The Initiation (Darkness Within Duet 1)
“You know we could rectify that one problem,” he said, stepping up toward her.
She didn’t move away as he touched her elbow.
“I’m not having sex with you.”
“You want to remain a virgin forever?”
She kept her lips sealed. Staying a virgin wasn’t on her list of plans. What she refused to give into, was that curiosity he had her feeling.
“You’re wrong,” he said, stroking his finger up her arm, grazing across the curve of her breast.
She didn’t pull away, nor did he stop or go any further. The touch was light, almost an accident, only, she knew better. Draven didn’t do anything by accident.
“What am I wrong about?” she asked.
“That I didn’t notice you. I did.”
“Really?”
“Really.” He leaned in close, his lips stroking across her neck, and she held her breath.
Pleasure rushed through her body. She wasn’t immune to his touch. She was stronger than this.
“I noticed you, Harper, since kindergarten I noticed.”
“You’re lying.”
“Oh, I’m not. I noticed, but the difference here, is you’re good and I’m not.”
“What changed?”
“You. You were unreachable to me. Too goody-goody for an asshole like me, like us.”
“Us?”
“There’s a darkness in your eyes, and no one else can see it. They expect you to forget what happened, to move on. I know that it’s not so easy.”
“You’ve seen death.”
“I’ve caused it. You’re not an idiot, Harper. You know what Stonewall is like. It’s why you’ve stayed so far away from us all. Axel, Buck, Jett, myself, we’re a toxin that is so ingrained in this town, no one can get rid of us. You’ve watched the cops look the other way. You know, deep down inside, that if I was to take your body right now, rape you, no cop would come to me in the morning. I’m untouchable.”
“No one should have that kind of power.”
“Just because it shouldn’t happen, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Unfairness in the world is always there. You got to learn to fight for your place, or always be pushed over, beat down.”
“You’re giving me the option to run with sharks.”
He laughed. “Sharks don’t run. We wait for our prey to come to us willingly, and we snatch it up.”
His lips were so close.
She felt that connection between them, the draw that tugged her. She’d never been kissed by a guy, and right now, Draven was very much taking pole position.
“Are you the leader?” she asked.
He smiled.
“Technically, Axel should be the leader, but I’m the one that gets shit done. That’s all you get to know for tonight.”
“Can we have a deal?” she asked. “Sorry, can we make a deal?”
“A deal. You want to bargain with me?”
Surely, how hard could it be?
“Sure, why not?”
He smiled. “I can’t wait to see what you have to offer or what it is you even want from me.”
“Okay, erm, it’s quite simple. I’d like to know more. One thing a day before I make a decision.”
“You don’t get anything in this world without me getting something in return.”
“What would you want?” she asked.
He smiled. “How about I tell you what I want on the day.”
“I can’t do anything illegal,” she said, knowing deep down, she could. “Or wrong.”
He laughed. “I’m not that bad, Harper. Have a little faith, and I believe you can do whatever you want to do. Don’t underestimate yourself.”
“Kind of hard to do right now.”
“True. I’ve never claimed to be a good guy. I’m not a good person. I do bad things. It’s what I’ve been designed to do. You know the rumors. I won’t lie to you.”
“You won’t tell me the full truth either.”
“The truth can be really overrated.” He sighed. “So, we’re at an impasse.”
“No. I still want to know. One piece of information and in return I’ll give something to you or do something. Conditions are, nothing illegal or anything that can break the law and end with me in jail.”
“You know that gives me a lot of things to work with.”
“I know. It’s quite a thing, but I’m willing to try.” She wanted to know more before she committed to anything.
She hated being alone, and right now, that was exactly what she was, alone. She missed the times that she didn’t mind being on her own.
“You owe me something right now,” he said. “How will you pay me?”
“That’s up to you.”
He stared into her eyes, waiting. Time seemed to stand still. “I know what I want.”
“What?”
“I want a kiss.”
“Seriously? That’s it?”
“That’s it. One kiss,” he said.
To him it was just one kiss. To her, she’d never been kissed before.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“If you decide to join us, Harper, you can’t keep secrets.”
“None of you have any secrets, at all?”
“None that matter. I don’t need to know who Axel is screwing or what Jett’s thinking. The important stuff we tell each other. It’s why we’re so close. No secrets. Always sharing.”