Page 94 of Blackwood

“Touched.”

Another.

“Fucked.”

He thrusts up quick and harder this time to prove his point and I gasp, digging my nails deeper into his chest.

“And now,” Cade adds, lips grazing my ear, “he wants you too. He’s waited long enough.”

My body tightens at the thought, unexpected and electric.

“Say yes, Bella,” he whispers against my lips.

“Yes, Bella,” I tease, moaning when he thrusts up gently to meet me.

He chuckles, low and warm, and pulls one breast into his mouth again, sucking my nipple hard enough to make me yelp.

“Cade! Your sister’s in the next room,” I hiss between gasps.

“Then you better be quiet, sweetheart” he whispers, taking his attention back to my nipple.

“Oh,” I moan.

He rolls us again, settling between my thighs, his body pressed tight to mine. He fucks me slow, moving in a punishing rhythm of deep strokes that leave me panting, clinging, and melting beneath him.

Not rough. It is never rough with Cade. Just full. Devoted. Like he’s trying to carve his name into every inch of my goddamn soul.

When I come again, it’s not just my body that breaks, it’s something deeper. A tear slips down my cheek as I realize it. This is real. He kisses it away like he’s been waiting for that moment his whole life.

And when hefinally falls apart, hips jerking, breath catching against my skin—I know I’ve never been touched like this, worshiped like this, or loved like this.

“Yes.” I whisper.

My phone vibrates over on the vanity.

I already know who it is. And I don’t care. Let him watch. Let him see. Because all I care about right now is the man holding me like I’m sacred and the man I get to meet soon.

Chapter 32

BELLA

Rosethorne Mansion - Wexley University

577 Days Since Zeke’s Death

Cade just left. My sheets still smell like cedar and ink and for once, the quiet isn’t heavy. It’s soft, almost peaceful. But peace never lasts long around here. I stare at my phone. The screen glows back at me, taunting.

@LucaWasHere

You’re playing with fire, Izzy, it’s true.

The painter. The parties. Your polished new crew.

I don’t bend and I don’t break.

Touch what’s mine? That’s your last mistake.

I heard your cries. I watched you come.