11. Lily
Lily
11
Aheavy darkness surrounds me, pressing down on me from all sides. There’s no moon in the sky to light my way through the woods, no stars to guide me home. I may be running in circles and not even realize it.
I stumble, and my long nightdress catches on the branches. They tear through the fabric to scratch my skin. The forest is quiet, except for my breath coming in desperate heaves. Even the predators lurking have gone silent. As if whatever else is in these woods terrifies them more.
Collapsing against the giant tree trunk, I feel around and find a small alcove carved into the side of the wood. It’s small, and it’ll be tight, but I’m desperate. Because I need to hide. I have to hide.
With my back pressed against the mossy wood, I pull my knees to my chest and bury my face against them. My heart pounds against my chest. The sound of my blood rushing fills my ears. It’s so loud, there’s no way he won’t hear it among the silence. And when he does, he will find me.
When he told me to run, I did. But I was stupid to think I stood any chance. Silly of me to believe I could get away. I never can. I never do.
A hand darts out from the dark, wraps around my bare ankle, and tugs hard. I scream as he pulls me from my hiding place. Dragged along on my stomach, I claw at the ground, grabbing at anything and everything I can to stop, but it’s useless. The forest has turned against me. Or maybe it was never on my side at all. Maybe it whispered to him where I hid and showed him the path.
Firm hands grab my hips and effortlessly flip me on my back. His large body falls over me, his strong legs holding mine still as he settles on top of me. The warmth of his body is like a furnace, a fire that licks at my skin, branding me with his touch and scent. He leans forward, his face hidden by a mask of shadows, but his eyes glow like twin beacons in the dark.
“Oh my dear, sweet flower,” he says in a guttural tone that reverberates deep in my bones. “You almost got away.”
There’s no use in struggling, but I try anyway. My pathetic attempts to buck him off my small body only make him chuckle.
“You should know that I like it when you fight back. Don’t you feel what it does to me?”
The moment his hips press against mine, a gasp escapes my lips, overwhelmed by the intense feeling of his unyielding, dangerous body against mine. Moaning softly, I shudder as he grazes against the sensitive bundle of nerves that longs for his caress.
Something must be wrong with me. Something fucked up deep down inside that craves to be chased and caught and dominated. Or maybe there’s nothing fucked up about it at all. Maybe it’s everyone else who lacks the insight and desire for something so carnal and primal that the very idea of it scares them. Frightens them into believing it’s wrong.
But to me…it’s a reprieve. It’s a relief. It’s medicinal. It’s necessary. To give up all the power, all my freedom, all sense of choice…is peaceful. It’s putting my trust in someone else entirely. Knowing they realize exactly what I need at that moment. Believing that they recognize how far to push before it’s too much. Understanding when the line is crossed and where that line is to begin with.
“You’re mine,” he growls into my throat, nipping hard enough to leave marks. “I’m going to tear this flimsy dress off your body…” He moves down to snag one of the thin straps between his teeth and tears the fabric in half. “I’m going to claim every inch of this gorgeous body…” He bites down on my breast. Hard. And I cry out. “Scream all you like, sweet flower. No one can hear you. No one can save you.” He laughs against my chest before moving farther down my body. “I’m going to fill your womb until your body has no choice but to swell with my child.”
“Yes,” I whisper. I want that too.
He tears what’s left of my pathetic excuse of a nightgown before lowering his mouth to hover above my aching pussy. When I try to squirm and push the area where I ache closer to his mouth, he chuckles deep and low. His hot breath brushes against me, sending waves of electric sensations up and down my spine before leaving me in tears.
“Please,” I beg, my voice breaking from sobs.
With a seductive smile, he murmurs, "Let's see how sweet you taste," before his tongue devours me with an intensity that leaves me trembling and unable to think of anything but the overwhelming pleasure. I'm being consumed by him, just like a predator would consume its innocent prey.
I arch my back and explode against his mouth, my eyes seeing the stars hidden in the black sky as my body shakes and quivers from my orgasm. Maybe it’s the adrenaline of the hunt or the fear of being caught, but I’ve never come so hard in my life.
“Please…” I moan. “I need…”
“What do you need, sweet flower?”
“I need you, Raphael.”
“Raphael?” He repeats, but his voice sounds different now.
No longer the voice of my savior…but of my torturer.
I look down and lock eyes with black instead of gold as the shadows retreat from his face.
“Xiao.”
“Did you think you could escape me? That I wouldn’t find you? You think he could keep you from me?”
Thrashing, I throw my body in every direction I can to break free. To fight. Because this is no longer a fantasy…but a nightmare.
With a sudden jolt, I sit up in bed, gasping for air. My heart pounds against my bruised ribs, causing a dull ache to pass through me. My skin is clammy from sweat, and tears have left my face swollen. I throw the blanket off my warm body and check on Mei next to me, relieved to see her still asleep. The child can sleep through a hurricane. And actually did last year.
Sliding out of bed, I tug at my top, desperate to cool down my flushed skin. It’s useless, though. I’m still hot. My eyes wander around the room, finally fixating on the French doors that lead to the terrace. There’s frost on the glass panes, and I move without even thinking. The freezing night air pierces my soul and cools my heated skin. It’s a stark reminder of reality as the lingering nightmare fades.
I climb onto a round outdoor chair, cradle a pillow against my chest and curl my body around it, seeking comfort like a cat. I’m still warm and not ready to go inside yet.
In the distance, the lights of downtown Miami twinkle like a sea of stars, and the gentle sounds of the ocean waves crashing far below fill the air. Working together like a lullaby, they calm my exhausted soul and bring me peace when I close my eyes and drift into a dreamless sleep.