20. Aurora

20

"What are you up to tonight? Do you want to do something?" Charlotte asks on the walk back from work.

I tense, realizing I've got no viable excuse why we can't do something other than the fact I'm meeting the psycho who hurt her for the third time in a row. Clearly, I need a psych eval because this isn't normal.

"It's been a tough day at work, and I just want to go to bed. Rain check?" I ask.

She purses her lips before nodding. "Fine, but you better be up to do something tomorrow, or I'm hauling your ass out of bed myself."

I swallow hard and nod. "Agreed." It's not like I can let my plans with Gage constantly rule my life.

Charlotte hugs me, and I climb the steps to my apartment building. "See you tomorrow," I call out.

"See you tomorrow, lazybones," she teases before heading toward her apartment.

I feel immense guilt for not telling her the truth about Gage, but I just don't know how to bring it up. Walking into my apartment, I strip and get into the shower. As the hot water cascades over my skin, I gaze up into the mirror over the sink, my back slightly turned. I notice my old, faded scars from years ago.

I shudder, knowing that this situation with Gage isn't what started the dark thoughts or fucked up my psyche. It's my past. Tracing my fingers over the fresh cuts from last night, I shiver at the memory of his blade against my flesh. It felt good. The pain, the sting, and being utterly at his mercy.

A small voice in my mind whispers that this isn't normal. That I shouldn't be getting off on being cut or hurt. But then I trace the cuts and scars on my inner thighs, wondering if Gage has noticed them. He must have when he traced them with his tongue.

I should go see a shrink and try to work through my trauma. The thought makes me laugh inwardly. It wouldn't be the first time I've seen a therapist. After my mom caught my dad molesting me when I was eight, she dragged me to loads of therapists, desperate for me to talk about what happened.

But I couldn't. I wouldn't. Instead, I buried the trauma deep inside, locking it away in a dark corner of my mind. I learned to smile and pretend everything was okay, even as the wounds festered and grew.

Now, as an adult, I've found other ways to cope. If Gage noticed the scars, he didn't mention them. He's not the first person to cut my skin. I have cut myself for years as a coping mechanism, as well as chasing thrills and danger—anything to make me feel alive. I've found someone who mirrors that broken darkness.

Stepping out of the shower, I wrap a towel around myself. In the mirror, I notice my reflection. My eyes are bright, almost feverish, and the flush to my cheeks has nothing to do with the shower's heat. The man I'm lusting after is a murderer. He said so himself, yet it draws me to him more.

The depths of my depravity should horrify me, but I don't care. Not when Gage is waiting for me, ready to take me to darker places. He's asked me to meet him at the forest's edge tonight, and I can't wait.

I rifle through my closet, searching for the perfect outfit for the carnival. I want something that will make Gage's eyes darken with desire when he sees me. Finally, I settle on a tight black crop top to show off my midriff and a pair of high-waisted denim shorts that hug my curves in all the right places. I slip on my combat boots and grab my leather jacket before heading to the bathroom to do my hair.

I tease my long, dark locks into messy waves and apply a touch of makeup, smudging some dark eyeliner around my eyes for a smoky effect. I look at myself in the mirror and smile.

Walking to the carnival, the cool night air whips against my exposed skin, making me shiver. But it's not just the cold that has me trembling. It's the thought of seeing Gage again, of his hands on my body and his knife against my skin.

I'm so lost in my thoughts that I almost don't notice Dan until I nearly bump into him. He's standing near the carnival entrance, his arm around a cute guy I've never seen before.

"Aurora?" he says, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What are you doing here?"

I feel my cheeks flush as I realize I've been caught, and if he tells Charlotte, I'm screwed. "Oh, um, I'm actually meeting someone here," I stammer.

Dan's eyes widen in surprise. "Really? Who?"

I hesitate, not sure how much to reveal. "Just a guy I met recently," I say, trying to sound casual. "He asked me to meet him here tonight."

A slow smile spreads across Dan's face. "Aurora, that's great! I'm so happy for you. It's about time you put yourself out there and tried to find a nice guy."

Forcing a smile, I feel a twinge of guilt. A nice guy is probably the opposite of what I've found. If only he knew the man I was meeting. The darkness I'm drawn to.

"Yeah, um, can you not mention it to Charlotte?"

He raises a brow. "Haven't you told her about your hot date?"

I shake my head. "You know how intense she gets. I may have lied and said I was going to bed early because she wanted to do something tonight." I bite my lip, hating how shitty that is.

He smiles. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

"Thanks, Dan." I wave goodbye, promising to tell him the details at work tomorrow.

But as I turn to walk toward the edge of the forest where Gage told me to meet him, my heart starts to race, and adrenaline builds.

