Page 47 of Fatal Fantasy

Falling into his touch sweeps a wave of contentment over my body, like nothing could interrupt this moment, or break through the bubble we’ve wrapped ourselves in.

‘You seemed … happy today. Carefree, even,” Jasper confesses, and my heart skips a beat, solely because he noticed the slight change in my mood, and chose to approach it, rather than tiptoe around my feelings.

“I am happy, or at least working toward something that resembles happiness. It’s because of you and Tyson, you two are the center of my universe,” I tell him, peeking up at him through my lashes, watching as a shit-eating grin cascades across his face.

“And you are mine, Principessina. Are you sure about washing your hair, though?” He asks, positioning me until I’m straddling his lap, his icy silver eyes meeting mine while he takes my chin between his fingers. “You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”

His nostrils flare as the protective, murderous stare overtakes his irises, and I stroke my fingers along his jawline, admiring the fierce way he worries about me on full display.

“I’m terrified, but there once was a time where I chased down the things that scared me to feel more alive, and I have to face this. I’m not made of glass, Jasper,” I say honestly, knowing that the power coursing through my veins, and the overwhelming feeling of strength in my bones, is what I need to follow.

“I believe in you, Carter. Whatever you face, you absolutely conquer, and while you’re not made of glass, I can’t help but worry about you.” He kisses my cheeks, showering me with gentle affection, while confessing his fears in an open, honest way.

“I’d never fault you for worrying about me. We’re attacking what scares us, and not letting it take control.” I lean forward, my lips hovering just above his as I let our most vulnerable places linger between us, the energy full of sadness and anxiety, but most importantly, understanding.

“Love is stronger than fear,” he whispers, our noses practically touching before he wraps a hand around my throat, biting his lip as he stares into my eyes.

Without a second thought, I pull him until we connect in the middle, grinding my hips into his while we tangle our tongues together.

It’s rough, passionate, and all-consuming the way we fall into this kiss, the world not even spinning as we lose ourselves in each other.

Not one to let the power slip away, I snake a hand around Jasper’s neck, squeezing his windpipe as I scrape my teeth along his bottom lip, nipping until I taste a drop of blood, eliciting a deep moan from his chest.

“Fuck, my little vampire, you’re trying to kill me,” he breathes, licking the blood from the small slit on his lip, the crimson red liquid dancing along his tongue before he swallows.

“I’m just getting started with you,” I tease, dragging my hips along the bulge in his pants at a slow, purposeful pace, his fingers squeezing my skin, surely leaving bruises, as I drive him wild.

“Am I interrupting?” Tyson’s voice booms over us, and a slight blush forms on my cheeks, listening as his footsteps grow closer to the bed.

It’s been six long months, but a sense of euphoria crashes into my veins when they’re both surrounding me like I’m their prey, and all they’ve been trained to do is hunt.

“Not if you want to join,” I smirk, turning to face him, but his big arms scoop me into his chest almost effortlessly, ripping Jasper and I apart.

“We have a shower to take,” he orders, the husky tone in his voice sending a shot of electricity straight between my legs.

I know better than to argue when he speaks like this, the dominant side of him not in the mood to deal with my bratty one, especially when I asked for this specific form of exposure therapy.

“Yes, Tyson,” I answer, earning a quick kiss on the nose and a nod of approval, two small gestures that remind me how well he cares for the parts of myself that crave reassurance.

He carries me across the threshold into the tiny bathroom, placing my ass on the counter while he starts the water, and although I’m fighting against every part of my body that reacts in fear, I can’t help the way I shake at the very distinct noise.

“May I?” He holds the hem of my shirt with two fingers, towering over me while waiting for an answer, one that I can barely find the words to give.

Nodding slightly is all I can manage, but in true Tyson fashion, he doesn’t accept gestures, looking for complete consent before moving forward.

“Words, Carter. I know you can do it,” he whispers, his hair falling into his eyes as he bends down, pressing his forehead to mine.

“Yes, Tyson,” I say those two little words aloud, but he doesn’t skip a beat, or make my submission any bigger than it needs to be.

“Should we bring your safe word into play?” He asks, taking my hands into his, but I immediately shake my head, not interested in playing it safe.

“I’ve never said it before,” I argue, unable to stop myself from displaying the pride I have for not needing to be rescued, saved, or helped during the most vulnerable moments of my life that I cherish the most.

“And you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met, but we all have our breaking point. If it becomes too much, Carter, you won’t suffer in silence. Use your safe word,” he asserts, slipping the clothes off my body and tossing them to the floor, my naked skin prickling with goosebumps.

“I can do this.” I jump from the counter, my feet landing me squarely on the ground, but the words Jasper and I shared echo through my mind, and I shake off every ounce of doubt, facing this like anything other challenge I’ve experienced – head on.

Love is stronger than fear.