51

I thought the first half of the plan would be the easiest.

First:Make sure that Ava belongs to me for good.

Apparently not.

"You better pray that you were sleepwalking," I say.

Even if she were, it would still piss me off. Even her subconsciousneeds to know thatshe's mine and stop trying to run from me.

Surprise rolls over her face. She's barefoot, dressed in the baggy t-shirt and shorts she wears to sleep. I try to focus on her face. Her body is too damn distracting, and rightnowI need to think with my brain and not my dick.

"You were trying to escape," I state.

"Yes." She nods. "But I changed my mind. I'm not leaving, Jackson."

I raise my eyebrows. "You're standing in front of the door with my stolen keys. It certainly looks like you're leaving."

She swallows. "I told you. I changed my mind."

I scan her face for traces of a lie but find nothing. Her silver-gray eyes are wide and sincere.If Ireallybelieved Ava felt like a prisoner in my home,thenthings would be different.Maybe then I would realize she's not my equal, my challenger, my soulmate—if there's any soul in my bodyat all. But I knowshewants to be here. Shejustwon't say it out loud.

But why?

I step forward, jerking the keys away from her grip and pocketing them. "What made you change your mind?"

I want her to say it. Say she wants me, needs me, will be in hell without me, just like how I feel about her.

"Because…"

She trails off. No answer. No confession of the words I want to hear.

I feel a storm of frustration rising in me. I've been patient. Just like Ava and I, my plan is one of contradictions. I'm taming her by breaking her open. I'm teasing out the chaos in her heart sothat she'llalways be mine to own.

The plan has consumed me entirely. In fact, I haven't killed anyone since Ryan Fields.

The urge still lurks within me, sharp and raw. But for now, I'm high,completelydistracted by the other sin: lust. Having Ava whenever I want her is like living in a fucking dream.

I cancel all my appointments at the office. My mind is running too wild for that. Playacting as Dr Keller bores me. After years of repression, all I want is to feel the violent, wild expanses of the emotions inside me.

Denying Ava her pleasure has been a torture for me, as well. I want to see her blissful and moaning as I guide her through her orgasms.But it's anothersort ofthrill to know that I controlexactlywhen, where, and how much pleasure shegets to feel.

Something snaps in meandI grab her, pushing her up against the wall. The rage feels hot and dark, simmering millimeters under my skin. How could she try to leave me? I don't understand why she keeps trying to run from me. I know she feels this as much as I do.

She whines, her body going limp. I grab her shorts, tearing them as I pull them down. Fuck, she's soaked already, but it brings me no satisfaction in this moment.

Hooking my arms under her smooth thighs, I lift her up and drive herback,so she's pressed against the wall. I palm my hard cock before pushing inside her. She gasps, her fingernails digging hard into my back, drawing me closer to her.

I groan, feeling her grip at me. She's been on the edge for days, and it won't take much to push her over the edge and end her torture. "Fuck, Ava, I can feel how tight you are around me, how badly your pussy wants to come."

But I can't let her. Not yet.

That dark, crushing feeling pulses through me.

"This"—thrust—"is"—thrust—"for—"

On the last thrust, I bury myself deep inside her, holding her in place. She whines as I pause, motionless. She's trying to wriggle against me to gain some friction, but I pin her back.

"—for ever thinking about leaving."

She gasps under my grip. She's on edge, desperate. Doesn't she understand it doesn't have to be this way?

"Tell me, Ava. Tell me you're mineandyou get to come."

She thrashes her head from side to side. "I—I can't say it."

"Why not?"

A sob leaves her mouth. "Because once I say it, it becomes true. And then you'll have the power to destroy me."

This catches me off guard. "Destroy you?"

I draw back from her, letting her gently drop to the floor again, though I keep my grip on her body.

"I've builta lot ofwalls to protect my heart over the years.If I hand it over to you,thenyou can do whateverthe hellyou want with it."She stubbornly blinks awaytearsglistening in her eyes.

My chest feels tight. She didn't deny this because she didn't want me.

She was scared.

My voice softens a fraction. "I'm not the one with all the power, little dove. I belong to you, too."

She slowly blinks. Surprise colors her face.

"That's what trust means," I continue. "We give each other the power to destroy each other, but we don't do it."

"You mean it?"

I answer with my hands. My fingers graze alongherbreasts before settling onherthroat. She whimpers as my forefingers gently push against her jugular.

She's exposed under my touch. I could end everything for her in a second. But I never would. I'd carve out the heart of anyone who even dreamed of it.

I breathe against her skin, feeling my own confession vibrate along her neck. "I'm yours for eternity, Ava Cain. I'm your master and your servant. I'll own you, but you'll own me too. I'll give you the world to have for your own."

Her lips part. Her silver-gray eyes meet mine.

"You own me, Jackson Keller."

Fire tears through every cell in my body.

It's not just the words. It's the smile onherface asshesays them. Her lips tug upwardandthe sight is more beautiful than any masterpiece in any gallery.

"Good girl. Now here's your reward."

I flip her around, pushing her face up against the wall. Her back archesandshe moans. I sink my cock deep into her, a slow rhythm that picks up speed until it's rough. My thumb traces down to her clit, finally giving her the friction she needs.

"Come for me."

Her head lolls back. Her thick eyelashes flutter as her eyes roll back in her head.

"Oh my god, Jackson, I'm going to—"

The moan that leaves her mouth as she clenches around my cock is sweeter than any symphony. Black pleasure sweeps through my veins. She's mine. To tease and fuck and protect.

I bow my head against her skin as if in worship, groaning as I find my own release deep inside her pussy.

I've been keeping this dove locked up. Now I know she's mine, Ican unlock the cage. Soon, she'llturn intoa wild raven with claws sharp enough to kill.

Now, the second half of my plan begins.