The grass wascool underneath my legs, the moonlight sprawling across Cairo’s backyard.I released a soft hum and rested my head on Calix’s shoulder, Frasier’s fingers gently gliding against mine.
“Really made us work for that one, huh, Hellcat?”Frasier murmured with a slight laugh.
I turned my head to look at him, my heart still racing.“That’s the best part.”
“The chase?”Calix asked.“I think the best part is having you.”
Warmth spread throughout my chest, and a small giggle left my mouth.Who would’ve thought that I’d be lying between two boys who’d admitted that they both loved me?Andthey loved me so much that they didn’t mind sharing me.
They put their differences aside to have me.Every inch.
When I was lost in thought, I didn’t realize that Frasier had sat up until it was too late.He had one hand posted on the grass behind him, his head turned toward the window, and loud-ass words left his pretty mouth.
“Arch!”he shouted.“Hey, Arch!She’s out here for you!”
My eyes widened, and Calix didn’t have time to grab me before I was on my feet, sprinting across the lawn and throwing two middle fingers behind me at those idiotic—but loving—boys.
There I had been, thinking they were on my side all this time …
“Y’all are traitors!”I shouted, sprinting as quickly as I could to get back into the house, where I could hide from Arch, who wasdefinitelygoing to use me in any way that he could.That was … if he found me.
The back doors were still open, and I dived through them, my bare feet slapping against the wood.I tore through the first hallway I saw, nearly knocking over another statue and listening to Arch’s footsteps barreling in behind me.
He was somewhere.Close.
While I wanted to be quiet, I knew that it was more important for me toget awaythan stay silent.So, I took corners fast, skidded along the marble floor of another kitchen, gripped walls to stay upright.
Anything to separate myself from him.
Because once he caught me?He wasn’t going to let me go willingly.
No, he’d use me until I clawed my way out.
“Astrid!”he shouted as I ascended a sweeping staircase.
My legs took me toward another unfamiliar wing.Goddamn, why is Cairo’s house so big and so confusing for no reason whatsoever?!And where are his parents?!I’ve only barely dodged a few of the maids.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” Arch called.Closer this time.
Lungs burning, I continued.My heart raced.My thoughts were somehow even faster.I turned another corner and screamed when he caught my wrist and whipped me back toward him, mid-sprint.
I bumped into his chest, then stumbled back against the wall.He pressed his hand flat beside my head, tilting his head down slightly at me, caging me in, just like Rush had.My chest heaved up and down, and his face was inches from mine.
“I told you not to run,” he growled, grabbing my throat.
My psychotic ass smirked up at him.“I had something to run from.”
“Oh, no.You didn’t have anything to run from before, but now I’m going to fucking give you something,” he said between his clenched teeth, roughly shoving his thumb across my lower lip.“Everyone has been inside you tonight, except me.And, Hellcat?You’re going to fucking pay for that.”
CHAPTERSEVENTY-EIGHT
ASTRID
Arch shovedone leg between my thigh and ground his knee against my cunt.I bit back a whimper and glared up at him as if I were mad.But honestly?I just fucking loved the tension between Arch and me.
The fighting.The hate sex.
I’d continue to eat that shit up as long as he gave it to me.
