And that was when I felt myself get tackled to the snow-covered ground. I
groaned aloud and quickly fought to regain my composure, but with the winter
jacket and snow, there wasn’t much room to give. I still somehow managed to wrap
my arm around the back of his neck. He lifted his hips just enough for me to
squeeze my legs through and wrap them around his waist to keep myself stationary
and as close to his body as possible. I wasn’t about to let myself get slammed to the
ground as Scott had. But Darren was a cheater and eventually dug his big gloved
fingers into my side, essentially tickling me.
I gasped and squirmed, gripping him tighter. “You cheating bastard!” I shrieked.
I moved my leg from around his waist and planted my foot at his hip and pushed
myself up to get away from his digging fingers. He was laughing, of course, because
no matter where I went, he continued to fucking tickle me until my grip around his
neck loosened enough for him to flip me around so I was trapped under him with
absolutely nowhere to go.
“You’ve been breached, little girl.” He chuckled above me, the smile on his face
so evident in his accomplishment.
“Never say die,” I replied with a smirk.
Darren sighed in satisfaction of his conquest and practically beamed down at me
for what felt like the longest time. It made my breath hitch in my throat.
“God, you’re beautiful,” he suddenly said out of nowhere.
I looked up at him, trying to think of something better to say than the obvious
thank you. He was watching at me with such an expression on his face, one I had no
idea where to place.
“I’m more than just a pretty face, you know,” I teased.
“And isn’t that just my luck,” he replied. The heat of his gaze penetrated me
deep in the pits of my stomach. It was the look of a man on the prowl, the hunter
sweeping in for the kill and me, the ever-challenging prey he’d just caught.
In one fluid motion, Darren stood, pulling me up with him, and held me close.
Those eyes, dark and menacing, swallowed me up in a whirlpool of desire and
obsession, and I felt my breaths suddenly becoming heavier. Looking up into those
dark, brooding eyes, I felt sickened when I realized I wanted him to kiss me. It made
my heart pound in my chest. I hated how the only thing Darren had to do to make
my heart race was to give me a certain look, one that petrified and enthralled me
simultaneously.
“At least, you can admit it,” I whispered, but the lust in my own voice threw me
off.
Without warning, Darren’s hand curled around the back of my neck and pulled
me to him. I couldn’t help but gasp as his lips met mine, making me melt into him
and giving him exactly what he wanted—what I wanted. Forcing my mouth open
wider, his tongue delved into mine, seeking and destroying any chance of denying
how much I loved it.
“Yes, at least I can voluntarily admit to something,” Darren murmured,
breaking the kiss. “Unlike you … who can’t even admit to how much you love the
way I touch you.” His chin rested against my forehead while the butterflies in my
stomach swarmed like locusts. A fight was brewing again. I could feel it.
“Which part?” I asked bravely, my eyes down low as I fought to catch my breath.
“The tender way you break my bones or the way you lovingly force orgasms from
my body?”
Darren instantly gripped me tighter and jerked me toward him. “Which do you
prefer, Jaden? Pleasure or pain? Because I’m beginning to think you’re a glutton for
punishment.”
“Maybe I am,” I replied defiantly. “Maybe I like the pain because it reminds me
of why I still hate you so much. Why I should still hate you.”
“You didn’t hate me five minutes ago,” he countered confidently.
I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter what mask I wear, Darren. I might let
myself go for a moment, but eventually, the truth always finds its way back. I’m
grateful that you’ve done all this for me,” I said, eying the scene around us, “but if
you think this changes anything between us, you’re wrong. Because all of this is
your mask, and I’m smart enough to know when I’m being played.”
Darren sighed, releasing a heavy breath through his nose. The weight of his eyes
on me was enough to make me look away, regretting my bravery. This man had
chained me, beaten me, raped me, killed my uncle, and then killed me. And he
wanted me to admit I wanted his touch? I should torch myself for admitting such a
stupid and reckless idea even in my head. What the fuck was wrong with me?
… survival …
No … fuck no …
“Boss!” I heard someone call from the sliding door of the house. Darren
reluctantly released me from his gaze and turned to look over his shoulder.
“There’s an important
