He wrapped his massive hand around the back of her head, his fingers finding the pins that held her hair in the tight bun, loosening a few strands to fall around her face.
"Does my answer satisfy your curiosity?" His voice was so low, so guttural that Cassidy would have sworn she felt his words more than heard them.
But she wanted—needed—so much more than just his words.
Slowly, Samson ran his hand down her thigh to the inside of her knee. He stroked the sensitive skin there for a moment before pushing her thighs wide and moving between. His body was so broad that her legs ached trying to stretch around him.
His chest expanded, pulling the blue flannel of his shirt taut, as he closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
Drawing in the scent of her, Cassidy realized. Taking in all those telltale signs of her desire that he'd been talking about. The ones that only he could sense.
"You still want more." His eyes flew open, his words shaking her to the core. "Good. So do I."
His fingers tightened in her hair, releasing all of it to cascade around her shoulders. He wrapped his fist in the strands and pulled her head back, forcing her to lift her face to him.
"Give me your mouth," he growled.
It was a demand, not a request—but it only drove Cassidy's need higher. Wasn't this what she'd fantasized about for so long? To find herself in his arms, his lips about to meet hers?
Cassidy flicked her tongue across her bottom lip without thinking, wetting it, readying it, her gaze fixed on his mouth.
Samson didn't make her wait any longer. His mouth took hers completely. His hands ran down her back, pressing her body against his hard strength. His teeth grazed the sensitive flesh of her lips. His tongue swept across hers.
And Cassidy couldn't get enough. She tightened her grip around his neck, holding on almost desperately, never wanting to let go. Her mind swam with sensation, and she kissed him back with an intensity she didn't know she possessed.
She'd never felt need like this. Never even knew it was possible. And this was just a kiss! What would it be like to go farther? To run her hands over his naked body? To take him all the way inside her?
Cassidy couldn't even imagine. She feared she'd lose herself completely.
"Carr!" An unwelcome voice shattered the moment. "What the hell are you doing?"
Cassidy's blood turned to ice.
Ian.
It appeared that he'd come back from his little field trip with one of Nicky's girls at the worst possible time.
"Keep walking, beta. You don't have any business here." Samson's tone was rough with warning, but Cassidy didn't detect even an ounce of tension in his body. It was obvious the alpha didn't consider Ian a threat.
Unfortunately, Cassidy did.
Before he'd caught her with her tongue in Samson's mouth, Ian had merely been an annoyance. A major annoyance, sure, but not one with any real power.
Cassidy was the superior student, the one with the spotless record and reputation.
But not anymore.
And Ian knew it. He'd rounded the corner and stood a few feet away, shaking his head, barely able to contain his glee.
Cassidy squirmed on the railing, desperate to get down. But Samson wouldn't let her.
"Ian, wait." She flinched, hearing how badly she slurred her words.
"Fucking the subjects and drinking." Ian smiled as he flung the accusation at Cassidy. It was clear he was loving every minute of this.
"Ian, you don't understand," she protested, still trying to pry herself out of Samson's grip, but he held her effortlessly, one hand protectively at her back.
"No, I understand perfectly," Ian said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. His grin grew wider and even more self-satisfied. "This is why you were so desperate to come here tonight—so you could have a chance to whore yourself with one of them."
"Enough," Samson's roar ripped through the air, echoing through the forest. He released Cassidy, placing his body directly in front of her, shielding her. His shoulders tightened, and his huge hands curled into fists. "One more word, and I will tear out your heart for insulting my woman."
Ian didn't have to be told twice. Stumbling back a few steps in shock, he turned and sprinted toward the parking lot.
Shit.
"Ian, wait." Finally free of Samson's grasp, Cassidy slid off the railing and started after him, the effects of the alcohol vanishing, leaving fear in its place.
She didn't make it far.
Two steps and Samson's hand clasped around her wrist, stopping her short.
"Samson, please," she pleaded. "Let go."
His grip held firm as he tracked Ian with his eyes.
Didn't he realize what he was doing? Cassidy had to stop Ian, had to somehow make things right.
"If he leaves now, everything I’ve worked for will be ruined," she blurted.
But it was already too late. She heard the slam of a car door. The engine fired to life, and the wheels spit gravel as Ian sped away.
And any hope for her future went with him. Cassidy's heart fell at the realization. Her stomach followed, bile rising in her throat.
It was over. All of it.
Her studies. Her research. Her chance of a career at the university.
All because of two shots of whiskey and a soul-searing kiss…and because Samson wouldn't let her go.
Suddenly, the burn of acid in Cassidy's mouth tasted like anger instead of fear. A red fog of rage filled her mind, and she spun around, jabbing her finger directly in Samson's face.
"Why the fuck did you stop me?"
His dark eyes narrowed. "That beta coward wanted to hurt you. I could smell it on him."
"Not physically." Cassidy let out an exasperated wail. "He wants to kill my career, not me. And now he can. And it's all your fault!"
The angry haze clouding Cassidy's brain lifted the second the words were out of her mouth. For a second, she saw herself clearly—her aggressive stance, her livid tone, her direct eye contact full of fury. All of it directed at the biggest
