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Chapter Two

Branson

I have imagined my first time stepping outside in so long a million different ways, but never once did I think it would be frantically looking for Amelia. I definitely didn't expect this, though really, I suppose I should have.

The cop is dead, or almost, and Mia, no Teddy, stands there looking guilty with a fresh smear of blood on her face. Despite how pissed I am at having more shit to deal with, I can't help but stare at her, her expression animated and excited. She truly is in her element.

Thunder booms overhead at the same instant it begins to rain. I look up to the sky and close my eyes, letting it wash over me. The freshness, the coldness, refreshing and invigorating.

"He was poking around," she says, and I open my eyes to look at her. The rain pours steady, and she's already soaked. Her blonde hair clings to her face just as her clothes cling to her body. She looks at me expectantly.

I step over the man, looking down briefly to confirm he's dead. I don’t feel as bad as I know I’m supposed to. I also know if we are going to be free, properly free, then she can’t be killing cops. My hand reaches down to her chin, forcing her gaze up to mine.

"No more," I tell her, my voice low and firm. Her tongue darts out to lick her full bottom lip and I have to bite back a groan. Water pours down on us, the blood on the ground washing into the mud.

"You gonna make me?" she taunts, stepping back from my grasp and into the open barn. And despite the seriousness of the situation, I feel the corner of my lip turn up. Fucking brat.

A smile plays out on her face as she walks backward, her eyes never leaving mine. A dare and a challenge. I feel my dick twitch as I take a step forward.

We have two bodies to get rid of. A cop, who may not have been alone, and the woman who basically raised us both. This is the worst fucking time for this, but I also can't help but think possibly the best.

Have we ever really lived in the moment?

Besides, it's time she learns how things are going to be from now on. She takes another step back.

"Stop," I command, and she does, eyeing me with interest rather than wariness. My dick is rock hard, remembering the last time she listened when I told her what to do.

"Make me," she says, her voice a whisper. She giggles and runs off into the barn. My brows practically hit my hairline at her brazenness, but a grin strikes my face.

If she wants to play, then let's play.