Beck groaned. Each second crawled, stretching his nerves thin. That sounded like two goddamn years.
“I’m impatient, too. But not much longer.” Seth clapped him on the shoulder as they tucked away their maps.
Anticipation coiled in Beck’s chest. When Pike had mentioned this place, Beck had known Seth would be all in. And he’d jumped at the opportunity to see how Heavenly took to primal play. Though their girl was still innocent in some ways, she had a dirty heart. He’d bet most every dime, she was going to melt and scream—and love every minute of this.
As soon as they found her.
God knew he relished the chance to hunt her and make her theirs in the most intrinsic way possible as she surrendered to them completely.
“When you’re done for the evening, gentlemen, mark one of your maps with whatever buildings you used and leave it with your goggles on the counter on your way out,” the proprietor said. “We’ve got to clean and sterilize everything for the midnight hunting party booked after you.”
He and Seth nodded, their focus on the wooden gate as the seconds ticked down.
Beck felt like a caged animal, every muscle ready to spring into action. Beside him, Seth’s breaths came short and fast, his hands flexing and releasing at his sides.
They exchanged a glance, a moment of understanding. They were partners in this hunt, united in the pursuit of their woman. In finding her. In dragging her beneath them. In heaping every sensation and pleasure possible on her.
Impatiently, he glanced back at the bearded man. When would that fucking timer go off?
Finally, a shrill ding cut through the silence.
Liquid fire surged through Beck’s bloodstream as the proprietor yanked open the glass door with a knowing smile. “Happy hunting, gentlemen.”
A cool evening breeze rustled through the trees as the silvery moon rose in the sky. Beck and Seth pulled on their night-vision goggles in perfect synchronization and sprinted down the dirt path, now a landscape of green through the lenses. Dimly glowing footlights flared like bright white orbs. Shadows shifted at the edges of his vision, every rustle fanning his hunt instinct.
After last night, he and Seth were bound to Heavenly. They’d overcome so much, and tonight felt like a celebration. A claiming. A sealing of their commitment.
The crunch of Beck’s boots against the packed earth mingled with Seth’s, drowning out the sounds of chirping crickets and humming cicadas as they charged through the wooden gate and burst into the open compound.
Beck scanned the area. No sign of Heavenly among the foliage, which suggested she’d already hidden somewhere. Smart girl.
“The cottage is dead-ahead, nearly against the far perimeter fence.” Seth led him along the path bisecting the hunting grounds.
Silent minutes later, they reached the Love-Shackled Cottage. Between the adrenaline and the run, Beck was already panting, his pulse kicking hard. She had to be here.
Together, they raced up the wide porch steps, dashing past the cozy bench swing and tearing off their goggles before they burst through the door. Their rapt stares combed the almost dreamlike interior for signs of Heavenly.
The place glowed warmly from a cozy fire crackling in the stone fireplace. Scented candles filled the air with vanilla and jasmine. A large four-poster bed dominated the center of the room, draped in flowing pale fabric and sprinkled in rose petals. Silk ties were attached to each corner of the frame. An innocent white, see-through lace camisole decorated with pink bows lay draped across the mattress like an invitation. Beck’s cock jerked at the sight.
Baskets lined the shelves along one wall, filled with condoms, lube, butt plugs, vibrators, and more. An ornate vanity against the opposite wall held more tiny bows, lace gloves, ornate masks, velvet cuffs, and flavored massage oil. Next to that, a bottle of champagne chilled in an ice bucket.
“Are you here, angel?” Seth yanked open the closet door and peeked inside.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are, little girl,” Beck taunted as he bent and checked under the bed.
They searched every nook and cranny—behind curtains, inside wardrobes, even the bathroom. She was nowhere to be found. Was she evading them? Toying with them?
Yes, and the idea of finding her, pinning her, claiming her made his blood kick harder.
Beck settled his specialized goggles back over his eyes as they stepped outside again. “Looks like she’s decided to be more adventurous.”
“Or more devious,” Seth drawled.
Either option shot thrill down Beck’s spine. “But it’s almost a shame she’s not here. The thought of violating our girl in that flimsy little nightie makes me fucking hard.”
“Your bow fetish is showing, doc.”
He shrugged. “Sue me.”
