Page 45 of Doomed

“The view’s killer, the company’s hot, and we’ve got the whole mountain to ourselves. What more could you want?” I wink at her, leaning back against a nearby tree. “Though I should warn you, outdoor sex does come with certain... logistical challenges. Rocks and dirt find their way into uncomfortable places, that sort of thing.”

I’m talking too much, throwing words between us, needing to re-establish my shield. It’s what I always do when someone gets too close—crack jokes, make everything sexual, keep it light and meaningless.

“Seriously, though, don’t go reading too much into this. I didn’t bring you up here for some deep heart-to-heart.” I tap the side of my head. “The Blackwood tragedy tour isn’t my usual seduction technique. Must be losing my touch.”

I straighten and move toward my bike, needing to physically distance myself from the moment of weakness. What the fuck is wrong with me—handing her a damn map to my weaknesses. Apparently, I have a new one. Bianca fucking Hayes.

“Want a beer?” I ask, not waiting for her answer before pulling two bottles from my saddlebag. “Nothing says ‘emotional avoidance’ like alcohol, am I right?”

I offer Bianca one of the bottles, but she stares at me, her eyes narrowing.

“You’re such an asshole,” she says, crossing her arms. “One minute you’re sharing something real, and the next you’re back to being... this.” She gestures at me like I’m some kind of exhibit.

“This?” I raise an eyebrow, popping the cap off my beer. “You mean charming? Irresistible? Devastatingly handsome?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of insufferable.” She rolls her eyes but takes the bottle when I offer it again. “Take me home, Knox. This little field trip is over.”

I step closer, enjoying the way she tenses up but doesn’t back away. “Come on, we just got here. Have a beer first.” I clink my bottle against hers. “The night’s young, and so are we. Well, I am. You might be pushing it.”

“I’m twenty-seven, you dick.” She tries to look offended, but I catch the hint of a smile she’s fighting.

“Ancient. Practically a relic.” I take a long swig of my beer, watching her over the bottle. “I like older women, though. They know what they want.”

“What I want is to go home.” She takes a small sip of her beer, then sighs. “Fine. One drink. But then you’re taking me back.”

I grin and lean against my bike. “Deal.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “And so that we’re crystal clear, there is absolutely no way I’m sleeping with you. Not tonight, not ever.”

“You wound me, Hayes.” I place my hand over my heart. “Here I thought we were having a moment.”

“The moment passed when you turned back into... well, you.”

I laugh and raise my bottle in a mock toast. “To clear boundaries and sexual frustration, then.”

Bianca doesn’t laugh at my toast, but her lips twitch enough to let me know I’ve cracked through that icy exterior. She takes another sip of beer and looks out at the view. The tightness around her shoulders has eased.

“So this is your idea of a good time? Kidnapping women and bringing them to remote locations?”

“Only the special ones,” I wink. “Most women are thrilled when I invite them anywhere.”

She snorts. “Your ego is truly next level.”

“That’s not the only impressive thing about me.” I waggle my eyebrows, and she rolls her eyes.

“Does that line actually work on anyone?”

“You’d be surprised.” I take another swig of beer. “Though I’ve never had to work this hard before. It’s refreshing.”

Bianca arches an eyebrow. “Refreshing? Being told no repeatedly is refreshing to you?”

“What can I say? I enjoy a challenge.” I step closer, testing her boundaries. “And you, Bianca Hayes, are definitely challenging.”

She shakes her head but doesn’t move away. The moonlight on her hair makes the dark strands gleam. She’s beautiful when she’s not actively trying to murder me with her eyes.

My mind drifts to the Hunt, imagining her running through the maze, that same defiance in her eyes even as I catch her. It’s going to be exhilarating tracking her, watching her try to outsmart me before I finally corner her. The rules of the Hunt will give me everything I want—her, alone, with nowhere to run —well, at least nowhere that will save her from me. Then there will be no more excuses between us.

I can almost taste the victory, sweet and inevitable. No one escapes a Blackwood during the Hunt. Especially not when I’m this determined to claim my prize.