Page 119 of River & Rue

She stops with a gasp. “How did I miss that?”

“Pretty sure you were hiding in the dome and avoiding me at all costs when it first went down. Meanwhile, I was socializing and making friends after someone told me to stop being a dick.”

“Whoever told you that must be really smart.”

“Yep. She’s a genius.”

She grins. “Do you think there’s actual whipping happening? I can totally see it. Jae has major Daddy Dom vibes.”

I start to laugh, then realize she’s serious. “Hold up. How do you know what a Daddy Dom is? From personal experience?”

“Sadly, no. Although one time⁠—”

“Nope. I take it back. Don’t care.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

The cover of Kirk’s book violates my brain. My mouth curls in distaste.

“Hard no.”

Her eyes sparkle with laughter. “Just messing with you. If I call you anything, it’ll be…” She trails off with a giant yawn that makes her sway.

Crouching in front of her, I tug her hand over my shoulder. “Climb on.”

“Aren’t you tired?”

I glance back with a grin. “Does it matter? You know you want to ride me.”

To my surprise, she smirks and hops onto my back. I wince as I straighten, my quads sore as hell, but I bury the discomfort as I resume walking. A little extra pain is worth having her wrapped around me.

“I’m still waiting to hear what you’d call me.”

She pats my head.

“Brat Boy.”

I almost drop her. “Are you joking?”

“If you’re lucky, you’ll find out.”

The following giggle fades into another yawn, and I pick up the pace.

“We’re bookmarking this conversation for later.”

“Mmkay.”

Rue yawns consistently for the next few minutes, but by the time we reach the clearing, she’s a silent, dead weight on my back. I stop at the bottom of the stairs. As much as I’d love to carry her up, I know my limits. My thighs are torched.

I stroke her lax legs, giving her calves a gentle squeeze.

“Wake up, Princess.”

She shoves something wet in my ear and wiggles it around. I yelp, jerking my head to the side.

“A wet willy? Really?”

With a cackle worthy of Kirk, she drops off my back.