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Hunter takes my hand again. “He isn’t here anymore,” he reassures, his voice gentle and calming.
Tears start again, and I don’t try to stop them. “I’m sorry. I feel so stupid. I know he’s dead. I know he’s not going to kill me. But what if someone does the job for him? What if my father comes for me next?”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Hunter pulls me onto his lap. Wrapping my arms around him, I bury my face in his neck, and the tears keep coming. “I’ve got you.” Hunter tangles his hand into my long hair, pressing his warm lips to my cheek.
My body ignites, coming alive to his lips and hands. Laying back, I stare at him. He wipes away the tears on my cheeks, then leans into me, his mouth claiming mine. Within seconds, he has me flat on my back, hovering over the top of me.
Gripping the bottom of his shirt, I pull it over his head, and my eyes eat up the delicious view before me. I pull his mouth back to mine, needing to be close to him, touch him, and explore him.
“I want you, Little Red. All of you.”
My body throbs with need. I want him too.
His hand slides up under my tank top. Thank goodness I’m not wearing a bra.
“Easy access,” he breathes out against my lips, and my shirt is gone moments later.
My heart opens a little more with every kiss, touch, and nip. The feeling of being wanted and cared for is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Hunter’s tender kisses etch themselves into my skin and memory. The way he claims my body is savage and sweet all at the same time. Our bodies press together as one, as though that’s how we should have been all along.
* * *
Heat presses against my back. Memories from last night flood my thoughts, and a smile touches my lips as I wake.
I take a second for myself, enjoying the moment—the feelings. I’ve never felt wanted or even loved my entire life. This moment will be engraved in my heart for a long time and be something I will keep with me in the future.
Hunter’s fingers glide up my arm. “Morning, beautiful.” His husky morning voice makes my stomach tingle, a familiar ache in my core from last night.
I’m not sure anything could wipe this smile off my face.
“How did you know I was awake?” I ask, rolling over to face him.
Damn, he looks good. All his usual stress lines that show along his forehead aren’t there. The dark, hard look that clouds his eyes has evaporated. They’re bright and alive in this moment.
He brushes away the hair that falls across my face, and I want him to claim me all over again.
“Your breathing changed.” He notices things like that?
The memory of the deal he growled at me when I first came here has me rethinking this entire situation.
“What’s going through that head of yours? Your entire body just changed.” His worry lines are back, and I know I’m the cause of them. Being the cause of his concern unsettles me. That’s the last thing I want.
“Oh...um...” I pause, my heart rate skyrocketing while Hunter holds my nervous gaze. “I was thinking about the deal we made.” The lines on his forehead pull down. “You know, the one about me getting my freedom or you getting me, depending on who gave in first.”
He sits, and I’ve completely killed the moment. “So you want to leave,” he bites out, his tone slicing my chest.
He’s climbing out of bed, but I grab his arm. “I never said I wanted to leave,” I respond gently.
He turns to face me, his once softened features now pinched with heavy creases of concern. “Then why bring it up?” He pretty much growls out the question.
My defenses automatically start building back up, preparing for a fight. “Forget I said anything about it,” I snap and climb out of bed, naked, and march my way to the bathroom, where I slam the door behind me.
My eyes burn from the tears wanting to fall. I won’t allow them to this time. One minute, he’s caring and kind. The next, he’s rough and dangerous. I don’t understand him, and the rapid back and forth is giving me whiplash.
Why can’t he see this is hard for me? Is it so wrong to want some reassurance through this? After what we shared last night, I simply want him here for me, just me at some level.
I step into the shower and blast the heat over my ragged body. Some parts ache that I didn’t even know could hurt. It was a wild ride last night with Hunter and one I hope to do again. Well, that’s if he gets over himself.
