"Please stop," I whisper weakly, even though we both know it won't do any good. I can't resist this man. I never fucking could. "Please. We can end this right now. Nobody has to know. I won't tell anyone. Please."
"You better beg for something better," he tells me, pulling his fingers away from my exposed pussy and bringing them to his lips. He sucks them clean, the sound obscene, making my cheeks flush hot. "Beg for something I'll actually give you, little slut. Something we both want."
"Please." I can't help begging. A part of me still hopes this is just a sick, awful nightmare I'll wake up from soon. "I won't tell anyone. Just let me go."
"Never." His voice is fierce and sends a shiver of excitement through my body.
"This is a dream," I whisper, barely loud enough for him to hear. "This isn't real. You can't hurt me."
"Wake the fuck up, Dove." He pinches my arm, hard, and I wince. "This isn't a dream. This is real fucking life. Your nightmare's happening, here and now. I'm fucking back."
"Dove?"
Our eyes snap to the doorway. Up until now, we were alone in the back alley. But now the door is open, and Raphael is standing there, his troubled expression telling me he's worried about me.
"Everything okay?"
"Everything's fine," Parker calls out. "Dove and I go way back. We were just reminiscing."
"Dove?" Elise appears behind him, wearing a sugary sweet smile. "We were wondering where you went. Come inside for a drink!"
Parker leans against me, painfully squeezing my thigh as he mutters in my ear, "Remember what I told you to do. We're getting the fuck out of here, right now."
I swallow, giving him a barely perceptible nod before turning my fake brave face to the other two.
"I think I'm actually g-going to head home," I manage to get out. "I don't feel so good."
"I'm happy to give you a ride," Parker says.
"I'll handle that," Raphael cuts in. "She came with me."
"But Raphael," Elise pouts. "It's your special night. Do you really want to leave early?"
"I don't mind," he says, his eyes firmly locked with mine. "Come on, Dove. Let me take you home."
Parker peels his back from the wall, coming to stand in front of my date for the night. He gives a lazy smile to the man I came here with. "I said I'd handle it, man. I'm taking her home."
"Thanks, but that won't be necessary," Raphael says firmly.
I can see a fight brewing, so I step forward, awkwardly repositioning my dress and hoping neither Raphael nor Elise have noticed how high up on my thighs it is.
"It's fine. I'll go with Nox tonight, Raphael."
"That's right. We got some catching up to do," he grins at my date. "You and Elise just hang out."
"No, I don't think so," Raphael shakes his head.
Ignoring his words, Parker turns to face me with that wicked smirk of his. "Ready?"
I nod, following him through the alley.
"Dove." Raphael grabs me by the forearm. His fingers dig into my skin, painfully hard. I yelp as I turn to face him. "Wait."
"Get your motherfucking hands off her." Parker is standing between us in a flash, his eyes burning with a fire so intense it puzzles Raphael. "Are you deaf, you fucking jackass? Hands. Off. Her. Now."
"Jesus, okay." Raphael raises his hands in the air, glaring at me as Parker leads me away. I feel his and Elise's eyes on us as we make our way around the corner.
"That guy's a piece of shit," Parker mutters under his breath. "You dating him?"
"I don't know," I manage.
"Well, it's over now. You won't have time for him anymore, so unless he catches on fast, you'll need to tell him it's over."
"Why do you think you suddenly control me?" My cheeks are burning up and I'm feeling pissed off with how proprietorial he's being, even though it turns me on at the same time. Not that I'd ever admit that, of course. "You think you own me or something? I'll never do what you want. I'm only humoring you because –"
"Shut up, Dove," he stops me in my tracks. "You're embarrassing yourself. Keep that pretty mouth shut and keep walking."
I don't know what compels me to obey, but I do. I follow in his footsteps until we reach a bike and he pulls out a helmet, holding it out for me.
"Put this on."
I obey, and he snaps it closed under my chin. The intimacy between us is thick and heavy with anticipation. My heart has never beaten faster. I've never been this excited. Not since the last time Parker appeared in my life.
