Her pussy grips my dick in a tight hold and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to blow right there and then.

“Love you, Red,” I muse, sinking my fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck and dragging her closer. “I love you more than I ever thought possible.”

I don’t give her a chance to respond, instead, I let our bodies do the talking.

We’ve got a long—or possibly a very short—road ahead of us so we’ve got to make the most of every moment we have together.

Who knows when it’s going to be ripped away again.

22

ABIGAIL

Istare out at the lake, trying to commit every second, every kiss and touch, to memory.

I never want to leave.

But it’s already time to go back to All Hallows’.

Our incredible weekend is over and now we have to face reality.

“There you are.” Elliot comes up behind me, caging me against the railing with his big, strong body. He nuzzles my shoulder, brushing his nose along the curve of my neck. I let out a contented sigh, soaking up our final moments together.

Trying to ignore the pit gnawing in my stomach.

“It’s so peaceful out here,” I whisper.

“We can come back. I’m sure Lauren can hook us up.”

“I still can’t believe she did all this for you.”

Elliot gently grabs my chin and twists my face to his. “For us,” he corrects. “She did it for us. Now tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I’m thinking I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to go back to school and have to pretend that we’re…” I inhale a ragged breath, refusing to say the words.

I heard him whisper the words last night.

You’re mine now, Red. And I won’t let anyone come between us again.

But I already feel the wall going up between us. I don’t even think he realises he’s doing it.

I want to ask him about it. To ask how he can do it so easily. Lock his heart away and pretend he doesn’t care.

But I don’t.

Because I’m not sure I want to hear the answer. Not when I know I won’t be able to do it.

Not after this weekend.

Not after hearing him say those three little words that mean so much to me.

As if he senses the directions of my thoughts Elliot lets out a weary sigh and says, “I know it isn’t easy.” He kisses my forehead. “But I don’t want you to worry about anything, okay? I’ll handle my father.”

“Would it really be so bad if we just tell them?”

The second the words are out of my mouth, I regret them. A quiet rage falls over Elliot, his eyes growing so dark, and a shudder goes through me.

“I don’t ever want you near them,” he says. “Ever, Abi. Do you understand me?”