Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
He glanced at me, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “See? You’re learning, my Lolita.”
And with that, we pulled out of the estate, the car cutting through the bright day as the tension of the morning lingered in the back of my mind.
The day unfolded in a way that felt like a dream—one that I hadn’t anticipated. After leaving the estate, Alexander took me on a different tour of the Isle, one that stretched far beyond the polished, picturesque parts I had grown accustomed to. This time, he led me into the parts of the Isle that remained hidden from most eyes, showing me places I hadn’t even known existed.
He drove us through winding roads, past lush meadows and farmland, the beauty of the scenery striking in its simplicity. The agricultural expanse was vast, with cattle grazing lazily in the fields and orchards heavy with fruit. The rows of trees stretched on endlessly, their branches dipping low under the weight of ripe apples and pears. It was peaceful—on the surface, at least. Yet, I knew the darker side of it now and what was hidden behind the serene facade of Hawthorne Harvests.
Thankfully, Alexander didn’t make me get out and confront that reality. As we passed through the quiet, hidden roads, his hand would find mine, his fingers intertwining with mine or brushing against my thigh. Every touch felt intentional, his casual affection grounding me in the strange, surreal day.
“You’ve never seen this part of the Isle, have you?” he asked, glancing over at me with a knowing smile as we drove past another vast meadow.
I shook my head, my eyes lingering on the landscape outside. “No. I didn’t even know this was here.”
He chuckled softly, the sound warm and rich. “I thought so. There’s more to Stygian Isle than just the town and the rituals. Much more.” His hand drifted to the back of my neck, his fingers gently massaging my skin as he drove.
“I wanted you to see this part of our world. Beyond the ceremonies.”
Something was comforting in the way he spoke; in the way he showed me these hidden corners of the Isle. It felt ... intimate, as though he was letting me into parts of himself along with the island. Despite everything I knew about him and the mysterious world he ruled, I couldn’t deny the connection building between us.
At one point, we stopped at a high ridge overlooking the massive lake that stretched for miles across the Isle. The water shimmered under the midday sun, its surface as still as glass. It reminded me just how large the lake was, sprawling, like an inland sea.
The view was breathtaking, the hills and forests of the Isle reflected in the water’s mirror-like surface. Alexander parked the car and stepped out, coming around to open my door for me. He extended his hand, and I took it, stepping out into the cool breeze. He pulled me close, his arm wrapping around my waist as we stood at the edge of the overlook.
“This is one of my favorite places on the Isle,” he said softly, his lips brushing against my temple as he spoke. “There’s something calming about it, isn’t there? So much beneath the surface, but all you see is this perfect reflection.”
I turned toward him, feeling the heat of his body against mine, the warmth of his breath on my skin. Before I could respond, he tilted my chin up and pressed his lips against mine in a soft, lingering kiss. It wasn’t hurried or demanding, but there was an intensity behind it, a quiet promise.
When he pulled back, his eyes locked with mine, filled with that dark intensity I had grown so familiar with. “You belong here, Lolita. You’ve always belonged here, with me.”
I couldn’t help but lean on him. I was beginning to understand what he meant, how this place—and this man—had slowly become my reality.
He held me close, his arm wrapped securely around me as we stood together, watching the serene view of the lake.
The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the water, the moment oddly peaceful in its simplicity. As his hand ran slowly up and down my back, I became acutely aware of the space between us. He hadn’t been inside me since early this morning—late the night before—and I wanted him. As sore as I was, and as chaotic as my mind had been all day, in this moment of calm, I found myself craving him. Needing him.
I turned my head, glancing up at him, searching his face. He looked down at me, and his grin widened, that familiar knowing glint in his eyes. “Don’t look at me like that,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing. “I’ve got something planned for later, and it’s taking everything I have to hold myself back right now.”