Did I really just say that?
My first instinct is to cower andbury myself alivein whatever hole I dug earlier, butIdecideagainst it. I meant what I said, and whether she receives it or not, doesn’t make it any less true. My pride is not more important than her knowing the truth.
Her eyes slowlymeetmine in the mirror. I think she wants to believe me, but the demons in her brain must take over because she snorts and shakes her head. “Yeah,right. I don’t thinkyour definition of perfectionism includes scars and atattoo that saysmurderer. Maybe if I didn’t have them, I could believe you.”
I wouldn’tchange anythingabout her. She still takes my breath away, but I hate the way she looks at herself. If I could help her see what I see—enough to feel even a little better—I’d do it without question.
“I...might know of someone who can help.”
She stops criticizing herselfin the mirror long enoughto spin around and look at me. Eager, she asks, “You do?”
“If this is what you really want.”
“You’d do that, for me?”
I’d do anything for her.ButI can’t say that either so instead, I say, “Come on. Let’s go.”
***
“You know, the forest is actually kind of serene when no one is trying to leave you for dead.” Jaysays.
I appreciate her trying to lighten the mood and ease any tension, but this isn’t something I’ll ever be able to laugh about.
“That’ll never happen again. I can promise you that.”
She glances over her shoulder, then facesforward again. “I...believe you.”
And her belief in me has my wolf wagging its tail. It’s nice to have someone believe in me.
I hate what my pack did to her. It hurts my wolf. No one deserves that, especially Jay.
It hurts you, too.
No, it doesn’t,I respond to my wolf.
Whatever you say, Sweaty Eddy.
Ishoomy wolf to the back of my mind.
Bothof usare uneasy being back in these woods, and I’m sure she is too. It’s probably what caused her to make such ajoke.We’ve walked in silence, with Jay in front, so I can guard her from harm.
From the sight of her hips swaying side to side, it has got to be both my best and worst idea yet.
She is baiting me. It’s the perfect setup. We’re in a forest, alone, with no one else around. She’s vulnerable. While almost fully healed, she’s still recovering from her injury. No one could stop me out here, and her wolf wouldn’t want to. I could have her. Right here. Right now. As rough as I want to.
I may be her predator in every way, but the way she draws me in with each move, I’m not so sure anymore. And if I’m not mistaken, I’m pretty sure she’s not wearing anything under that dress.
Holy shit, she’s killing me.
I adjust myself in my shorts. I’m definitely the prey in this instance. Nothing is succeeding at distracting me.Then I couldn’t watch her to make sure she’s safe. I’m trapped.
Probably sensing my eyes on her, Jay turnsand catches me checking her out. The sun creates a golden outline around herhair, and it’s like I’m watching her in slow motion. Her layered raven hair frames her face, freckles scatter across her tanned skin and—my favorite—dimples indent her backside.
Beautiful.
Jay looks down, and I’m thinking she can see my boner straining in my shorts. Though I don’t even bother hiding it. She isgoing to be horrifiedwhen she sees it. But she scans up my body, and her eyes meet mine again. She seems shy, flattered maybe.Butnot horrified by the sight. Instead, she smiles.
I bite my lip and moan a soft whimper.
