Page 62 of Compulsion

As much as I loathe my father, I disdain my mother. He’s a weak coward, but she’s calculating. She’s the one who ensures he goes unpunished and untarnished for his sins.

Abigail covers my hand with hers, calling me back to her. “I have a complicated relationship with my parents too.”

Before I can press for more of her secrets, fat raindrops begin to fall. I realize that the other beachgoers have fled the storm, and we’re alone. The waves creep closer, crashing in furious roars as the wind whips by us.

But the rain is warm. Cleansing.

Abigail closes her eyes and turns her face toward the sky, as though she’s soaking in the storm. It suits her more than the sunshine. She’s in touch with the natural world in a way I’ve never known, and I understand why she’s so deeply rooted to this place she calls home.

Her hair is already drenched, the purple curl relaxing under the weight of the water. The rain runs down her cheeks like cathartic tears, and her expression is soft with something like rapture.

Hunger knifes through my gut, and I capture her nape to pull her to me for a vicious, covetous kiss. I want to consume her. I want to feel the depth of her emotions. If I kiss her deeply enough, maybe I can sink into them like she does. To lose myself in the terrible beauty of the storm and the calm that will come in its wake, when the wind and rain have swept the grime away from the world.

She opens for me, meeting me with equal fervor. Her lips are feverish on mine, wet with purifying rain. The storm has broken the midday heat, but fire courses through my veins. I’m burning for her, desperate for more of her sweetness, her purity, her darkness. She’s the most delicious contradiction, the only puzzle I’ve never been able to solve.

Sheet lighting flashes behind my closed eyelids, and thunder cracks, far too close.

I want to linger in this moment, but her safety is more important.

I tear my lips from hers and gather her up in my arms, lifting her to her feet. We grab our soaked towels and start to run.

She tosses her wet hair back from her face and releases a joyous laugh as our feet pound the sand. It’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard, and it takes all of my considerable willpower to stop myself from pulling her into the dunes and fucking her while the storm rages around us.

Instead, I clasp her hand in mine, and my own laugh sounds a touch cruel as it wars with the thunder.

Mine.She’s all mine.

24

ABIGAIL

The cool air conditioning in Dane’s house is set to cut through the humid summer heat, but I’m soaked from the storm, so I shiver from the cold.

He wraps a protective arm around me and guides me up the stairs. “Let’s get you warmed up, pet.”

Another shiver races over me, but not from cold this time. Desire begins to pulse between my legs. We’re walking into his bedroom.

Last night, I fell into a deep sleep after we had oral sex. My exhaustion from a week of sleepless nights had pulled me under, and I’d finally felt safe enough to sleep without nightmares haunting me.

But now, I’m keenly aware that Dane hasn’t fully claimed me yet. The possessive flex of his hand on my waist lets me know that’s about to change.

I soften and lean into him, silently communicating that I’m ready to have sex. After the way my body surrendered to him when he stretched me with his fingers, I’m confident that I’ll be able to accommodate his huge cock.

He’ll ensure that my body is ready to accept all of him.

I trust him completely.

My dark god.

My Master.

He’s still shirtless from our beach date, and I marvel that this perfectly chiseled, gorgeous man wants me.

He guides me past the bed, and my heart sinks for a moment.

His low, arrogant laugh is the most addictive sound in the world. He told me he sees everything, and I’m starting to believe him. In my one moment of insecurity, he read my disappointment.

“I’ll fuck you soon enough, my pretty pet. I’m going to warm you up first.”

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