He scoffs. “If you hit me, you’d better fucking run. Because when I catch you, I’m going to fuck that attitude right out of you.”
“Are you serious?”
“Do it and find out.”
I stare at him, his beauty an illusion to his viciousness. A contradiction of hard and soft, gentle and rough. This is a game of power, his dominance over my submission.
My heart pounds, adrenaline coursing through me. Xavier doesn’t move. He merely lifts an eyebrow. That cocky expression is what sets me off.
I hit him so hard in the chin, I knock myself off balance and my knuckles crack. Or is that the sound of my bones breaking?
Holy fuckballs, that hurt.
He massages his jaw, working out the ache. His eyes narrow in warning, but I’m already sprinting, his words trailing behind me.
“Run, little raptor.”
Chapter 50
DELILAH
The forest becomes a blur as I dart between trees, their gnarled roots and low-hanging branches mere obstacles in a game that’s suddenly all too real. My breath comes in ragged gasps, the cool night air sharp in my lungs, but I push myself harder, driven by apprehension and anticipation.
Behind me, the night is quiet except for the sound of air rushing past my ears. I strain to hear any signs of Xavier moving through the darkness. He’s not just following me.
He’s hunting me.
The occasional rustle of leaves or the snap of a twig heightens the tension streaming through me.
This isn’t like the Bride Hunt. This time, Iwantto be caught. Well, my body does. My mind isn’t sure that submitting to Xavier is the wisest decision. And my heart… is confused by what he makes me feel. By the things he makes me yearn for.
I weave through the trees, my heart beating unsteadily, the pain in my knuckles forgotten. Every shadow that moves causes adrenaline to flood me until every sense is heightened and my skin tingles with the sensation of being watched.
I swear I can almost feel him closing in, his steps measured and silent, a ghost in the night. Until he catches me. Then he’ll be completely flesh and blood.
Suddenly, he’s there, staring at me through his mask. He emerges from the trees with a grace that belies his size. He doesn’t grab me, doesn’t try to stop me. Instead, he matches my pace, running alongside me.
I flip him off and take off, pushing my body to the breaking point. My breaths are short, sharp bursts, and each one has pain streaking through my chest. Dots appear in my vision, and I rapidly blink them away.
Unsure if I’m successful in my getaway, I chance a look over my shoulder. The absence of his presence throws me off-kilter. I slow to a jog, glancing around, wondering if I’ve lost him or if he’s given up the chase.
Until he wraps his arms around me from behind. My scream bounces off the trees, getting lost in the night. The thrill and surprise of being caught are quick to wear off when he drags me backwards.
This is a test of wills between predator and prey, where the lines are blurred and the outcome is uncertain. Does he really plan on fucking me, or was that an empty threat to scare me into obedience?
I dig my heels into the ground, losing one shoe and then the other. My struggle doesn’t deter Xavier in the slightest. He continues taking me to an unknown destination.
Until the ceremonial altar comes into view.
I fight him with everything I have, my movements fueled by a panic brought on by my past experience in this place… and the arousal building at his domineering touch.
Xavier tightens his grip, and I thrash harder. He growls and flips me around to face him, his hand gripping my wrist. Still, I struggle.
“Let go.”
When he doesn't answer me, I try to hit him again. My fist connects with his shoulder, but he doesn’t loosen his hold. He grabs the back of my neck and pulls me close, his body pressing into mine.
“You played the game and lost,” he says. “Now be a good girl and let me fuck you.”