"Don't you have one?" I wonder out loud as he gets on the bike in front of me.
"Don't need one."
"Oh, you're suddenly invincible?"
"I survived Hawaii, didn't I?" He grins at me, revving the engine. I hold on to his waist, pressing my body close to his as he pulls away. He asks for my address and I whisper-yell it in his ear. We keep moving to my house, and when he parks twenty minutes later, I regret having to leave the warmth of his body. I nervously chew my bottom lip as we get off the bike.
"What now?" I ask.
"Now we go inside," he shrugs. "You offer to make me a coffee and I fuck you on the countertop."
"You aren't going to fuck me."
"Says who?" His brows shoot up in amusement.
"Me. Don't I have a choice?"
"No." He laughs at me, pulling me across the street. "Come on. Which one's yours?"
I guide him to my house, unlocking the door despite my best judgement and letting him inside. Everything I've done tonight feels utterly surreal. I can't believe this is real. That Parker Miller is now Nox and he's somehow back in my life. My mind knows I won't outrun him this time, and it's not because he won't give up – it's because I want this. I crave it.
I want him hurting me.
I long for him to do more, to mark me again, to prove that I'm the one he's been obsessed with all these years.
As I make the coffee, I guiltily remember I haven't thought about Robin since Parker walked back into my life. I cling to the memory of my brother, but the moment I walk back into the living room and see Parker standing there with one of my picture frames in his hand, my thoughts go out the window again.
"Put that down."
"Who's this?" He points to the man in the photo, holding me close.
"My brother," I manage without breaking down. "His name was Robin."
"Was?" He raises his brows again, contemplating my words.
"Yes, was," I reply firmly, setting the mugs down with such force brown liquid sloshes over the edge. "Now are you going to tell me what the fuck you want from me?"
Chapter 18
Nox
I put down the frame that upset her. Approaching her, I notice with a smirk that she still flinches when I'm near her. I resist the urge to touch her, to taunt her by running my fingertips over the puckered scar. Instead of doing just that, I sit down on her couch, making myself comfortable. It's fucking weird being in here after watching her in the house for so long. Finally, I'm a part of her inner circle. Now it's time for me to sink my teeth into my delicious victim.
"So, what are you doing here, Parker?" Dove demands. "And what's with the weird new name?"
"Do you know what Nox means?" She shakes her head no. "It's Latin for night."
"So ominous." She actually smiles when she says that, and it's beyond fucking adorable. The urge to make her mine is uncontrollable. I'm going to go fucking insane if I don't sink my dick into her. Right now. But instead of showing her how much I want her, I return the mug to her coffee table, leaning back on the sofa. "You still haven't answered my other question, Nox."
“I like the sound of my weird new name on your pretty lips,” I tell her.
“My question? Answer it,” my little bird demands.
I sigh dramatically. “Who are you talking to?”
She sighs right back. “Nox, answer my question.”
"That’s better. I'm here for you," I shrug. "Isn't that obvious?"
"But I have a life of my own now,
" she goes on. "You can't just waltz in and not expect me to be scared... I know what you did. I know what you did to June and Kade."
"Don't fucking say their names," I hiss, losing control for a split second. I clear my throat and run my fingers through my hair. I abandoned my brother's undercut years ago. Now I wear my hair the way I like – a little messy, dark as ever, and permanently in need of a fucking haircut. "I don't want their names on your lips, Dove. We don't talk about them. Not now, not fucking ever."
"Fine," she hisses, obviously upset by how defensive I've gotten. "But you still can't be here. If Kade and – if they knew, they'd drag you away from here. Away from me."
I know she’s right, but I’m not going to acknowledge it. There was no way my prick brother was getting between us. He'd already ruined my life once, I wasn't going to let him get the best thing that ever happened to me – Dove Canterbury.
"Don't worry about them," I mutter. "They don't matter at fucking all. I'm here for you, Dove. Because we belong together."
"You're fucking delusional." She runs her hand through her hair, obviously frustrated with me. "God, you're really making me crazy."
