Page 20 of Trapped By the Cartel

"I…" I began, faltering under the weight of his scrutiny. "I guess I just want to feel alive," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "To experience everything life has to offer—to good and bad—and to make my own choices, free from expectations and obligations."

A slow smile spread across his face, transforming his stern features into something almost boyish. "Then we'll figure it out together," he promised, pressing another tender kiss to my forehead. "Whatever it takes."

With a flick of his wrist, Damon waved his hand dismissively toward the crowded dining room. "Everyone out!"He commanded, his voice echoing like thunder. The sudden declaration startled those present, causing a flurry of movement as people scrambled to comply, their chairs scraping loudly against the polished floor before they hurriedly exited the grand dining room. Within moments, we were left alone amidst the remnants of the lavish meal, the silence broken only by the distant hum of activity beyond the closed doors.

He turned his attention back to me, his ice-blue eyes gleaming with an intensity that made my stomach flutter nervously. But there was also something else, a promise lurking beneath the surface.

"So..." I began hesitantly, licking my suddenly dry lips. "What are you planning on doing now?"

Damon leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine as he slowly unbuttoned his crisp white shirt. One button at a time, he revealed tanned skin and hard muscle, showing me the same muscles I'd already seen. Each deliberate action drew me in further, making it impossible to look away.

"Apart from giving you exactly what you want, little omega?" he replied, a wicked grin playing on his lips. His fingers paused briefly at the last button, allowing me a tantalizing view of his bare chest. I swallowed hard, struggling to maintain some semblance of control as I fought the urge to reach out and touch him.

"Isn't that what you've been doing since I arrived?" I shot back, arching an eyebrow in mock challenge. Despite the bravado, my heart pounded wildly in my chest, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

Damon laughed, a rich sound that reverberated through the empty room. "Oh, Elliot," he mused, shaking his head slightly. "Always ready with a comeback."

With practiced ease, he slid the shirt off his shoulders, revealing sculpted muscles honed by years of discipline andpower. My mouth went dry as I drank in the sight of him, my eyes tracing the lines of his abs, the broad expanse of his chest, and the way his biceps flexed with each subtle movement.

"But no," he continued, standing up gracefully and stepping closer to where I remained seated. "Tonight is different. Tonight, I'm going to give you everything you've ever desired."

He came to me, moving behind me with predatory grace. His hands came to rest on my shoulders, squeezing gently as he leaned down to speak directly into my ear. His breath was warm, tickling the sensitive skin and sending goosebumps erupting along my arms.

"And what if I actually don't want anything from you?" I whispered, tilting my head to the side to grant him better access to my neck. It was a blatant lie, and we both knew it, but I couldn't help myself. Teasing him seemed to come naturally when I was around him.

His low chuckle rumbled through me, vibrating every cell in my body. "Liar," he accused softly, nipping at my earlobe. I gasped, my hips shifting involuntarily in response to the unexpected contact.

"You can't fool me, Elliot," he murmured, trailing kisses down the length of my neck. "Your body betrays you, telling me exactly what you crave."

His hands moved from my shoulders, sliding down my arms until they reached my wrists. He grasped them firmly, lifting my limp arms up and placing them on the edge of the table. I was effectively trapped, pinned between his solid form and the hard wood beneath me.

"Not fair," I groaned, dropping my head forward as he continued to explore my exposed flesh with his mouth. "You're using your size and strength to overpower me."

"All's fair in love and war, little omega," he replied, his lips curving into a smirk against my skin. "And right now, this feels a lot more like the latter than the former."

Before I could respond, he spun me around, forcing me to face him once again. Our gazes locked, and I felt my resolve crumbling under the weight of his intense stare. There was so much hunger in those icy blue depths—so much desire that mirrored my own.

"Do you know how long I've waited for someone like you?" He asked. "Someone who challenges me, who defies me, who makes me want things I shouldn't?"

I shook my head silently, unable to find my voice amid the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

"I didn't think it was possible," he confessed, tracing the line of my jaw with his fingertips. "But here you are, throwing all my carefully laid plans into chaos."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Well, life is full of surprises," I managed to say, finding my voice at last.

Damon's gaze darkened, and he leaned in close, our noses practically touching. "Indeed, it is," he agreed, his voice a low growl. "And now, I intend to make sure yours is full of nothing but pleasure."

Damon stepped back, breaking the heated moment between us. I couldn't help but feel relieved.

Before I could protest or even register what was happening, he started removing the rest of his clothing. With swift, confident movements, he shrugged off his shirt completely, letting it fall to the floor beside him. Then, he kicked off his shoes and removed his socks, one by one.

My eyes widened as I took in the full glory of his naked torso—the definition of his muscles, the way they rippled and tensed with each movement. I had seen him without a shirt before, but this moment still felt different.

Next, he reached for his belt, slowly unbuckling it while maintaining eye contact with me. The metal clinked loudly in the otherwise silent room, drawing my attention downward. He pulled the leather strap free, tossing it carelessly aside before tackling the button and zipper of his pants.

As he lowered the fly, I caught a glimpse of dark hair peeking out from the top of his boxers. My heart raced faster, knowing that soon, I would see all of him again.

With a final, almost casual push, he shimmied out of his pants, leaving him standing before me in nothing but a pair of black silk boxers. They clung to his hips, accentuating the powerful V-shape that disappeared beneath the waistband.

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