Page 100 of Deadfall

I trailed my nose along her jaw and leaned in close to her ear. “Anything less is just being a tease.”

My blood sang in my veins and reveled in the way my body pressed against hers. When I pulled back and met her gaze, there was a crease between her brows and a hint of wariness in her eyes that mingled with disgust.

“I was wondering when you’d make your move,” she said bitterly.

I didn’t like that, but I chose to ignore it.

“That’s twice now,” I replied. “That you’ve hesitated.”

I bit back a groan as she bucked her hips up against mine, but it was a half-hearted struggle at best. She scowled at the amusement in my tone.

“Yeah, well, maybe we should see what happens a third time?”

Seven came over and crouched down near her wrists. “That sounds fun, but maybe later. We need to get going.” He plucked the weapon from her hand. “I’ll take that, thank you.”

Emersyn released the knife without issue and I caught her attention again.

“I’m going to let go,” I explained. “And I’m going to wrap your ankle. Is that okay?”

Emersyn’s brow furrowed. I could tell my words confused her because I’d certainly not said, I’m going to fuck you now.

“I need your words, little storm.”

She blinked rain out of her eyes that had widened slightly in shock. I wondered if anyone had ever asked her permission for anything before.

“Yes,” she said. “Fine.”

I slowly released her wrists and slid my hand down her leg to her ankle where I grasped it gently. I sat back between her legs with her ankle carefully held near my chest.

“Not broken—definitely sprained,” I rumbled.

It took all of my will power not to look my fill of her at that angle, or to touch her further. Even with a layer of mud, she was still very, very naked. I wanted to explore every inch, and show her exactly what it would mean when I actually made a move.

But, I didn’t. Instead I carefully ripped a section of my shirt off the bottom. I gripped her calf and brought her foot to rest against my chest. I gently wrapped her ankle in a rough field dressing, my eyes alternated between her own and my handiwork. When I was done, I set her ankle back down and held out my hand.

“Let me see your hand.”

“Why?” But it was said less aggressively.

“You’re bleeding all over the place,” I muttered. “Left a blazing trail for Seven over here.”

Emersyn glanced over at Seven, who smirked and wagged his gloved fingers at her from where he leaned against the statue.

“How bad did they sedate you?” I asked.

“It’s worn off a bit,” she muttered as she placed her bleeding hand gently in mine.

“Good.”

I pulled her into a seated position and her other hand slammed against my chest in reflex. I calmly waited for her to realize I wasn’t going to do anything further, and her hand slipped away. There was a puncture wound between her pointer finger and thumb and a large gash along the side. I quickly wrapped it with what was left of my scrap of shirt. I climbed to my feet and held out my hand to help her up.

“Can you walk?” I asked.

She put weight on it and nodded.

“Alright, let’s go, we have to find our way out now,” I grumbled.

I led the way with Emersyn in between us. My instincts told me we were somewhere deep on the northeast side of the maze. The forest was on our right still and while I usually enjoyed nature, something about that forest was sinister and made the hair raise on the back of my neck. I hoped the path didn’t double us back closer to it.