I chuckle, the sound low and rumbling in my chest. “Probably. But I’m not ready to move just yet.”
She lifts her head, meeting my gaze with a soft, knowing smile. “Neither am I.”
Twenty-Eight
RYDER
Itrace lazy patterns on Cora’s bare back, her hand splayed across my chest, our legs tangled beneath the rumpled sheets. The cabin’s dim light casts a warm glow on her skin, making it shimmer like gold. I can’t tell where I end and she begins.
A deep contentment settles in my bones. I’m home. It feels right.
I push away the nagging voice in the back of my mind, the one that whispers this happiness can’t last forever. That I’m just a passing phase in her life.
“Want to play a game?” I ask, breaking the comfortable silence.
She purrs, lifting her head. Her hair is a mess, and there’s a crease on her cheek from where it was pressed against my chest. She’s never looked more beautiful.
“I can’t do more sex, Ryder. I didn’t think it was possible, but you’ve broken me,” she says with a lazy smile.
I chuckle, the sound rumbling through my chest. “No, I meant an actual game. Ever heard of two lies and a truth?”
She hums, her brow furrowing. “Where you tell three things about yourself, and you have to guess which one’s true?”
“Exactly. I thought it might be a nice way to get to know each other a bit more.”
She snorts, propping herself up on one elbow. “You know everything about me. I’m an open book.”
“I’m sure you can surprise me. Give it a try,” I encourage, running my fingers through her tangled hair.
“Okay...” She purses her lips. The cabin creaks around us, settling in the cool night air. “Let me see.”
Her eyes sparkle when she speaks.
“One: I once discovered a secret underground tunnel beneath my family’s mansion that led to a hidden room.
“Two: I once traveled to an abandoned island rumored to be haunted by ancient spirits, and I came back with a mysterious artifact.”
“And three: I possess a rare book of spells passed down through generations of my family, containing powerful incantations and magical rituals.”
“You’re good,” I say, rubbing my chin. “Let’s see. You didn’t travel to a haunted island.”
“How do you know?” she challenges, poking my chest.
“Because there’s no way you’d go to a place like that. You’re afraid of ghosts,” I state.
“How do you know that?” She looks at me, brow furrowed. “But you’re right, that’s a lie.”
“The first and third are tricky. I’m leaning toward the first. Your family is wealthy enough, and the estate is big enough for secret rooms. But an ancient book is also possible, you’re a big fan of antiques.” I stroke her hair, and she leans into my touch. “I’m going with the first one. Your family has a secret room under the estate.”
She twists her mouth. “You’re right. Damn. I thought I was confusing enough.”
“You were very good,” I assure her, kissing her forehead. “So, what’s in this mysterious secret room? Gold? Family secrets? Jimmy Hoffa?”
She laughs. “Mostly boring documents, I guess. Maybe some jewelry. Nothing special. Now it’s your turn, Mr. Know-It-All.”
I take a deep breath, formulating my statements.
“One: I speak fluent Arabic, which I learned during my time serving in the Middle East.
