Page 20 of The Runaway Mate

“Not until you admit this is bigger than both of us.” Ryan caught my chin in his hand, forcing me to meet his gaze. “We’re mates, Mai. We’re meant to be together. No matter how much you fight it, I won’t let you go. Not again.”

I wrenched my chin from his grasp. “There is no us. There never will be an us.”

Something dangerous flickered in Ryan’s eyes. In one smooth movement, he pinned me against the wall, hands on either side of my head. I sucked in a sharp breath, heart rabbiting against my ribs.

Ryan leaned in until his lips brushed my neck. “Keep telling yourself that. But we both know the truth; you want this as much as I do.” Ryan nuzzled my neck, and I shuddered despite myself. “Say it, Mai.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn’t give in. I wouldn’t.

Ryan nipped at the sensitive skin of my neck, and a helpless moan slipped from my lips.

“Say it,” he repeated, voice rough with desire.

Every inch of me was on fire for him. I couldn’t remember why I was fighting this. Fighting us.

No, wait, I did remember.

I stubbornly lifted my chin. “You’re delusional. This is just a fantasy you’ve concocted in your mind.”

“Really?” Ryan slid a hand down my side in a slow, deliberate caress that made my breath hitch. “Your heart is pounding. Your cheeks are flushed. And I can smell how wet you are for me.” His hand ran across the gap of bare skin between my tank top and panties. “Tell me you don’t want this. Tell me you don’t want me.”

I shoved against his chest again, panic and longing warring inside me. Ryan still didn’t budge.

“Let me go,” I whispered.

He leaned in closer to me. “The next time you come, it’ll be because I’m fucking you, Mai.”

More heat rushed to my cheeks. I opened my mouth to protest, but no words came out.

A smug grin spread across Ryan’s face. “You can pretend all you want, but your body knows the truth. It craves me, just like I crave you.”

Okay, I had to shut this down. Now. Nothing had changed. Yes, Ryan acknowledged that I was his mate. But he’d rejected me four years ago. Had lied to me for months and made me believe I was unlovable. Ryan admitting the truth didn’t change anything. I didn’t trust him, could never trust him. My plan was still in place. I was going to heal and then get the fuck out of here.

“Ryan—”

A knock at the door stopped me.

“Mai, you up yet?”

Jem. He had freaking brilliant timing.

“I’m up!” I yelled back, my frustration mounting.

“I’m heading out. I’ve got some meetings in town. Do you want a lift to the Bottley Bar? I’ve had six texts and three phone calls from Sofia this morning, asking when I’m going to let you out from your ‘luxurious prison,’ as she seems to have nicknamed my home.”

“Yes!” I shouted, scrambling out from Ryan’s hold and ignoring his chuckle. “Hell, yes!”

“I’ll be downstairs in ten, then. Be quick!” Jem said.

I turned, limped into the bathroom, and slammed the door. I heard Ryan leaving the room as I stepped into a deliberately cold shower.

Chapter fourteen

Mai

Ihopped on my crutches into the Bottley Bar and Coffeeshop, instantly feeling the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the place. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries filled the air, as soft jazz music played in the background. The walls were decorated with eclectic artwork, and the mismatched furniture gave the place a cozy, lived-in feel.

Sofia was behind the counter, her vibrant red hair falling in loose curls around her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she caught sight of me, her full lips curling into a wide grin. She had always been the life of the party, her infectious energy and caring nature making her the best friend a girl could ask for. She jumped the counter and bounded up to me, arms open. I sucked in a breath as she wrapped her arms around me and squeezed.

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