Page 83 of The Cult

“Good,” he said. He clutched my cheeks, his warm hands bringing me closer to the present. “More.”

When I opened my eyes, we were face-to-face. Our breathing was in sync. My body began to ease, the stabbing pain in my chest subsiding.

“What’s going on?” he asked. His forehead was creased, his intense gaze pinned on me.

“I … I’m scared,” I admitted. Unlike with the others, I didn’t have to act strong in front of Tobias. I could be real with him. I could fall apart because I knew that he wouldn’t judge me. “I’m so fucking scared.” The fear that enveloped me was paralyzing, but my admission made me feel somewhat better. “I don’t wanna die.”

For the second time since he arrived, he pulled me closer and locked me in his arms, encircling me with his strength. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

Tobias couldn’t guarantee my safety—nobody knew what tomorrow could bring. But his words were comforting. “I’m sorry we entangled you in our mess.” I buried my face in his neck and was surprised that he let me.

“Shhh,” Tobias soothed before pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of my head. “I’m not sorry. I’m glad I came.”

He knew all the right words to say to bring me out of my current state of mind. As his arms relaxed and he peered into my eyes, his face drew closer to mine.

I froze. I wanted to kiss him, and it appeared he craved the same. My worries took a back seat momentarily and all I could think of was his mouth on mine.

Tobias’s stare intensified. He swallowed hard, the sound of his Adam’s apple bobbing magnified in the silence. His breath tickled my lips and I shivered, but not from the cold. He cupped my face and pressed his body against mine.

Every nerve ending in my body gathered around my mouth when Tobias kissed me. His tongue swiped my lips and I yielded to their irresistible invitation, parting them to welcome him in.

Kissing him was a million times better than I’d imagined. It was sweet, passionate, and dominating at the same time. I was fully awake but felt like I was dreaming. I’d longed for this moment, and now that it was here, I wanted the world to stop and all my troubles to fade away. His rough stubble rubbed my skin when his lips traveled down to my neck.

“Daddy,” I moaned, my cock coming alive.

He groaned and returned his mouth to my lips. “Say that again,” he said in between kisses.

“Daddy,” I mumbled through his lips.

Tobias continued exploring my mouth with his tongue. He bit my lower lip, sending shockwaves to my core. “We have to get going,” he whispered. He nipped the skin behind my ear, and I was a goner.

I whimpered in protest, even though what he said made sense. “But—”

“You heard me, boy.” He pecked my lips one more time before peeling himself off me.

Though my body ached for his touch, I followed him when he turned around and marched in the direction of the North Compound. Tobias was the anchor I desperately needed.

Every moment we spent together, I was drawn to him in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend. Our connection deepened. Our interactions grew more effortless. Our conversations flowed like a gentle stream winding its way out of the landscape of The Creed.

It could be just my imagination—or wishful thinking—but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Tobias felt our connection too. There was an undeniable warmth in his gaze whenever our eyes met. He had woven himself into the fabric of my daily life, his company a constant source of reassurance and support whenever I felt like breaking down. He was always there to catch my fall.

We hadn’t walked ten yards when Tobias’s steps halted.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

He was furiously patting his pockets. “Goddamn it! I dropped my phone,” he replied.

“You have a phone?” I blurted out, surprised. Phones were strictly forbidden at The Creed. “And they let you keep it?”

Tobias shrugged. “I snuck it in, and because I came with Orcus, I didn’t have to deal with all the security check bullshit.”

“Ah, that makes sense.” I made a mental note to ask him about that meeting with Orcus. Maybe we could get out of here the same way he arrived.

“I need to trace our steps back real quick,” he said urgently. “I need that phone to let the others know what’s going on.”

Others? We were going to let more people know about our scheme? Anxiety bubbled in my chest at the thought of outsiders learning about the escape, but I pushed my feelings aside. I had faith in Tobias, and if he thought contacting his people was crucial, then I was on board.

“Trust me, we need them on our side,” he reassured me, as if sensing my apprehension.

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