27. Lena

27

LENA

I can't stop thinking about the mysterious stranger at the club. A shiver ran down my spine as soon as his strong arms pulled me close. There was something primal and captivating about the way he moved against me, like a predator claiming its prey.

The dim lighting obscured his face, but I caught glimpses of the skull mask he wore. It only heightened the sense of danger and intrigue surrounding him. I wanted to leave with the alluring stranger and surrender myself to him.

When the aggressive man hassling me approached, the stranger's reaction was swift and vicious. He shoved the man away with such force that I knew he was capable of great violence. Yet, in that moment, I felt safer than I ever had. This dark, powerful man shielded me, claiming me as his own.

I recall how the stranger had pulled me closer and his breath had tickled my ear.

I’ve got you, baby. No one’s gonna lay a hand on you as long as I’m here.

The way he said my name sent a thrill through me. He knew who I was, but I had no idea who he was.

When the song ended, I turned to ask him to take me home, but he had vanished. I scanned the crowd, my heart pounding, but found no trace of him. It was as if he had slipped into the shadows, leaving me bereft and aching for more of his touch.

Now, back in my apartment, I can still feel the ghost of his hands on my body. The way he held me, possessive yet protective, has left an indelible mark. I've only ever experienced anything like that with Talon.

Who is this masked stranger? And why does the thought of him make my pulse race and my skin flush with desire? I want to know more, to uncover the mystery that surrounds him. There's a darkness to him that both terrifies and enthralls me. I should stay away; getting involved with someone I don’t know could be dangerous. But something deep inside me yearns to throw caution to the wind and surrender myself to him completely.

David storms out of the bedroom, his eyes like ice. My heart sinks as I anticipate the familiar rage building within him. I know I'm already in trouble for being late—a valid concern given the neighborhood—but my mind has been miles away, consumed by thoughts of the masked man.

Before I can even apologize, he lunges at me, grabbing my arm with a force that makes me wince. "Where the hell have you been, Lena? Do you have any idea how worried I was?" His words slice through the air, sharp with accusation. I try to pull away, but he tightens his grip, his fingers digging into my skin.

The stench of alcohol clings to David's breath as he leans in close, his words slurring together. "You think you can just come and go as you please? I'm your fiancé, Lena. You belong to me."

I recoil from the venom in his voice, my heart pounding. "I was just out with some friends. I told you I would be out earlier."

His hand lashes out, gripping my chin in a viselike hold. "Don't lie to me, you little slut. I saw how that guy was all over you at the club."

Fear coils in my gut as I realize he must have followed me. "David, please, you're hurting me..."

The sting of his palm across my cheek steals my breath. I stare at him in shock, unable to process what just happened. He's never hit me before. Never.

David looms over me, his chest heaving with drunken rage. "That'll teach you to disrespect me."

I press a trembling hand to my stinging cheek, tears welling in my eyes. This can't be happening. Not David, the man I'm supposed to marry. The man my foster parents wanted me to be with.

"You're mine, Lena," he snarls, grabbing a fistful of my hair and wrenching my head back. "And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you in line."

David drags me towards the bedroom, his grasp like a vice. "You'll learn not to go out without me again or face the consequences." I stumble, his grip bruising my skin, but he doesn't care.

As he pushes me onto the bed, I beg him to stop, writhing beneath him. "Please, David, you're hurting me. Just let me go. I won't be late again." My pleas fall on deaf ears as he climbs on top of me, his weight pinning me down. I struggle, but it's no use; he's too strong.

"Shut up, Lena," he snarls, his face contorting with anger. "You're mine, and you'll do as I say. You'll learn your place, and you'll learn to like it." He rips at my clothes, exposing my skin, while I squirm beneath him, desperate to escape. I knew this time would come. His hands are everywhere, claiming me like a possessive, ruthless conqueror.

"No, David, stop! Please, I don't want this!" My words fall on deaf ears as he continues, his breath heavy and his eyes cold. I feel trapped, suffocated by his presence, his body overpowering mine.

Through my tears, I catch a glimpse of the masked stranger in my mind's eye, and an overwhelming sense of longing washes over me. Even as David continues, my thoughts drift to Talon and his promise to keep me safe before he left.

Where is he now?