I don't tell her how crazy I've been for her all these years. That I've spent months, years, tailing her, taking the same streets, following her around the city until I had all her movements down pat. I know everything about her and have for years. And yet Dove is just now coming to terms with the fact that I'm back in her life.
"I'm not leaving," I tell her. "You can't get rid of me now. You had your chance to call the cops, tell them I'm here, and you didn't take it. So now you'll just have to deal with me being around."
"I could still do it." Her eyes bore into mine with defiance. "The moment you leave, I'll call them to tell them about you."
"Sure you will," I smirk at her, stepping closer and grabbing her by the wrist. "We both know you're a terrible fucking liar, Dove. So why don't you just shut the fuck up and do as you're told. It'll make matters a lot easier for both of us."
She's putty in my hands and we both know it. For whatever reason, her body hasn't forgotten its obsession with me. Her bones, her marrow, her skin, still recalls my phantom touch, and she's now shivering in anticipation of more abuse, teetering on the edge and hoping I'll push her right the fuck over.
"You still want me to leave?" I grind out. "You want me out of your life? You never want to see me again? Say it. I fucking dare you."
"Fuck you, Parker," she spits out. My free hand moves to her throat, lighting fast. I hold her in place, roughly enough to tell her this is her place.
"It's Nox. You make that mistake again, I'll make you fucking pay for it. Got that?" I squeeze my fingers in warning. "Answer me."
"Y-Yes," she manages. "God, I got it! I'm sorry!"
"Damn right you are." I let go of her. She heaves a deep breath, glaring at me as I easily take a step back. "Aren't you gonna give me a tour of your place?"
"No," she says. "Because I want you out of here. Now."
"Oh, you're not getting rid of me. Why don't you tell me about your little boyfriend, then. What was it, Raphaello or something ridiculous? Like the candy?"
"Raphael," she hisses. "You've got no business asking about him, Nox."
"I'll make it my fucking business. You two serious?" She gives a non-committal shrug, making me approach her. Dove shrinks away as if she's scared I'll hurt her again. "I asked you if you're serious. Unless you want more pretty scars added to your face, I suggest you answer properly. A shrug isn't an answer, Dove."
"We just started seeing each other."
"Oh, how precious." I smirk at her. "Young love. How is he in bed? You fooling yourself into thinking anyone will be as good as me?"
"Fuck you."
"You keep saying that. I guess you really fucking want it."
She groans. "Look, it's getting late. Can you please just leave me alone? I'm tired and I want you to leave."
"I'm staying here tonight."
Her eyes widen. "Excuse me? You can't just –"
"What are you going to do?" My grin is wide as I face her. "Call your boyfriend?"
"He's not my boyfriend."
"Ah." I smirk. "Not putting a label on it just yet, I see. That means that spot is mine."
"You're not my boyfriend, you sicko."
"But the position is open," I wink at her.
"Not for you." She walks over to the front door, opens it wide and motions for me to leave. "Get out. I don't want you in my house or in my life. I don't want you anywhere near me. So just fucking leave. Now."
"Oh, Dove. I'm not going any-fucking-where. Don't you get it? I came here for you."
"Well, you can't have me," she hisses, but realizes fighting me is pointless so she slams the door shut. "If you aren't leaving, I am."
"And where are you going to go?" I smirk. "Your brother's?"
A painful expression takes over her pretty face. The words hurt, stinging hard even for me.
"Elise's," she finally replies.
"I'm sure she'll be delighted to see you," I mock her. "Especially since she was all over your non-boyfriend tonight. You really still think she didn't leave with Raphael?"
She hesitates, which fills me with a sick sense of success. I put the seed of doubt in her mind, now I just have to water it and make sure it flourishes.
"You can't stay here," she says again, shaking her head. "Don't you have some other place to go?"
"No," I lie. "If you don't let me stay, I'll have to sleep on a park bench or some shit."
"Great." She groans in frustration, pacing the room while my eyes follow her, appreciating her beauty. The need to have her, to make her mine again, is fucking overwhelming. I can barely concentrate on anything that isn't her. It's impossible to keep a clear head around Dove. So, when she passes me, I grab her again, flattening her back against the wall. A gasp escapes her lips and her wide, trusting eyes meet mine. "Don't hurt me anymore."
