Page 56 of Dagger

He pauses, searching my face, as if asking for permission, for reassurance. When I arch into his touch, he takes that as his answer, repeating the motion, this time with more intent. Pleasure spirals through me, and my fingers tighten in his hair, pulling him even closer.

Dagger’s lips brush along my jaw, trailing down to my neck as his hand moves again, slipping beneath the waistband of my sleep pants. My breath hitches, and he murmurs something against my skin, his voice a low, gravelly promise.

When his hand slides under my panties, his touch is warm and electric, making me gasp. Every thought in my head dissolves, leaving nothing but the overwhelming sensations of him—his touch, his breath, the way he holds me like I’m something precious.

“You’re perfect,” he whispers, his lips returning to mine, capturing every sound, every response I give him, as though he wants to commit this moment to memory.

As Dagger’s hand slips fully beneath my panties, my breath catches in my throat. His fingers are warm and deliberate, every touch sending a jolt through my body. When he presses a finger into me, my hips instinctively arch, seeking more, while his thumb grazes over my clit in a way that has me gasping.

A broken moan escapes my lips. “Oh, God…”

His lips curl into a faint smile against my neck as he whispers, “You’re so perfect, Chloe.” His voice is rough, full of hunger and reverence all at once, and it only fuels the fire building inside me.

He moves with a rhythm that’s unrelenting, his finger sliding deeper as his thumb strokes in a way that has me trembling. My hands clutch at his shoulders, trying to ground myself, but it’s impossible when he’s unraveling me like this. Every nerve in my body feels alive, attuned to him, and the world outside ceases to exist.

“Dagger,” I breathe, his name tumbling from my lips like a plea and a confession all in one.

He lifts his head, his eyes locking with mine, dark and full of intent. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs, his words low andsteady, grounding me even as he pushes me higher. And in that moment, I believe him—completely.

Dagger’s finger curls inside me, and just when I think I can’t take any more, he presses a second finger into me. The stretch, the fullness—it’s overwhelming in the best way. My body responds instantly, heat pooling low in my belly as he thrusts his fingers in and out, each movement deliberate, unrelenting.

“Dagger,” I gasp, clutching at his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin. My hips move on their own, meeting each thrust, chasing the mounting pleasure he’s building inside me. His thumb circles my clit, stroking in time with his fingers, and I can feel myself spiraling, hurtling toward the edge.

“That’s it,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough, his breath hot against my ear. “Let go, Chloe. I’ve got you.”

He moves faster, his fingers driving into me with a precision that leaves me trembling, my body teetering on the brink. The coil inside me tightens, impossibly taut, and then, with one final thrust and stroke, it snaps.

I shatter, a cry escaping my lips as waves of pleasure crash over me, leaving me breathless and undone. My body shakes, and I clutch at him, holding on as he slows his movements, his touch gentle now, coaxing me through the aftershocks.

When the storm finally subsides, I’m left trembling in his arms, my head resting against his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath my cheek. He kisses my temple, his lips soft and reassuring.

“You’re incredible,” he whispers, his voice filled with awe, and I can’t help but smile faintly, even as I try to catch my breath.

As I slowly come back to myself, still trembling in the aftermath, I lift my gaze to meet Dagger’s. His eyes are dark, filled with a mix of desire and something deeper, something that makes my heart stumble.

Without breaking eye contact, he slowly withdraws his fingers from me, and before I can fully process the loss, he lifts them to his mouth. His lips part, and he slips his fingers inside, his tongue swirling over them deliberately. The sight makes my breath hitch, heat sparking all over again as I watch him.

His eyes stay locked on mine, unrelenting and intense, as if he’s daring me to look away. I can’t. I’m completely captivated, every nerve in my body alive under the weight of his gaze.

“You taste perfect,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough, the words hitting me like a physical touch. His fingers leave his mouth with a soft, wet sound, and he leans in, his lips brushing mine in a kiss that’s both teasing and possessive.

My heart pounds against my ribcage, and I can’t hold back the shiver that runs through me. Dagger’s lips curve into a small, satisfied smile as he cups my face, his thumb stroking over my cheek.

“You’re mine, Chloe,” he says softly, his tone full of conviction. “And I’m never letting you forget it.”

TWENTY

DAGGER

I wakeup to a loud crash outside, the kind of sound that instantly yanks you out of sleep and sets your pulse racing. My eyes snap open, and I’m sitting up before I’ve fully processed what’s happening, my hand already reaching for the gun on the nightstand.

The weight of the metal in my palm is grounding, familiar. My eyes flick to Chloe, who’s still lying in bed, looking at me with wide, questioning eyes. She doesn’t say anything, just watches as I move, her body tense.

“Stay here,” I say quietly, my voice firm but calm. She nods, but I don’t miss the way her hands grip the blanket tightly.

Moving silently, I head toward the window, scanning the yard for movement. It’s quiet, but not in a good way. My gut tells me to check it out, so I slip out the door, my steps deliberate as I follow the sound toward the side of the house.

When I round the corner, I spot the culprit immediately: a small, scruffy puppy with dirty, matted fur, halfway buried in the spilled contents of a trashcan he must’ve knocked over. He freezes when he sees me, his big, wide eyes staring at me like heknows he’s been caught. His tail wags once, tentatively, like he’s testing the waters.

---