Page 63 of Betrayed

He brings me to the edge again. And again.

But he doesn’t let me fall.

He drags out the torment, whispering filth in my ear. “You beg for it, and maybe I’ll let you come again.”

“Please,” I whimper.

“Not enough.”

“Please, Lucian. I—I need it. I need to feel you.”

This time, when he fucks me, it’s with desperation. His hips snap into mine with furious intent. His cock throbs inside me, his hands bruising my hips.

When he comes, he spills deep with a groan that sounds like my name being broken open. He collapses over me, panting.

We stay like that for a long time.

Just skin and sweat and silence.

Eventually, he lifts me gently off the table and carries me to the couch. Wraps me in the coat he brought. The one I’ve let become my blankie. Kisses my forehead.

And says nothing.

And neither do I.

Because the words he’s waiting for me to say are too dangerous to say out loud. If I tell him the truth, if I tell him I love him, those words can’t be taken back.

And our world seems to be doing everything it can to keep us apart.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Lucian

I don’t sleep.

Erin is curled into me, her breath brushing against my chest, fragile and warm. Her breaths are steady. But that doesn’t calm the wildfire in my veins.

I have to leave this cabin tonight. And I have to know that she’s going to stay put while I’m gone. Honestly, I’d like to drug her. Tie her to this bed. Lock her in chains. Then, when things are safe again, pop her in my kangaroo pouch and carry her with me everywhere.

Now, I have to go. I know she’s exhausted. I hope she’ll sleep through. And I trust my men.

My arm tightens around her waist. Even unconscious, her body reacts—pressing closer, curling toward my heat like she knows I’ll shield her from every goddamn shadow.

I brush her hair back from her face and press a kiss to her temple. “You’re safe,” I whisper. “I’ve got you, baby.”

But safety is a lie. I don’t want to leave her. Ever. But I have to. I give her one glance over my shoulder. Her face is pale in the moonlight, her dark hair fanned out over the white pillowcase.

God, she’s beautiful.

Bayne’s waiting for me in the Escalade, down the road. I didn’t want the rumble of the engine to disturb her sleep.

“Ready, mate?”

“I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”

“Except her,” he chuckles darkly.

“Shut up. This is red-hot vengeance. That’s something else entirely.”