37. Talon
37
TALON
I watch Lena sip her coffee across the breakfast table. The morning light streams through our Boston apartment windows, casting a warm glow on her skin. Two months have passed since David’s disappearance, and the investigation has hit dead ends despite the Collins family throwing their wealth at it.
“The heat’s died down,” I say, setting down my mug. “It’s time we deal with Wilson.”
Lena’s hand trembles slightly as she lowers her cup. “Are you sure?”
“He deserves what’s coming after what he did to you.” My jaw clenches at the memory of his violation. “When he kicked me out, he took advantage of you. That was his final mistake.”
“I wanted to forget that.” Her voice wavers. “But every time I close my eyes...”
“He won’t hurt you again.” I reach across the table and take her hand. “I’ve planned everything. The Collins family can’t find David, and they never will. Mr. Wilson will meet the same fate.”
“What if something goes wrong?” Her hazel eyes meet mine, filled with concern.
“Nothing will go wrong. I’ve been watching his routine for weeks. He’s predictable—same schedule, same habits.” I squeeze her hand. “He thinks he’s untouchable because of his connections. That’s what will make this perfect.”
“The system failed us back then,” Lena whispers.
“And now it’s time to get our revenge.” I trace circles on her palm. “Do you trust me?”
“With my life.” She nods. “When?”
“Tonight. I’ll need your help, though.” I stand and move around the table to her. “No one will ever hurt you again. I promise.”
Mr. Wilson thinks he got away with it—hurting Lena and abusing his power. But tonight, that power dynamic shifts. I’ve watched, waited, bided my time, and meticulously planned our revenge.
“You’ll need to arrive around seven when it’s getting dark.” I outline the plan as Lena listens, her eyes unwavering. “Come to the front door; I’ll watch through the kitchen window. Knock three times, and Mr. Wilson will answer. He’ll be alone and likely drunk, so you must be careful. Act vulnerable, play into his sick fantasies.”
Her jaw tightens at the thought, but she remains resolute. I know this isn’t easy for her, but we both understand the necessity.
“What then?” she asks, her voice steady.
“Let him believe you’re willing. Draw him to your old room, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
Lena’s eyes glint with mixed emotions—fear, anger, and determination. “And then?”
“I’ll make him pay for what he did to you for what he tried to do again.” A cold smile stretches my lips. “I’ve waited a long time for this.”
She swallows, her expression conflicted. “What exactly do you mean by ‘pay’?”
Leaning forward, I whisper, “I’ll make sure he suffers. He’ll never lay a hand on you or anyone else ever again. Trust me.”
Lena’s gaze drops to her hands, and she takes a steadying breath. “What about you? Are you sure you want to do this?”
“I’m sure.” I pause, searching her eyes. “This isn’t just about revenge for me; it’s about ensuring your safety. He can’t be allowed to hurt you again. Ever.”
“Okay.” Her voice is soft, but her tone is resolute. “I trust you.”
Lena’s eyes shine with a mixture of emotions as she leans into my kiss. I taste her hesitation and growing desire, the clash of her innocent self with the darkness bubbling inside her. She wants to embrace it; I can feel it. But fear holds her back, the remnants of her innocence, afraid to fully surrender to this new, intense world we’ve entered together.
“He deserves it,” I murmur against her lips, my hands pulling her closer. “After what he did to you, the pain he caused.”
I feel her shudder at my words, her breath catching in her throat. “I know,” she whispers. “It’s just... so dark. So final.”
I pull back slightly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “You wanted revenge, and I’m giving it to you. Together, we’ll make him pay for his sins against you.”
She bites her lip, her eyes darting away before returning to meet mine. “What exactly are we going to do to him?”
A slow smile spreads and twists my lips. “We’ll tie him up. This time, the power will be in our hands. He’ll be helpless while we do whatever we please.”
Lena’s eyes widen at the imagery my words evoke. “And then?”
Stepping closer, I whisper, “Then we’ll take our time. We’ll make him watch as we revel in each other, joined as one, while he slowly bleeds out. Alone and helpless, he’ll realize too late that his power is gone.”
She swallows, her chest rising and falling with the rapid beat of her heart. I see the conflict in her eyes, the battle between her darker impulses and her lingering innocence. “Are you sure about this? About me?”
Leaning down, I capture her lips in a searing kiss that conveys all the certainty I feel. “You’re mine, Lena. Embrace it. Embrace the darkness, and let it consume you. Together, we’ll burn brighter than ever before.”
Her arms wrap around my neck, her body pressing against mine as she returns my kiss with equal fervor. I feel her hesitation melting away, replaced by a fierce hunger. Lena is fully present in this moment, her eyes filled with determination and a dark, alluring light.
“I’m ready.” She breathes the words, her fingers threading through my hair. “Let’s show him what happens when he messes with us.”
Her voice holds a confident edge that sends a rush of satisfaction through me. I pull her closer, our bodies aligning, our hearts pounding in unison.
“Tonight,” I promise. “Tonight, we set our plan in motion, and Wilson gets what’s coming to him.”
The darkness inside me pulses with anticipation as I watch Lena. Her hands tremble slightly as she applies makeup, but determination burns in her eyes. She’s embracing the shadows now, letting them seep into her soul like they did mine all those years ago.
Mr. Wilson thought he could break us. He used his power and his connections to keep us under his thumb. But he never understood what he was creating. Every blow, every cruel word, every time he touched her—it all fed something deeper, darker within me.
I remember the first time I saw him lay hands on her. The rage that filled me wasn’t just protective—it was possessive. Primal. She was mine to protect, control, and love in my own twisted way. That bastard’s greatest mistake was thinking he could take what belonged to me.
David’s death was just the beginning. I can still feel the satisfaction of driving the blade into his flesh, watching the realization in his eyes of what happens when you touch what’s mine. But Mr. Wilson deserves something special that will make him understand the true meaning of powerlessness.
Watching Lena now, I see the same darkness reflecting in her eyes. She’s no longer that innocent girl he tried to break. She’s become beautiful and deadly, like a rose with poisoned thorns. My perfect match in this dance.
How she moves, preparing herself for our performance tonight, sends electricity through my veins. She knows what’s coming, knows the role she has to play, and still chooses this path—chooses me. The monster turned out to be her salvation.
Mr. Wilson has no idea what’s coming for him. He’ll open that door expecting to find a vulnerable girl he can manipulate. Instead, he’ll find the instrument of his destruction wrapped in a package of false innocence. And I’ll be there, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Tonight, we’ll paint our love story in shades of crimson, and our abuser’s screams will be our symphony.