Page 8 of His Dark Cravings

"Talon, we need to talk," I say, unable to mask my frustration.

He sits up, his eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. "What's up, sis? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I just came from meeting with Xavier Ravenwood."

"Oh yeah? And how's that rich guy doing?" Talon's tone is casual, as if we're discussing the weather.

"He's offered me a deal, Talon. A way to get you out of this mess." I pause, my heart pounding as I prepare to reveal the terms.

"A deal? What kind of deal?" He leans forward, his eyes now alert.

"He wants me to... submit to him for a year. In exchange, he'll forgive your debt." The words feel heavy in my mouth.

Talon's eyes widen, and for a moment, he's silent. Then, he lets out a low whistle. "Damn, sis. That's... quite the offer."

"It's outrageous! I can't believe he'd even suggest such a thing." I feel my cheeks flush with anger.

"Hey, hey, calm down. It's not that bad." Talon waves a hand dismissively. "I mean, it's a year, right? And he's a good-looking guy. Could be worse."

"Worse? Talon, this is my body, my life! I can't just give it away like that." My voice rises, and I struggle to keep my composure.

"I know, I know. But think about it. You agree to the year with him, and I promise, I'll straighten up. No more trouble, I swear." He gives me his most charming smile, the one that's gotten him out of countless scrapes.

"You promise?" I ask, skeptical. I don't even know why I'm asking. Maybe I'm hopeful that he'll change. I mean, this is a pretty big deal.

Wouldn't he take this opportunity to finally shape up?

"Cross my heart. Look, Everly, I know I've messed up. But this is our chance to fix things. I'll be good, I'll get a job, and we can put all this behind us." His eyes plead with me, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of the little boy he once was.

"Talon, this is a huge sacrifice." I bite my lip, torn between my desire to help him and my own sense of self-preservation.

"I know, sis. But think about it. We've always looked out for each other. This is my chance to make it up to you." He reaches out, taking my hand in his. "Please, Everly. I need you to do this. For me."

I sigh, my resolve weakening. "Fine. I'll do it. But you have to keep your word, Talon. No more trouble."

"Yes!" He brightens like the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders—and deposited onto mine. "Thank you, Ev. I won't let you down, I promise." He pulls me into a tight hug.

As I pull away, I can't help but wonder if I've made the right decision. My routine, my life as I know it, is about to shatter. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I think of Max.

A year with a man I only just met. What am I getting myself into?

Chapter 3

Everly

The weight of my decision settles upon me as I pack a small bag. I hadn't thought a year of submission meant moving in with Xavier, but here I am. A black car arrives to whisk me away, and my stomach clenches with a knot of unease. As we drive, I clutch the worn strap of my bag, a tangible reminder of my old life.

After a while, the car pulls up a long, winding drive, revealing Xavier's home. It's an imposing structure of glass and steel, a modern fortress perched atop a hill. I can't help but contrast it with my childhood home. Where there were soft edges and warm hues, this building screams hard lines and cool greys.

I take a deep breath as the driver opens my door and then follows me to the entrance. At the front, a woman with black hair and a tailored uniform greets me. She's wearing a grey dress with a modest collar, and her posture is rigid.

"Miss Fields, Mr. Ravenwood is expecting you." Her voice is even, professional.

She leads me inside to a vast space where other women, each clad in the same uniform, continue working. Their faces show a mixture of curiosity and a detached professionalism.

The place is grand, almost overwhelming. The foyer is a massive open room, stretching up two stories where sunlight pours through skylights. It's a world away from the cozy home I shared with my family, and the difference sends a shiver through me.

I don't belong here.

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