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“Calm down? You ditched your detail and snuck off, unprotected, in rival territory. You literally put yourself in harm’s wayagain.”
Okay, theagaincomment hurt like hell. I didn’t mean to get fucking kidnapped when I was eighteen. There were things I wish I had done differently, but I had no idea they’d be willing to ever go that far. On quick feet, I moved again, this time around the poker game.
“Better move fast, Prez, she’s already eyeing the stairs.” Hamish grumbled around his cigarette.
Wes cut off the path that would have allowed me to escape, and then as I turned my back to put the pool table between us, his arms came around me.
The old timers all cheered as Wes held me to his chest, walking us backward.
“Now, are you going to act like an adult, or do you want to keep playing games?” Wes asked, his lips warm against my ear.
My chest was heaving for some reason, but I relaxed in his arms.
“Fine.”
Wes walked us backward, “I’m going to let go, and you’re not going to run away.”
I nodded while eyeing the exit. I could run to the cabin, or even the treehouse, and have the upper hand.
Closer to my ear, Wes said, “If you do, I will punish you later tonight. That ass looks good streaked with my handprints.”
I stilled completely, and when he released his arms, I didn’t run. He relaxed, glaring at me while pinning his hands to his hips.
“What the fuck were you thinking?”
I wasn’t about to argue about this or be talked to like a child in front of everyone, so I bolted for the door.
“Son of a bitch!” Wes yelled, but seconds later he was behind me.
I ran for his house, hoping he’d unlocked his door because every second was precious. Twisting the knob, I practically cried with relief when it turned. Since I wasn’t petty, and it wouldn’t be any use, I didn’t bother locking it. I just ran upstairs and locked myself in his bedroom.
Max was already lounging on Wesley’s bed, so with the door locked, I shucked my boots, and slid under the covers next to Max. He made a chuffing sound while relaxing his head against me and I curled further into him, like he could save me from Wesley’s wrath.
I heard Wes yell from the level below, but it was muffled. Something broke, and then his boots hit the stairs. Seconds ticked by and then he twisted his doorknob.
“Open the door, River.”
“No! I don’t need another lecture from you. I’m so sick of you and your stupid ego, and your stupid mean streak, and your stupid control during sex, and I’m mad about last night. I know I fucked up. I know I ruined everything when I got taken.” My voice began shaking as I continued. “Please just leave me alone.”
He went quiet, and I relaxed. He’d listen, and let me process this afternoon before—
The sound of something smashing had me quickly sitting up in bed just in time to see wood splintering around Wesley’s boot as he kicked the door in. Max jumped up, barking at the intrusion.
I watched every step it took for him to get to me, and all my fire had finally fizzled out. His eyes blazed as he stared, and then he shocked me by bending at the waist, gripping my chin and pressing his lips to mine in a hard, punishing kiss.
I was confused, but also completely enraptured.
Opening my mouth to him, his tongue slipped inside, and I melted under him as he advanced, claiming more than just my mouth. His strong hand cradled my jaw, perfectly positioning my face so he had better access, while my hands went limp at my sides. He knew this was what would render me completely frozen and unable to fight him.
I kissed him back, molding my lips to his, and then he stopped with a rush of air against my mouth.
“Don’t ever do that to me again. Promise me, River. Never again.”
I stared, confused at the shudder in his tone, but I nodded.
“I promise.”
He straightened and without a look back, he was gone, out of my space. I heard him on the stairs and then the front door slammed shut.
