And when we step back into the cold night air, I know exactly what’s waiting for me when we get home.
And I want it more than anything.
23
Damon
The drive homeis quiet at first, just the low hum of the engine and the occasional thump of bass from a passing car as we exit East End and enter back into Baron’s territory. My hand rests high on her thigh, thumb tracing lazy circles over the soft skin just under the hem of her skirt. It was dark when we left the club but I can still see those pretty lips swollen from biting them while I teased her under the table. I can feel the heat radiating off her, the way her legs part a fraction every time my fingers drift higher.
I’m already picturing getting her back to the house, kicking the door shut behind us, spreading her out on my bed face down so those fresh welts are on display. I’ll take my time, licking over the marks, fingers dipping into her while she squirms, fingering the clit ring, then flipping her over so I can watch her face when I finally sink in deep. Make her scream my name until her voice gives out. No rush.No interruptions. Just her, me and every filthy thing I’ve been holding back since we left the club.
My phone buzzes in the cup holder. Hunter’s name lights up the screen.
“Hey man, what’s up?”
“They found a body.”
The words hit like ice water being dumped straight on my crotch. My grip tightens on the wheel. The last thing I want right now is to deal with a body. I know it’s our job, our duty, cleanup, intel, whatever the King needs, but right now my only priority is getting my dick inside the girl next to me and staying there until we both can’t move.
I glance at her. She’s watching me, curious, the faint line of her nipple piercings pressing hard against the thin cotton of her top. I think about swapping them out later—thicker rings, like the one in her clit. Something she’ll feel every time she moves. Something for me to hold onto.
“We’re out running errands,” I say, keeping my voice even. “Can you get backup from the guys?”
“DK,” Hunter says, serious now, no bullshit. “They found a bodyof a girl.One of the kidnapped.”
I slam the brakes so hard the tires screech. My arm shoots out instinctively, pressing across Arianette’s chest to hold her back, but the seat belt does the real work. She jolts forward, eyes wide and startled, staring at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“The FBI doesn’t know,” Hunter continues. “At least not yet. We got a tip-off to get down here and look at it first. See if there’s anything we can use.”
“Where are you?”
“On campus. Meet me by the fountain.”
The body was left on campus? What the hell?
“Let me take her home and?—”
“No,” he cuts in. “Bring her with you. I think it’ll be good for her to see the crime scene. Maybe it’ll trigger a memory.”
I glance over. She’s listening hard, trying to piece it together frommy side of the call. Her hand’s on my arm now, steady, but questioning.
“You sure?” I ask Hunter, because a triggered Arianette isn’t always a stable Arianette.
“Nope. But DK, it’s bad. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Fuck.
I jerk the car into reverse and spin the wheel hard, tires biting pavement as I peel out.
Arianette grips the seat, voice small but steady. “Where are we going?”
The words sit on my tongue, but nothing comes out. I don’t want to get into it until I know what we’re dealing with.
We cutto the sidewalk leading down toward the fountain; the campus paths are eerily quiet under the lamplights. Every member of Beta Rho is here—Shadows lining the walkways, blocking side paths, arms crossed, eyes scanning. No one speaks. No phones out. Just their silent presence. The air feels thick, like the night itself is holding its breath.
Arianette’s hand is in mine, small and cold. I haven’t told her why we’re here yet–only that something happened on campus, that we needed to come straight over. Her fingers tighten around mine with every step, apprehension rolling off her in waves. Her eyes flick to the brothers we pass, sensing the shift in the air even if she doesn’t know the shape of it yet.
Hunter meets us just out of sight from the fountain itself, around the curve of the old oak grove where the path dips behind a row of hedges. He’s standing alone, hands in his pockets, face hard in the half-light.
