33. Talon

33

TALON

I slip back into their apartment like a shadow, the UV light heavy in my pocket. The mask and hood shield my identity from any prying eyes or cameras. However, I’ve already disabled the building’s security systems.

My boots barely whisper against the floor as I move through the darkened space. Lena’s still unconscious on the bed, exactly where I left her. Her chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm that pulls at something deep inside me. Focus. I’m here to clean, not watch her sleep.

The UV light casts an eerie blue glow as I scan the hardwood. A few drops near the doorway glow bright—I missed them earlier. I pull out fresh cleaning supplies and get to work. The wood grain fights me, trying to hold onto its secrets, but I’m thorough. No evidence can remain.

Moving methodically across the floor, I check every inch. There is a smear here, a spatter there. Each spot gets the same treatment—bleach, scrub, dry, repeat. The chemical smell burns my nose through the mask. It is a small price to pay for perfection.

My knees ache from crawling around, but I don’t stop until the UV reveals nothing but a clean floor. One final sweep, to be certain. Nothing glows except the natural oils in the wood grain. Good.

Lena stirs slightly in her sleep, drawing my attention. The drugs will keep her under for a while longer.

I run the bath, testing the temperature with my hand. It’s not too hot, not too cold—perfect. The gentle sound of running water fills the master bathroom as steam rises in lazy curls.

Moving back to the bedroom, I strip Lena while she’s lying down, adding the clothes to the pile I’ll need to burn. The blood on her clothes has dried to a rusty brown, staining the delicate fabric. My jaw clenches at the sight. And then, once she’s naked I lift her carefully from the bed. She’s light in my arms, head lolling against my chest.

I lower her into the warm water. Her dark hair fans out around her like ink, and I can’t help but stare at her peaceful face. My hands shake slightly as I begin washing away the blood, moving with careful precision. The water turns pink.

That bastard was so close to entering her against her will, but thankfully I stopped her.

Using a soft washcloth, I clean every trace of tonight’s events from her skin. My breathing grows ragged as I work, heat coursing through my veins. I force myself to focus on the task at hand.

Once clean, I lift her from the tub and wrap her in a thick towel, gently patting her dry.

I carry her to the small sofa in her bedroom, arranging her carefully on the cushions. A strand of damp hair falls across her face, and I brush it with trembling fingers.

Turning away, I gather the bloodied sheets and clothes into a large black bag. Everything must be destroyed. But first, I need to shower and then bleach the bathroom.

I step out of the steaming shower, my skin scrubbed raw. The bathroom gleams from floor to ceiling, every surface bleached twice. Not a trace remains of what happened here.

Moving through the apartment, I double-check my work. The new sheets on the bed are pristine. The floor shows no hint of struggle. Even the air smells clean, pine cleaner masking any lingering metallic traces.

Satisfied with my inspection, I return to where Lena rests on the sofa. Her chest rises and falls steadily, her face peaceful in a drug-induced sleep. The towel has slipped, exposing one delicate shoulder.

My hands clench at my sides. She looks so vulnerable, so perfect. Mine to protect. Mine to possess.

I lift her gently, cradling her against my chest. Her damp hair leaves wet spots on my shirt as I carry her to the freshly made bed. Laying her down carefully, I arrange her limbs in a comfortable position.

The drugs will keep her unconscious for a while. Plenty of time to have some fun before she wakes. I trace a finger along her jawline, relishing the softness of her skin.

“Time to play,” I whisper, sitting beside her on the bed. My hand hovers over her sleeping form, anticipation building in my veins.

I hover over her. My eyes take in every inch of her body, savoring the sight as my hands explore her curves. Her skin is soft under my touch, and I ache to mark it with my mouth.

Lena’s scent fills my lungs as I lean down, inhaling deeply. My tongue darts out, tasting her neck, trailing down to the valley between her breasts.

My mouth waters as I move lower, my tongue painting swirls on her smooth skin. Her taste lingers on my tongue, and I growl softly, the sound vibrating against her stomach.

I can’t resist any longer. My mouth finds Lena’s core, and I lick her slowly, savoring the sweetness of her arousal. Her lips are soft against mine while I feast on her, wanting to devour her.

Lena moans in her sleep, her hips lifting slightly off the bed. The sound goes straight to my cock, making me throb with need. I rub myself against her thigh, desperate for relief.

But I want to be inside her more than anything. I position myself at her entrance, the tip of my cock teasing her wet heat. With a gentle thrust, I slide into her, groaning as her tightness envelopes me.

Her body accepts me, and I sink deeper, filling her fully. My hands grip her hips as I begin to move, slowly at first, but soon, my restraint breaks. I pound into her, my breath coming in sharp pants.

Lena’s breath catches, her body tensing around me. Her eyes flutter open, unfocused at first, but then?—

She sees me. Her eyes widen, pupils dilated with desire and confusion. “Talon?”

My name on her lips drives me crazy. “Fuck, Lena,” I grit out.

Her eyes lock onto mine, the realization sparking something dangerous in their hazel depths. Her slender body arches beneath me, the muscles in her thighs tensing as she takes me in deeper.

“Talon?” she breathes again, her voice a mix of shock and desire.

I can’t stop. My princess’s body feels too good around mine, and I’m gripped by an urgent need to claim every inch of her. “Yeah, baby. It’s me.”

Lena’s hands reach up, her fingers digging into my shoulders. “Oh God,” she moans, her hips moving against mine in a sensual rhythm. “It’s really you. Talon.”

