Page 105 of Mine to Ruin

“Sway on your feet.”

I face plant onto the mat. It’s been one round after another. I can’t even remember how I got down here. Every muscle in my body screams of abuse.

“Enough for today,” Kian says, not even a little out of breath.

“I was this far away from knocking you out, anyway.” I part my forefinger and thumb an inch, and amusement dances on his sharp features. He is beautiful, his carved face, defined cheekbones, those thick eyebrows that give him a rugged expression along with a defined nose.

“Were you now?” he asks, a playful tilt lifting the corners of his mouth.

He extends his hand, and I grin at him while grabbing it, and put all my power into pulling him down. In a swift move, I climb on top of him and pin him down. All the amusement vanishes, replaced by undiluted heat. I put my hands on his hammering chest.

“Angel, I am hard and in awe.”

He pulls me down, hands cupping my face, and kisses me until we’re both breathless. He scoops me up and carries me into the bathroom. Water sprays down on us, and his mouth and fingers are everywhere. With him inside me, we climb the peak together, and I cry out his name, a moan, plea, a song of love.

Later, I comb my hair while he leans against the wall, head cocked, his eyes taking in every inch of me, as if I am the center of his world. The craziest part is I feel like I am.

“I’d like to do something else for New Year’s this year,” he announces.

“What about we go back to the chalet, just the two of us for the next few days?”

“Like you have to ask.” He chuckles, relief passing through his eyes as he pushes himself off the wall, and wraps his hands around me, placing his chin on my shoulder.

“But if the others find out, they might follow us.” He sighs.

“Imagine the horror of spending a few nights with our friends.”

He slaps my ass playfully. “Smart ass.”

I meet Tara for lunch in the hotel restaurant, and as soon as we order, Kian, Jason and Kendrick spot us and come sit with us, Kendrick next to Tara. There is definitely something going on between them.

“What are we doing for New Year’s Eve?” Jason asks, and both he and Kendrick look at Kian.

Kian lets a small growl out. “We’re going to the chalet!”

“Great, then it’s settled,” Jason says, and cuts into the steak.

“I can’t wait to see the snow,” Tara beams, and I threaten Kian with my eyes to end the scowl, and he does.

I pat him on the leg and say, “Good boy.”

He chokes on his asparagus, and the heated glare he sends my way means unmistakably that I will be so fucked.

I shoot a message off to Aubrey, and my cell explodes with her enthusiastic response.

Then I text Brandon to tell him about our plans, and he sends back a quick okay reply.

“What’s wrong, angel?” Kian asks.

I guess I couldn’t hide my worry. “Something is up with Brandon. He hasn’t come back, I think he’s avoiding me, but maybe I am overthinking.” I shrug, but still the nagging feeling persists, no jokes, no teasing, just two letters, so uncharacteristic.

After lunch, Lorene and I have a meeting and plan a new gallery exhibition then I call my parents to tell them of our New Year plans, and pack for the trip.

Early in the morning, Kian puts the luggage in the SUV while I climb inside. I can’t wait to enjoy our togetherness for the next few days, as I bounce in the seat, excitement bubbling inside me.

Like the first time, the ample architectural chalet leaves me in awe. I crane my head and trace the lines of snow sparkling on the roof, lying in a heavy layer. Only the entrance and the stairs are cleaned of the fluffy white cold flakes. My teeth clench together from the cold as we rush through the door, and the scent of wood burning in the fireplace tickles my nostrils. The flames dance on a pile of wood enclosed by a stone square place.

Kian drops our bags and they land with a thud on the wooden floor. He wraps his hands around my waist and dips his head in the crook of my neck. My stomach growls, ending our romantic moment.

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