Page 27 of Rescuing Red

Peeling her hands from his thighs as they approached the one place she hadn’t reached yet, he ignored her pout as he gave his cock a rough scrub, fighting back the need to bend her over and take his pleasure. They didn’t have the time, and if she’d touched him there, there would’ve been no way he could have stopped himself.

“Out. Clothes. I’ll make food.”

His words were rough, and Liz’s expression saddened, but her amusement bubbled along their connection. Shooting her a mock snarl, he wrapped her in a towel before popping her bottom and sending her out so he could have a moment to pull himself together.

When he didn’t feel like he was ready to pounce on her at the slightest provocation, he stalked into the room and dug out a fresh set of clothing for himself. Every article she’d worn during their trek was filthy, but they didn’t have time to wash them.

When he remembered the extra outfit he’d bought at the market, his lip curled, but he dug it from his bag. It wasn’t the dull colors he’d prefer as they tried to sneak through the jungle, but it was clean, and it wouldn’t matter if it got ruined.

“I grabbed these too. They aren’t the best…”

He trailed off, holding the cloth out to Liz. With her hair wet and his large towel wrapped around her, she looked even smaller and more delicate, and he worried again that he was making a mistake by leading her into more danger.

Taking the outfit, her other hand gripped his wrist as she looked up into his eyes.

“Thank you. I know you want to keep me safe, but I can’t relax knowing she’s out there alone.”

Nodding, Blaide swallowed his worries and began getting dressed so he could prepare their food. He had more rations they could take with them, but he wanted Liz to have a hot meal before they set out again. Even if she felt fine now, her stamina wouldn’t hold, not after her heat and their trip through the jungle. He wouldn’t let her wear herself down any further.

He walked out to the kitchen as she dressed. Once he had the fire going and the meal cooking, he went through his pack and made sure he had the essentials they’d need. Adding a medical kit, rope, rations, and a few extra knives, he had everything packed back up when Liz emerged.

She was wearing the orange top he’d given her, but instead of the white leggings it came with, she was wearing the black pants he’d first seen her in.

“White didn’t seem like the best idea, and these weren’t too dirty. The other ones you gave me smelled too much like my heat.”

She ducked her head until he rumbled his approval and stepped closer to cup her cheek.

“Smart thinking.”

Dropping a kiss to her forehead, he had to step away when she leaned into him. His control was too frayed to risk the contact he longed for, but the spike of pain in his chest made him reach out and brush her cheek with his fingertips.

“I want you too much for that now, or we’ll never get out of the house.”

Her eyes widened, irises shrinking as her tongue peeked out to lick her tempting lips, but she gave him a nod. Turning to the food, he pulled it from the fire and headed to the kitchen to serve it. It wasn’t long before he sat across from her at his tiny table, watching her take the first bite. Her smile had warmth blooming in his chest, and they both focused on cleaning their plates.

Once they’d finished every bite and he’d cleaned up, he took one last look around before snuffing the fire. He was leaving his den again, still not knowing when or if he’d ever return, but he found the thought less painful this time. Now he had Liz, and as long as she was by his side, he would feel at home.

Stepping outside, the sight of the rising sun surprised him. It didn’t feel like they’d been inside for so long, and the need to move quickly rose within him. There’d be nothing worse than arriving too late.

Taking Liz’s hand, he turned east, hoping they’d make it in time.

Chapter 17

Liz

Her feet ached, but not as much as her pussy. Even though her body had reveled in his claiming and she’d wanted more despite her heat ending, now she fought to ignore the throbbing between her legs. Every step reminded her of his gentle yet forceful invasion of her body, which added a disconcerting arousal to their predicament.

They didn’t have the cool darkness of night to hide behind, so Blaide stopped more often to check their path before continuing onward. It was both frustrating and comforting. He was so vigilant she knew in her marrow that no one could sneak up on them, but the urgency to find her nana grew with every moment.

She loved how his hand engulfed hers but worried she was inhibiting his ability to react should something jump out at them. But when she’d tried to let go, he’d sent her a sidelong glance and tightened his hold on her hand. She’d smiled, delighted that he’d been as opposed to parting with her as she had been upset over detaching from him. Then she focused on creating the least amount of noise possible as they trekkedthrough the jungle. At points, the vines were so thick he had to cut a path so they could get through, his quick and efficient motions heating her loins, but she kept her thoughts on her nana and stopped herself from soaking the fabric of her pants.

When a wave of premonition hit her, she’d silently begged him to walk faster. He had, for an indeterminable amount of time, but when her legs started burning and her head felt cottony, he’d slowed his pace and handed her more water to sip.

Liz looked up at Blaide, her eyes going wide when she saw his heated expression, then blushed when she realized her two outer tails were teasing through the thick, fluffy hair on his tail. He snarled when she pulled them away, so she gave them permission to continue their stroking, then sent him a worried glance when he reprimanded her with another snarl.

“What?”

She didn’t know why he was upset—she was doing her best to tamp her arousal and wasn’t panicking despite her urge to find her nanaright now.

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