"Why not?" I ask, genuinely curious. "I thought you liked it."
Her teeth dig into her bottom lip. "I don't like being abused. You made me a victim. I hate being a victim."
"Then don't be one," I tell her. "You always have a choice, Dove. And I know you want this. I know you crave me just as much as I crave you... Even now... after all this time. Isn't that right?"
She doesn't answer, averting her gaze. I've still got her pressed up against the wall, and I can't resist the urge to lean in, inhaling her sweet scent, filling my nostrils with the concoction that is so uniquely Dove it makes my mind spin.
"Get off me." She tries to push me off, but I don't budge. She's forced to stay there, pressed between me and the wall with no chance of escaping. "You're such a fucking freak."
"Call me whatever the fuck you want, Dove, you're not getting rid of me." I tower over her and I fucking love it because I know it makes her feel so very vulnerable. My eyes land on her lips, drinking in the seductive shape of her Cupid's bow, the tremble in her bottom lip, the way her mouth parts as if she expects me to kiss her already. "You want me to kiss you, don't you?"
"I'd rather die than endure that," she grits out, lying through her teeth.
"Prove it."
"I..." Her eyes flash with anger. "Just fuck off already, Nox. I don't want you here."
"And yet we both know you're lying." I smirk at her. "Do I need to prove that to you yet again? Should I reach between your legs and show you just how much I fucking turn you on?"
"Don't touch me."
"You say that, but you seem so very desperate for it. Tell me more. Tell me how much you hate me. How you'll never let me have you again."
"Damn right I won't..."
My eyes travel down her body, her dress tight over her tits. I can practically see her nipples hardening under the weight of my gaze. She wants this. She wants my abuse. She fucking lives for it.
"Keep denying it then. Keep telling me no. It only turns me on more."
"You can never have me," she i
nsists. "We both know how wrong this is. That you don't deserve me. Haven't you hurt me enough? Isn't one scar enough?"
"Never," I hiss in the shell of her ear. "It will never be enough."
I trace my lips along her jawline, making her gasp out loud. She's so fucking weak when I'm around. It's like prey playing dead when the predator arrives. It only makes my job fucking easier. Luckily for Dove, I don't need the thrill of the chase to get my dick hard, because I know we're meant to end up together. And even if we weren't... there's no way she can outrun me.
"You're so desperate for it," I mutter against her skin. "Body shaking, lips parted... You just want me to take what's mine."
"N-No."
"Still lying? I'll force the truth out of you, Dove. Don't you fucking worry."
At the last moment, before my will breaks, I pull away from her. I can see the disappointment in her eyes because it mirrors my own. But this is how I get the girl. I make her crave something, then yank it away before her palm can wrap around the prize.
"Let's go to bed, Dove."
"Where the fuck do you think you're sleeping?"
"Next to you," I smirk. "Maybe on top of you. Maybe you on top of me. Depends on my mood."
"Dream on." She hesitates before motioning to the couch. "You can sleep there, but tomorrow you have to find a new place to spend the night. I'm not playing hostess for some sicko from my past."
"Sure you aren't." She hesitates again. "Waiting for something?"
A goodnight kiss, perhaps?
"No," she finally mutters. "I have something else I need to do."
"Want me to come with you?"
"No," she replies sharply. "Go to sleep. And be gone when I wake up tomorrow."
I smirk, not replying, because there's no goddamn way I'm leaving. Not now, when I've got her eating out of the palm of my hand.
Chapter 19
Dove
There's only one person who can make me feel better after the night I've had.
I load up a paper bag with some food and juice boxes and leave through the backdoor. My head is pounding. Every thought I have revolves around Parker, or Nox, or whatever. But I force myself to push it all aside. He can't be the only person on my mind. I need to remember the people who really matter. Like Robin. Like Sam.
Tyrant Stalker: A Dark Forbidden Romance (Tyrant Dynasty Book 2) Page 12