When she utters my name again, it sends a spark of arousal straight to my cock. I thrust harder, my breath laboring. “You have no idea how much I’ve fucking missed you, Lena.”

She arches her back, offering herself to me as my hands glide down her body. Her skin is hot to the touch, her nipples tightening beneath my palms.

I squeeze her breasts and lean down, biting gently at her neck as I thrust into her again and again. “It’s been so hard, watching you, wanting you. Did you fucking miss this?” I growl against her skin, my teeth grazing her neck.

Lena gasps, her back arching as my fingers tighten on her hips. “Yes,” she whispers, the word a barely audible admission. “I did. Oh, God, Talon.”

Hearing that confession sends a spike of possessive satisfaction through me. I pull out of her slowly, the slick sound fueling my desire.

“Get on your hands and knees,” I command, voice hoarse with need.

Lena obeys, positioning herself on the bed, her perfect ass raised in invitation. Her skin is flushed, a sweet bite mark darkening on her shoulder.

Mine.

I want to take my time and savor every moment, but the desperate need to claim her overrides all else. Gripping my cock, I rub the tip up and down her slit, spreading her arousal.

Lena moans, her head hanging down as she braces herself on her forearms. “Talon, please.”

I don’t keep her waiting. With a fierce thrust, I drive into her, claiming what’s mine. Her tightness envelops me, and I groan at the sensation.

“Fuck, Lena,” I grit out, beginning to move. “You’re so fucking tight.”

Lena cries out, her fingers digging into the bedsheets. “Harder, Talon. I need more.”

Hearing that desperate plea, I lose all restraint. Grabbing her hips, I slam into her with force, my cock driving deep.

“Again,” she pants, her body rocking back to meet my thrusts. “Harder, Talon. Fuck me harder.”

Her words spur me on, and I deliver what she craves. My hands dig into her soft flesh, holding her in place as I pound into her relentlessly. The bed creaks with the force of our passion.

“That’s it, baby,” I grunt. “Take it all. Only me inside you now, Lena.”

Lena’s breath comes in sharp gasps, her back arching as pleasure overtakes her. “Yes, Talon. Only you. Oh, God...”

Her pussy clamps down on my cock, and I know she’s close. I reach between us, my fingers finding her swollen clit. “Come for me, Lena. Let me feel you squeeze my cock.”

My words push her over the edge, and she cries out, her body convulsing around me. I keep thrusting through her orgasm, prolonging her pleasure.

Lena’s cries fill the room, her nails digging into the sheets as her body milks my cock. Her juices flow, coating my thighs as I continue to move inside her.

“Milk my cock. Make me come inside you,” I encourage.

Her body tightens again, a second orgasm rippling through her. “Talon!” she cries, her voice full of wonder and pleasure. “I’m coming again.”

Feeling her contract around me again pushes me over the edge. “Fuck, Lena,” I grit out, my body tensing. “I’m gonna come, baby. Gonna fill your tight little pussy.”

With a few more fierce thrusts, I spill myself into her, groaning as my release washes over me. Lena’s body shudders with the force of my climax, her inner walls pulsing around me.

Collapsing onto my back, I hold her tight, my face buried in her neck. Our bodies are drenched in sweat, our hearts pounding in unison.

Lena’s fingers trace lazy patterns on my chest, her breath evening out. “Wow,” she whispers, a smile in her voice. “That was...”

“Incredible,” I finish for her, lifting my head to meet her gaze.

I feel Lena’s body tense against mine as reality crashes over her. She bolts upright, yanking the sheet to cover herself.

“Oh God. This wasn’t—I thought it was a dream.” Her eyes dart around the room, panic setting in. “You killed David. You actually killed him.”

I reach for her, but she flinches away. Keeping my voice steady, I explain, “He was trying to rape you, Lena. I watched that piece of shit force himself on you while you begged him to stop.”

“But you—you stabbed him. I remember the blood...” Her voice breaks.

“He deserved worse for touching what’s mine.” My jaw clenches at the memory. “He’s gone now. Forever. No one will ever hurt you like that again.”

Lena’s hands shake as she grips the sheet tighter. “You killed someone, Talon. You actually murdered him.”

“To protect you.” I move closer, careful not to startle her. “Everything I do is to keep you safe. David won’t ever lay his hands on you again. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

I pull Lena into my arms as her shoulders shake with sobs. She doesn’t resist, instead collapsing against my chest. Her fingers dig into my skin like she’s afraid I’ll disappear.

“He made me feel so powerless,” she sobs. “The first time he did it was Friday night, and then after dinner he...”

“Shh.” I stroke her hair, breathing in her scent. “He can’t touch you ever again. No one will hurt you like that again.”

Her body trembles against mine. I hold her tighter, letting her release everything she’s bottled up. My Lena, so strong for so long, letting those walls crumble.

“I hated being under his control,” she whispers into my chest. “The way he’d smile while hurting me like he enjoyed my fear...”

“Everything will be fine now,” I murmur against her hair. “I’m here. I’ll always protect you, always keep you safe. No one else will ever lay a hand on you.”

Her sobs gradually quiet, her breathing steadying as she stays wrapped in my embrace. I continue running my fingers through her hair, feeling her relax against me.

“Thank you,” she breathes, her voice barely audible. “For saving me from him.”

I press my lips to her forehead. “Always, Lena. I’ll always save you.”