Page 36 of Unmasked Prophecy

Two certainly can play at that game.

We keep moving, and I try to forget Talon for now. Instead, I focus on the fun I’m having, and the trail of laughter that leaves my throat as Mera and I bounce along to the music.

I try to forget everything but this moment.

Mera catches sight of Kael, waving him over with a grin that’s all mischief. He approaches, eyes bright and a little wild, and I know exactly what she’s planning. Butterflies swarm in my stomach, a mix of nerves and excitement.

"You two need a third?" Kael asks, grinning.

God, he’s cheeky. I love that about him.

Mera laughs. "Teach this girl how to really dance."

Kael looks to me and I blush, nodding. He doesn’t need any further encouragement, so he steps closer, hands sweeping around my hips as he pulls me close. His easy-going attitude washes over me, and I relax. My body seems to have a mind of its own, moving with Kael’s as my cheeks flush with heat. He’s warm and solid, and I can’t help the breathy laugh that escapes my lips.

I’m lost in the moment, completely lost, when I suddenly feeling Kael being pulled away from me. Standing next to us is Talon, his eyes flashing with rage as he growls. “Get your fuckin’ hands off her, brother. She’s not a plaything.”

My brows go up.

Kael releases me, holding his hands up. "Easy, man. Just havin’ a dance."

Talon bares his teeth in an angry growl, before taking my arm and hauling me away. I stumble, trying to get catch my footing as he pulls me away from the crowd. Mera was right. He is playing a game, but he doesn’t like it being thrown back at him.

“Let me go,” I snap, jerking my arm from his grip and spinning towards him, my face scrunched with rage.

“What the fuck kind of game are you playin’ at?”

My chest heaves. "What do you care?"

"You know damn well why I fuckin’ care."

“You have no right to tell me what to do, or pull me away from anyone.”

His jaw tightens. "I got more right than any of them."

"Yeah?" I say, my voice rising. "Because all I see is you letting other girls grind on you. You made it pretty fucking clear last time that you didn’t want me and now you’re acting like a fucking jealous boyfriend. Make up your mind, biker. I’m not a toy."

“Don’t play with me, Nia.”

His jaw is tight as we stand off, facing one another with a ferocity that I feel deep down to my bones. I don’t back down. I’m tired of being the one to cave. I made it clear what I wanted from him. He was the one who said no. He doesn’t get to come in here and act like a jealous lover.

“I’m not the one playing. In fact, I have made it very clear what I want, Talon. You were the one who chose not to take it because you think I’m weak. Just like everyone else around here. So, if you won’t give me what I want, and you don’t want me, there are no rules against me finding someone who does.”

My voice shakes, but I stand my ground.

I’m done being told what to do, how to feel and when I can make choices. My entire life has been controlled by others, it’s about time I took that back.

He steps closer, the heat of him overwhelming. "You think I don’t want you. Fuck. I want you more than I’ve wanted anything in my entire fuckin’ life."

I swallow, my heart in my throat.

My breath leaves me in a rush. "Then stop acting like you don’t."

He doesn’t hesitate, his hand lashes out, curling into my top as he hauls me against him. His lips crash down on mine, and it’s a violent force of need and desperation. His hands stay firmly clutching my shirt, holding me tight, like he’s afraid I’ll disappear if he lets go. I melt into him, every defense crumbling, the world fading until there’s nothing but the two of us.

The kiss is everything, even better than the first. It’s wild and unrestrained, all-consuming. I lose myself in it, in him, and the ache in my chest shifts to something else—something raw and real and terrifyingly perfect. I want him. I know he wants me. I’m done waiting.

“I want you, Talon,” I murmur against his lips.

---