Once You're Mine (Possessing Her)

by Morgan Bridges

Most women are delicate, in need of protection. But only in the physical sense. Emotionally, they are more intelligent, more in tune with the feelings that tend to dominate their lives.

The fragrance of the bloom fills my nostrils, along with the scent of the woman who now invades my thoughts. She’s a mystery. A problem. One that I intend to solve and be rid of. No matter the cost. Or else the price I’ll pay will be my sanity—what little still remains.

But I never would’ve guessed that Mr. Bennett, the prosecuting attorney who tried to imprison my father, would be the same man who also possessed a degree of chivalry. Or that he’d execute it on my behalf.

“The human body is a canvas that I utilize at every opportunity.”

Family isn’t defined by a number of people or the social construct. It’s defined by the number of heartbeats, shared laughs, and a love that goes beyond borders or restrictions.

That’s where monsters hide. Not out in the open, but under your bed and in your closet. Within your home and other places where you’re most vulnerable. Where they can be close to you.

Bennett jerks his chin in my direction. His eyes are bright in the dim lighting, the fierce emotions within shining like diamonds. “She’s mine.”

“Apologize to Miss Green for putting your filthy hands on her. Then apologize to me for touching what’s mine.”

I wouldn’t want to dance with the devil either. Yet he’s right beside me.

“You need me. Not this fucking job or anything else,” he says. “Now, get in the car before I carry you.”

“Don’t try to run,” he says, staring into my eyes. “I can see you want to, but don’t.” “Why?” “I will always chase you.”

“Stop looking at me like that.” I flick my gaze to his. “What?” “Stop looking at me like you want my hands on your body.” He inhales as if to keep a hold on himself, his knuckles turning white as he grips the steering wheel. “If I touch you, I won’t ever stop.”

“I agree, Callie.” I sneak a glance at him. “No one’s ever called me that.” “And no one else ever will.”

She is mine. My reason for feeling alive. My reason for feeling enraged. My reason for feeling anything at all.

“She is a person of great interest to me and should be shown the ultimate respect at all times. Whenever she requests to speak to me, you will contact me immediately and put all of my other plans on hold. There’s nothing and no one more important than her. Understood?”

“Because you’re in my blood, Callie. Underneath my skin. No matter how hard I try, I can’t cut you out without killing myself in the process.”

I’ll never leave you. Not in this life or whatever comes after. You are mine. And I will burn this world to fucking ashes before I let anything take you from me. Or me from you.”

“I’ll fuse your broken pieces with mine. Together, we’ll be whole, Callie.”

Calista Green may bear the flaws all humans possess, but to me, she’s perfect.

Not only does Calista soothe me, she makes me feel like I’m home.

I want to protest against the extravagance, but when he glances at me as if I’m his reason for breathing… I can’t deny this man anything.

“You belong anywhere I bring you. No exceptions.”

“Your life is all I care about, and I’ll do whatever it takes to preserve it, Callie. Even if that means pissing you off.”

“There is no future without you in it.” “Hayden…” “You’re my life. That won’t change.” I twist my hands in my lap. “What if it does?” “You’re mine in life and death. There is no end when it comes to us.”

“When the woman of your darkest fantasies says she wants you, you don’t let anything get in the way of her changing her mind.”

My heart, wherever that fucker might be, bleeds for her.