Page 40 of Wicked Rush

“That’s me.” Braelynn raised her hand without turning around. She jumped as strong arms coiled around hers. As he nuzzled his face into her hair, she melted into his embrace.

“You surprise me. Gentle but strong.”

“I used to be strong,” she responded.

“You still are.”

“I’m a fighter.” Lars had given her a newfound confidence. She’d almost died because of her uncle and the evil that surrounded him. She’d grown more determined than ever to take him down.

“You don’t like to share, little fox?” Gooseflesh broke over her skin as Lars’ lips hovered over her earlobe, his warm breath on her sensitive skin.

“Maybe I just didn’t like your friend,” she managed, arousal igniting as he placed a kiss to her neck.

“Ah, I’m seeing a new side of you. Hmm…no sharing me, but would you like to be shared?” he asked.

The thought of her making love to two men flashed in her mind, and she cursed the heat between her legs. Tempting and teasing her, the man was pure evil. He gave a small laugh when she didn’t give a prompt answer.

“We’re going to have fun tonight. Just remember to keep an open mind.” His tone of voice promised a sexual tease.

“Where are we going?” Braelynn asked, afraid of his answer.

“A party. A barbecue of sorts. With friends.”

“What kinds of friends?” Her pulse raced, aware of the company he kept.

“My friends.” He paused. “They’re fun, adventurous, like-minded individuals. We have a clubhouse, but it’s under repair.”

“Do your friends climb like you?”

“Yes, but that’s one of many things. We’re a private bunch.” Lars released Braelynn, turning her so she faced him. His expression, while still soft, was entirely serious. “What you see tonight, what you do…it’s meant to be seen and enjoyed but not repeated to others, do you understand? I need to be able to trust you on this.”

“Of course,” she found herself agreeing, without fully comprehending of what he was speaking. “But when you say, ‘what you do’…I mean, what does that mean?”

“You’ll see. Just remember this conversation. And Brae?” He smiled at her, pinning her with his gaze.

“Yes?”

“That little performance you just gave in there?”

Braelynn’s cheeks heated in embarrassment and she closed her eyes, wishing she could disappear. She may not have known Lars for long, but she knew him well enough to predict he’d call her out on her action.

“I don’t know what came over me,” she began. Braelynn desperately wanted to take a breath, but like a dam bursting, the words spilled from her lips and her cheeks burned as if they were on fire. “I just saw you with her and I don’t know. No, I take that back. I do know. We just had sex, and there was no fucking way I was giving up one second of the weekend I promised to that…that…oh God…I’m sorry. No, okay, I’m not really sorry. I’m not giving you up to someone else this weekend. I may never see you again after this is all over and I’m not sharing. Just no.”

By the time she’d finished her rant, she heaved a breath, staring up into his amused eyes. What the ever loving hell did I just do? Convinced she lacked any restraint whatsoever, she buried her flaming face in her hands. Strong fingers threaded into her hair, lifting her gaze to his.

“You are a wild one, aren’t you?” He laughed. She conceded a small giggle at his statement. “Brae, I really enjoyed your kiss tonight, but this thing between us…” He gave a sigh, averting his gaze, and then his eyes locked back onto hers. “Let’s just enjoy it for this weekend. You’re special to me but we both know the reality of the situation.”

Braelynn’s heart dropped with his reminder. Friends. Lovers. It was all they were, all they ever could be. In a matter of hours, she’d be gone forever from his life. As he continued with his warning, her senses went on alert.

“As for tonight, I’m serious. You need to keep an open mind. We’re going to a special place, with very special individuals. So strap on your seatbelt, sweetheart. We’re going to Altura.”