“How is Ronan doing? Destiny?” I ask, trying to redirect my sick mind back on track. “Are they going to be okay until we can get to them?”
“I don’t know.”
Her response guts me. I want to kill every last one of those people. How dare they hurt my family.
“Logan has been beating Ronan,” she whispers. “Dez seems okay, but Logan and Michael both are so terrifying.”
My gut tightens at the thought of them overpowering my brother, who’s always been more of a lover than a fighter. It’s not fair. They should have taken me instead.
“We’ll get them and soon we’ll be home,” I assure her. “How did you escape?”
She chuckles, the sound dark and vengeful. “I stabbed CJ in the eye with a bone Ronan gave me.”
I squeeze her ass again. “That’s my girl.”
A small whimper escapes her and then her mouth is on mine again. Not just a small peck, but open and inviting. Her tongue slides over my bottom lip, eliciting a groan from me. I nip at it and then bite her bottom lip.
God, I fucking want her so damn badly.
“Rest, Rae. You’ve been through a helluva lot.”
She sighs in resignation and pulls her lips from mine. “I’m so tired, Ry.”
“Sleep, baby.” I kiss her nose. “I’ve got you now and I’ll never let go.”
Her breathing evens out moments later. I inhale Declan’s hair, happy to have him safely in my arms. As she sleeps, I caress her back and ass, hoping to provide her both warmth and comfort. Eventually, it lulls me into relaxing as well.
We’ll get Ronan and Destiny back.
And then our family will be together again.
With that thought, I smile and crash hard.
They’re taking him from me!
A whine of terror rips out of me as I desperately cling to Declan’s small frame.
“Hey,” a soft, familiar voice murmurs. “I’m going to get the kid some breakfast. You’re safe, Rae.”
I peek open my eyes to see Rowdy kneeling beside me, pulling Declan to him and wrapping him in one of his giant T-shirts. It’s early, the sun barely making its presence known, but at least it isn’t raining anymore. I give my brother a quick nod and then snuggle back into Ryder’s warmth.
After Rowdy leaves the tent with Declan, I stare at Ryder’s closed eyes and slightly parted lips. I reach up to touch them, remembering how he’d pressed kisses all over my face last night. Sliding my hand down along his neck, I take a moment to appreciate the muscular curve of his shoulder. He’s so strong. I feel safe tucked away in his sleeping bag with him.
His palm that rested on my bare ass all night gently squeezes me, letting me know he’s awake. I cuddle closer, fully aware of our nakedness and the way he hardens against my thigh.
Despite being awake, he doesn’t open his eyes. I shift my thigh to rub against his erection, a thrill running through me when I hear him groan. His hand snakes down to the back of my thigh and then he lifts it, putting it up over his hip, away from his dick.
Disappointment courses through me. Does he not want my touch?
I’m frozen with warring feelings of humiliation and anger.
But then his hot lips are on my neck, gently peppering me with sweet pecks. His hand strays over my ass, kneading and rubbing like it’s the most wonderful thing he’s ever held before. My body vibrates with the need to be touched everywhere—anywhere—by Ryder.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” he murmurs, words hot against my throat. “So fucking happy.”
His words bring a smile to my lips. Tilting my head down, I seek out his mouth with mine. He groans when I attack his lips, thrusting my tongue against his, desperate for his taste. Our kiss quickly turns frantic, our hands grabbing and roaming greedily as we attempt to consume each other. He grunts when my hand rubs over his nipple.
I gasp at the feel of his fingers spread over my ass cheek, reaching far enough to touch my crack. The air in my lungs becomes trapped as he slides his longest finger down and then barely brushes against my pussy from behind. My entire body shudders at the touch.