The Initiation (Darkness Within Duet 1)

Axel got it, understood it as he went through the same. They didn’t need to share who had the worst childhood.

Pulling out her seat, she sat down, and he loved her smile.

“This is all amazing,” she said.

“And it’s all for you.”

“All for me.” She batted her eyes at him. Her hands clasped together, and he saw she was nervous.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s all just a little new. I don’t know if I really belong here.”

He covered her hands with his. “It doesn’t matter if you belong or not. You’re here with me. That’s all that matters. Own it. You’re you, Harper. Don’t let anyone ever tell you differently.”

“You’re always so nice to me.”

“You’re mine remember. Ours.”

Her cheeks flamed. “Right. Of course. It’s not like I forget that, ever.”

This made him laugh. “I adore you.”

“Really? I kind of adore you too.”

He opened the drinks menu. “You want wine?”

She shook her head. “Water would be more than fine for me.”

He nodded to the waiter. He ordered them both some water. He asked for ice for himself, and Harper wanted hers plain.

When he finished, he put down the drinks menu and picked up the food one. Glancing over the top, he saw her looking at him. “What?”

“I don’t know. You seem really in charge. It is … I don’t know. Ignore me.”

“I’m not ignoring you. Come on, what is it?”

“You don’t seem eighteen. You look and sound a lot older.”

With all the things he’d seen, he didn’t feel like a teenage kid.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t keep apologizing,” he said.

She went to say it again, only she pressed her lips together.

“That’s a start. Now, tell me what you want for dinner.” He watched her as he looked down at her menu. For the first time in weeks, she looked like a real woman. Between her training and being at school, she’d blended in as one of the guys.

She was far from one of the guys right now. Her tits pressed against the tight bodice of the dress. He’d picked it for that reason alone. Her tits were so big, and the cleavage it gave her, it made his dick hard just watching her.

She hadn’t opted for heels, so against him, it made her incredibly small. Her head came to his chest. She couldn’t even walk in heels.

They’d both ended up in a fit of giggles one night when he asked her to try them on. She’d collapsed against him, and it had turned into a make-out session. He loved her lips. They were so plump, kissable and fuckable at the same time.

He needed to focus on the menu and not on taking her to the nearest room and ridding her of her virginity.

There was no doubt in any of their minds that he’d be the one to claim her cherry. None of the guys wanted to have it, even though they found themselves becoming more and more attracted to her with every passing day.

“You’re staring,” she said.

“You look incredibly beautiful tonight.”

“You picked the dress. You’re complimenting yourself.” She giggled.

“Then I have excellent dress sense.”

“I’d say.” She winked at him. “I’d love the steak and potatoes if that’s okay.”

“More than okay.” He signaled the waiter, gave his order, and they were alone again.

She glanced around the restaurant, and he watched her.

“Have you ever thought about what would happen if you went to college?” she asked.

“I’m not going to college.”

“I know. I’m just curious if you even want to?” She tilted her head to the side and smiled at him. “I’m making conversation, Draven.”

“Are you wanting to go to college?”

She shrugged. “It was a dream I had, but with everything going on, that’s not going to happen.”

“Why?”

“I’m not going to ask Ian for help with funding. The moment I can, I want out of there.”

“What if I can set that up?”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“I could get you your own place or you could come and live with me.” It was a risk, but maybe with her being right in his father’s house, he’d see how serious they all were.

“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “Let’s not talk about that, and you answer my question about college.”

“No, I wouldn’t want to go. Everything I know and need to know doesn’t involve a college education but a street one.”

“You’re not even tempted or a little curious?”

“No.”

“I like that. I like that you know who you are.”

“You know who you are as well, Harper.” He picked her hand up and placed a kiss to the inside of her wrist. “You’re a strong, beautiful woman. You’ve got a mean kick and throw a decent punch.”

“Draven, they’re not great skills.”

“To a fighter, they’re the best kind of skills. You’re a fighter now, and you’ve got to look to your strengths, not your weakness. You’re strong. Say it with me.”

“I’m strong.”