Page 67 of Hidden

Her thighs parted in invitation. Rafe explored the soft inner flesh, nipping, tasting, coaxing a cry from her.

“Please,” she gasped.

He entered, her body straining to accept his size. She was ready, but this was—unexpected. She’d heard rumors of the generously made beast-men, whispered tales among women both human and fae. They were true. She gasped, her eyes wide and staring into his. His frank satisfaction at her astonishment was clear.

Then he began to slowly move. She gripped his shoulders, riding the earthquake with a wonderment that quickly melted to elation. Suddenly she was an elemental force, part of a vortex winding tighter and tighter. The movements increased in speed and force, and then she was responding with equal strength, a dancer adding her own steps. She cried out, losing control, every nerve dazzled. Suddenly the glade seemed filled with light, but whether it was magic or simply madness, she could not tell. It went on and on, driving her up and over again before Rafe made a final, long thrust and gave himself to her utterly.

She rolled on top of him, not willing to let him go just yet. His arms folded around her as if she had always belonged just there, her head tucked under his chin, her hair spilling over them like a cloak. She kissed him, tasting the sweat on his skin. He was still breathing heavily, the rise and fall of his strong chest making her burn for him all over again.

This—this unconditional acceptance, this equality, this partnership—was the emotional ballast she’d never had. It took nothing and gave everything, unlike games of power. And even if this moment never came again, it would not fade. Lila closed her eyes. She wasn’t ready for this to be just a memory. If only time would stop.

But she couldn’t pretend forever.

CHAPTER 23

“Ineed to go.” Lila swallowed down the ache in her throat. The words severed the moment, ending the comfort of his embrace. Just like that, the blissful now turned to then.

“I know,” Rafe replied.

She hated herself for breaking the sweet silence, where only the sound of their breath disturbed the forest’s hush. They should have lain there, murmuring endearments and wallowing in the newness of their pairing. They should have been looking for the next bridge to cross. Instead, the journey was done.

There was no telling if there would be another encounter. She might return at the head of an army. She might never make it out of the forest. Even if she made it back, what would she find?

Lila slipped from his arms and rose, finding her dress and shoes. She ignored the sparkly overgown, leaving it where it had fallen.

Rafe rolled to his feet and swiftly dressed, every motion tight with apprehension. “Take my jacket. You’ll freeze.”

“There will be too many questions if you return to the banquet without it.”

“I’m free.” He held up his wrists, now without the silver cuffs. “I’m not going back inside.”

“Good point.” She took the jacket. It was too large, but she was immediately warmer.

Rafe lightly held her shoulders as he leaned in and touched his lips to hers. She drank in his heat and wild energy, running her hands along his hard forearms until she grasped his hands. She pulled him close, twining her fingers through his.

“Remember the names I gave you,” he murmured. “Go as swift and silent as moonlight falls.”

“Is that a blessing?”

He kissed her forehead. “It’s a wish we make for our hunters.”

Lila wanted to ask more, but if she waited too long, she’d lose the nerve to go at all. With an act of will, she stepped away, keeping his hand in hers until only their fingertips touched.

“Be safe,” she said softly.

Then she darted into the trees, turning only once to see Rafe watching her, his white shirt bright against the mottled darkness. The urge to run back to him almost buckled her knees, yet giving in would help nothing. Lila pushed on.

She’d freed him as far as she could, but he was still a prisoner. She had to find help before that could change. Even so, regret at leaving him behind struck like a knife thrust.

She broke into a run, willing branches from her path as she fled. Feet all but silent on the soft forest floor, she aimed for the road. She’d left her car there nights ago—a sleek but sensible Toyota hybrid—and hopefully no one had towed it. There was a spare key fob beneath the rear bumper, protected with a spell. All she had to do was retrieve it, and she’d be on her way.

Lila slowed as her path climbed to the edge of the property. The trees grew sparser, the pale ribbon of the road easier to glimpse beneath the moon. An uncertain prickle ran down her spine as she neared. She was so close. Soon she should see the outline of her silver-gray vehicle. It was no more than thirty yards away.

She paused, panting as she took one last look around before the final sprint to freedom. There were no headlights on the road, no sentries, no one but an owl shifting its grip on a branch above. With a bound, she launched forward, gathering speed. The quicker she moved, the less chance she’d be seen.

The perimeter spell caught her two steps from the road. Lila tripped, her balance swept from beneath her by a tingling wave. The sharp pins and needles ripped a gasp from her throat, but it didn’t stop there. Like an electric bolt, the spell threw her into the air, suspending her for an agonizing heartbeat before hurling her back into the trees.

Rafe watched Lila leave, all too aware of every step she put between them. His conscious mind—the one honed for the logic of daredevil missions—knew she had to get to the city. It was the only way to summon help for their families and themselves. And from what he’d seen, it would take professionals to stop a player like Farras. For one thing, his retinue was large enough to count as a small army of fae.

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