Page 47 of Unveil

I still.

When nothing moves, my eyes narrow at the frame.

Did I imagine?—

It happens again, and a smile slow curves my lips.

I knew Luna Bordeaux would be an adventure, and she hasn’t disappointed.

Basing my direction on the shifting above, I grab my crossbow from beside me and silently shimmy out the opposite side—no small feat for a six-five fella even with the lift kit I installed. Once I’m out, I loop my crossbow around my back and stay low, listening.

Somehow, my dainty little city girl manages to rustle leaves, snap twigs, and curse under her breath louder than the rumbling sky. I’ll have to teach her how to walk in the forest, but for now, I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from chuckling. She’s as graceful as a swan on stage, but out here, she’s got all the subtlety of a coal train.

I lean against the SUV, waiting for her to notice.

But with absolutelyzerosurvival instincts, she looks off into the woods instead of checking behind herself. I wait, plotting the best way to catch my little bird.

Her tulle-cuffed hands are somehow in front of her now, a pity since her perfect, round tits are no longer propped up like a meal on a platter. I admire the rest of her—slim curves, fragile neck begging for my skull-tattooed hand around it, gauzy tutustruggling to conceal a perfectly delectable ass I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Half her hair is still pinned back with a feather crown, the rest spilling in vivid cherry cola waves against the green forest backdrop.

Fuck, she’s gorgeous.

The incoming storm’s cool air gives her a cold chill. Won’t be long now before it’s pouring. We need to get moving.

I push off the SUV, standing at my full height, ready for when she finally turns or runs. I’m surprised she hasn’t fled already, but I kind of hope she does. I’ve sat in the car for hours, so I’m up for a good chase.

But she does neither, still just scanning the trees.

Damn, she’d get herself killed out here without me.

“Go on.” My voice rumbles out like the storm. “Run.”

She freezes, then slowly turns on one slippered foot. Her eyes, clear blue as a spring river, widen.

I cross my arms, smirking. “I dare you. I haven’t chased prey in a good long while.”

She scowls, and I let out my chuckle as I force open the dented trunk with a jerk that makes it creak in protest.

“For what it’s worth, you wouldn’t make it far. That Garden District pavement running ain’t got nothing on rocks, hills, and roots. You’d sooner sprain an ankle than get free of me.” I nod to her bound arms. “Especially with your wings clipped. Even if you did, there’s no one for miles. City girl like you’d get ate up by wampus cats and bog mud before morning.”

Her eyes narrow. “You just made those words up.”

“I assure you, I did not. There’s all sorts of shit out here I don’t know about, let alone whatyoudon’t know about.”

“Maybe I’ll take my chances,” she sneers. “Anything’s better than being held captive by the guy who tried to kill my family.”

“This again?” I roll my eyes before riffling through my gear. “If I wanted them dead, they’d be dead. But you said yourself Nox knows how to drive.”

“Yeah, but he’s never had to go up against a maniac with a death wish.”

“Like I said, that’s Hatch, not me. But I bet he loved the challenge.” I tap a mocking finger against my chin. “He could’ve, I don’t know, let my wife and me have a lovely drive through the parkway.”

“A lovely drive? You were reckless!”

“You’d know a thing or two about that, wouldn’t you?” I snort, resting my hands on the trunk’s edge as I peer into the cabin.

Front door’s open. Tulle handcuffs in front of her. I thought getting out of the seatbelt alone would’ve been damn near impossible.

“How the hell did you get out, Houdini?”