Page 19 of Eternal

And it’s artwork.

She’sartwork.

I’d like to strip off all her clothes and watch her roll around in it. But that will have to wait for when she’s earned my attention.

“You seem to think I’m giving you an option, Tealene.”

Her lips part on her exhale. “I—”

“I’m not.” I dip down to brush my lips over hers, refusing her the space to think up an argument when her body is already telling me everything I need to know. “You will do this.”

“Or else what?” She swallows, and the bob of her throat has need coursing through me.

“I might be inclined to let those tapes out of my possession. Do you really want the whole school to know what goes on in that twisted little head of yours? What makes you feel good? What makes you feel alive? How about what makes you want to end it?”

“I hate you.”

“Do you?” I clutch her throat tighter. “Or do you hate that you’re imagining me playing out your little fantasies with you right now? Because I should warn you, you can try and fight me, but I might like it.”

She swallows, and it has me gripping her throat tighter.

“Are you going to fight me, Tealene?”

She shakes her head. Barely. She doesn’t want to admit she’s on board because she prefers hating me. But the heat of her body with me this close, the fantasies she cooks up in her mind, and the things that make her feel alive are all things she knows I can deliver on.

Releasing her throat, I drag my paint-drenched fingers down her cheek. I paint her with the colors she uses to hide her true self. I skim over her perfect flesh, even if it’s sacrilegious to taint it.

The only marks I’d like to see on her skin are those inflicted by me.

“When’s the next time you’re supposed to see your father?” I ask.

“Tomorrow night.” Her gaze avoids mine. “My family is hosting a fundraiser.”

“Perfect. I’ll pick you up.”

“And what?” Anger flares in her eyes. “You’ll announce we’re dating and expect that he’ll just be fine with it? Where does it end?”

“It doesn’t.” Dipping my mouth to her ear, I inhale the overpowering aroma of acrylic. “Not until I say so.”

“And when you dosay so… When you get what you want. Then what? You’ll hand me over to Jase just like my father plans to?”

There’s pain in her tone because she might be numb, but she’s not stupid. She was born a pawn, and she’s spent her entire life playing one. Unfortunately for her, I can’t offer her any comfort.

I shrug, not answering her question.

“Wonderful.” She sighs. “And what do you expect from me, Declan?”

“You’re going to play along and convince them you’re a good girlfriend.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll make anything between us up until this point seem like child’s play. You think I’m mean now? Just watch what I can do.” I grin. “Besides, if you’re good, maybe I’ll give you what you want. After all, we are playing house. Would you like a few perks to go along with our arrangement, Teal?”

I press my body flush with hers, tilting her chin up and forcing her to look up at me.

“Fuck you, Declan.” She shoves my chest, so I spin heraround.

I press her face against the still-drying paint. It sticks to her cheek, coloring her in the kind of beauty only she can create.

---