. "Yes." My voice comes out raspy, my throat dry.

"Good." He steps closer, his body heat enveloping me. "You know the safe word."

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