The Initiation (Darkness Within Duet 1)

This made her smile, and seeing it light up her face, took his breath away.

You’re falling for her.

He hadn’t fallen for her recently. No, he’d fallen for her a long time ago.

Their meal came out. All talk about colleges and a change of life ceased. They talked about everything else. The training, Axel’s need to always be number one, Buck’s constant joking, and of course, Jett’s mad skills with a knife.

He liked that even when they weren’t with them, she was more than happy to talk about them. They were part of her life too.

She didn’t want dessert, and he saw a bunch of couples together on the dance floor. He’d already paid the check, and before heading out, he took her hand, leading her onto the floor. Putting an arm around her waist, he drew her close. With the other, he captured her hand.

“This is nice,” she said.

“I wanted this to be perfect.”

She chuckled. “It really is.”

She tilted her head back, and he brushed her lips with his own. She moaned his name, and he gripped her waist harder, not wanting to let her go. He loved the sweet sounds she made as he deepened the kiss. She opened her lips for him, and he plundered inside.

The sound of throats clearing had him pulling away. He nodded at the smiles and cheers.

“Come on,” he said.

He gave them a little wave and left the restaurant. He had to show a great deal of restraint. He didn’t want the kiss to end.

When it came to Harper, there were a lot of things he didn’t want to end.

They waited for the valet to bring his car around. He kept Harper at his side. She cupped his cheek, and he stared down into her eyes, so captured by the color. So expressive.

“I’m ready, Draven.”

“Ready?”

“Yes. I want this … tonight. You and me. Just you and me.”

He cupped her cheek, knowing what she was saying. “Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I want you tonight. Before we go back to town. Back to everything.”

The car pulled up in front of him, and he tipped them. Opening the door for her, he closed it once she was inside. Placing a hand on the car, he took a few deep breaths. His cock was unbearably hard.

This was another turning point for the two of them. He wanted her, and she was a virgin. It wouldn’t be easy, and he knew there would be pain as well.

Running a hand down his face, he walked to the driver’s side. Climbing behind the wheel, he started up the engine and turned to her.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure. I mean, if you want to. I don’t want you to do something you don’t want to do.”

He laughed. “I want this. I just, I wasn’t expecting you to want it tonight.”

“Then we don’t have to.”

“You’re ready. I’m going to shut up now before I spoil everything.” He took her hand, kissing the inside of her wrist. She let out a breathy sigh.

He wasn’t going to wait for this.

Harper was his, and he was going to claim her virginity. The first part of her belonging to all of them just how they wanted it.

Get a grip, Draven.

Don’t fuck this up.

Chapter Twelve

The hotel was nice.

Harper stood in the center, staring at the bed as Draven closed the door, drawing the curtain and giving them some privacy.

She didn’t want to go home, nor did she want this night to end. Her heart pounded, and even though she was ready, nerves flooded her. Turning to Draven, she forced a smile to her lips.

“We can call it a night right now. I can take you home.”

“You got the room for the night.” She slipped out of her shoes.

“I’m not going to force you to do this, Harper.”

She laughed. “There’s not going to be any force.” She stepped up to him.

“Really? You look like you’re going to throw up.”

She shook her head. “I’m not. I want this. Can’t I be a little nervous with everything?”

“You’re nervous.” He held her shoulders.

“Yes. I’m nervous. Everything I’ve done has been with you. I don’t even know if you’re my boyfriend, my friend, lover, I don’t know what to call you.”

“I’m everything. I’m your boyfriend, lover, friend, enemy, all of it.”

She laughed. “You’re not my enemy.”

“Until you’re ready, I’m everything you need me to be.”

She tilted her head back. “Then kiss me, lover.”

He slammed his lips down on hers, and she moaned as his tongue slid across her lips. His fingers sank into her hair, holding onto the locks, making her gasp as he gave them a tug. “I love your lips,” he said. “So fucking much.”

She wrapped her arms around him, loving the feel of his body against hers.

The hard ridge of his cock teased her stomach, and the length seemed to pulse as if it had a mind of its own.