Suddenly, a strong hand grabs me from the shadows, pulling me into the darkness. My gasp of surprise is quickly muffled by a hand covering my mouth.

"Who the fuck was that guy you were talking to?" Gage growls in my ear. "Do I need to murder him for chatting you up?"

I can't help but laugh at the absurdity of his question. Does he realize how possessive he sounds? Like I'm his property or something?

I twist in his grip, turning around to face him. Even in the dim light, I can see the intensity burning in his eyes.

"Relax," I say, stepping back and crossing my arms over my chest. "I was talking to Dan, my gay best friend. Didn't you see his arm around that other guy?"

Gage's eyes narrow. "I didn't notice," he admits gruffly. "I was too busy watching you."

A shiver runs down my spine at the admission.

"Well, now that we've established that Dan isn't a threat to your manhood, can we move on to more important things?" I ask, pressing myself against him.

His grip on my hips tightens, pulling me closer. "And what exactly did you have in mind, little one?"

I bite my lip, my eyes flicking down to his strong hands resting on my hips. I feel his body tensing against my own, a coiled spring ready to snap. Something is intoxicating about his pent-up energy, the sheer force of his restraint.

"I want you to chase me again like the first night," I whisper, my voice barely audible over my heart pounding. "But I want to play a game."

His eyes narrow, a spark of interest flashing in their depths. "What kind of game?"

I take a step back, putting some space between us. "Chase me through the woods," I say, trembling. "And when you catch me, I want you to fuck me while I fight you."

His jaw clenches, and I can practically see the wheels turning in his head. "You want to play out a rape fantasy," he says, his voice gruff. It's not a question, but I nod anyway.

"It's not... I don't know why I want it," I admit, feeling a flush creep up my neck. "But I do. With you."

His eyes darken, and he steps forward, closing the distance between us again. "You realize what you're asking for, little one? I won't hold back. If I do this, I'm going to be rough, violent, and forceful."

A thrill runs through me at his words, but I force myself to meet his gaze, to show him I'm serious. "I know," I breathe. "That's what I want."

For a moment, he's silent, his eyes searching mine as if trying to gauge the truth of my words. Then, slowly, he nods. "What if you need me to stop for real? I won't be able to read your mind."

I consider his question momentarily, knowing the weight of what we're about to do. "If I need you to stop, I'll safe word by saying ‘Mercy'. But I trust you, Gage. I know you won't hurt me."

There it is, the ‘T' word. Trust. But I do trust him, even though it makes no sense. Maybe it's because of the darkness I see in him, the understanding that he harbors desires that most would have him locked up for.

His eyes soften at my words, and he reaches out to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. "Then let the game begin," he says, his voice low. "I'll give you a head start. Run."

I don't need to be told twice. I twist around and take off, running into the woods, my heart thudding sickeningly hard. I can feel him behind me, a silent, menacing presence in the shadows.

The crisp, cold air stings my lungs as I sprint deeper into the forest. I can hear the crunch of leaves and twigs beneath my feet, and I know he can, too. I can sense him gaining on me, his long strides easily matching my own.

I dash through the dark forest, my heart pounding, weaving between trees. But I know it's futile. Gage is bigger, stronger, and faster. It's only a matter of time before he catches me.

I hear a twig snap behind me, and my breath catches in my throat. Is he that close already? I push myself harder, legs burning as I sprint deeper into the woods. The moonlight filters through the branches, casting eerie shadows that dance across my path.

My foot catches on a tree root protruding from the ground, and I stumble, barely catching myself before I fall. I pause for a moment, listening intently. The forest is eerily silent. No sign of Gage. Has he lost my trail?

I take a few steps forward, trying to control my ragged breathing. Suddenly, a hand clamps over my mouth from behind. I let out a muffled scream, thrashing against his iron grip.

"Thought you could escape me, little one?" Gage's low voice rumbles in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I break free, darting away from him. But he's toying with me. I sense the predator's eyes on me as I run like prey.

The chase continues, a deadly game of hunter and prey. My lungs burn, and my legs feel like lead, but the adrenaline coursing through my veins keeps me going. Part of me wants to give in, to let him catch me. But another part relishes this dance, drawing out the tension until it's almost unbearable.

I pause behind a large oak tree, catching my breath. The forest's silence is oppressive, broken only by my panting. Where is he? The anticipation is almost worse than being caught.

My heart is pounding so hard I can barely breathe. I know what I asked for, what I wanted, but I can't help but feel a spike of fear. What if I've made a mistake? What if?—

My thoughts are cut off as I feel his hand close around my arm, yanking me back against his chest. I let out a startled cry, my heart jackhammering in my chest.

"Shh, little one," he whispers in my ear, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

He slams me against a tree, his body pressing into mine. I can feel his arousal, hard and insistent, and it sends a jolt of excitement through me.

"Please," I breathe, knowing my words will only fuel his desire. "Don't."

"Don't what?" he growls. "Don't do what you've been begging me for?"

I struggle against him, trying to break free, but it's useless. He's too strong, his grip like iron.

"Let me go!" I demand, even though I don't want him to.

He chuckles. "Not a chance. You wanted me to chase you, and now I've caught you. You're mine."

His hands reach for the hem of my shirt, swiftly lifting it up and over my head. I can feel the cool night air on my bare skin, but it does nothing to quell the heat burning within me.

"No," I whisper, even as my body betrays me, arching into him.

He reaches around and unhooks my bra with one swift motion, tearing it from my body. I'm bare now, my breasts heaving with each breath.

"Such beautiful tits," he murmurs, the mask brushing against my ear. "I can't wait to mark them up."

His words make my nipples harden. I know he's going to leave bruises, and the thought only makes me wetter. The bandages on my cuts are still in place.

He grabs a handful of my hair and yanks my neck back, forcing me to look at him. Even in the darkness, I can make out the gleam of his eyes through the holes in the mask, full of dark intent.

"Beg me to stop," he challenges. "Use your safe word."

I shake my head, my breath coming in quick gasps.

He unbuttons my shorts, popping them open and tugging down the zipper. He rips them and my underwear down in one rough motion, leaving me completely exposed.

"Such a pretty pussy," he growls, his hand reaching down to stroke me intimately. "Already dripping for me."

Gage's grasp tightens on my arms, his fingers digging into my skin. And then he spins me around, forcing me down to the ground. I stumble, landing face-first in the dirt and leaves.

My heart hammers in my chest as I struggle to catch my breath. Is this really what I want?

I open my mouth to speak, considering using the safe word, but I feel him before I can get the word out. His body presses against mine, hard and relentless. His hands grip my hips, holding me down as he lines himself up.

And suddenly, it's all I want. "Please," I whisper, my voice muffled against the forest floor. "Don't."

Without a word, he thrusts into me. The pain is intense, tearing through me like a knife. I can't help but cry out, struggling against him, my body trying to escape the relentless rhythm he sets.

"Stop!" I cry out. "Please, stop!"

But he laughs, a sinister sound that echoes through the woods. "I don't hear you saying the right word. Take that cock like the dirty little slut you are," he growls.

His words cut through the haze of my panic, reminding me of our deal. I feel a surge of defiance mixed with shame and a desire to submit entirely.

A moan escapes my lips, even as I try to pretend I don't want this.

He continues to thrust into me, his pace relentless. The pain of his huge cock splitting me open slowly fades, replaced by a distinct sensation. Something that makes my body ache in a whole new way.

I can feel him, hard and insistent inside me. It's too much, overwhelming in the best possible way. I'm acutely aware of his body against mine, his hands holding me down.

My fingers clutch at the dirt, my nails breaking as I dig them into the ground. I should stop this and call out our safe word. But something holds me back, a dark yearning I can't deny.

He reaches around, his hand closing over my throat. I gasp, my eyes widening as he squeezes. His strong fingers claw into my flesh, cutting off my air supply.

I squirm beneath him, my body fighting for freedom even as my mind craves more. I can feel his grip tightening, my vision darkening at the edges.

I fight for air, my lungs burning as my vision tunnels. My body is on fire, every nerve ending ignited by the pressure of his hand. Black spots swim before my eyes, and I know I'm teetering on the edge of consciousness.

"That's it, little one," he growls. "You want me to breed you, don't you? Want my cock to fill you up and mark you as mine?"

His words are dirty and wrong, but they electrify me. I try to nod, my body thrashing weakly in his grip.

"That tight pussy of yours is begging for it," he growls. "Begging to be filled. Can't you feel it, little one? How it's clenching around me, trying to pull me deeper. It wants me to flood it with my cum."

I can barely think. My brain was starved of oxygen. He's buried deep within me, stretching me, filling me in a way that feels so incredibly right.

"Come for me," he demands, commanding. "Let me feel that pussy milk my cock as you fall apart."

His words are like a trigger, and my body responds despite my hazy mind. The pressure builds an intense coil of pleasure in my core. It's too extreme, too forceful, and I'm falling, surrendering to the waves of ecstasy that wash over me.

Every muscle convulses, my scream muffled against the dirt as the orgasm tears through me. I can feel Gage's hand tightening around my throat, his body slamming into mine as he follows me over the edge.

The world goes white, and I feel myself slipping away, my consciousness fading. I'm vaguely aware of his body shuddering against me as he fills me with cum.

And then everything goes black.