Page 30 of No Escape

“Ready for another round?” He had the nerve to ask. She quickly scrambled off Clint and got to her feet. He followed, chuckling. “Thought not.”

What was I supposed to say to that? Sarah’s gaze followed his silhouette, his movements indicating he was slipping into his pants. She bent and felt for her own, finding them but reluctant to put them on because her underpants were wet. The opportunity was lost when Clint picked up the flashlight and flicked it on. She prayed he didn’t turn the beam on her, but should have known better.

His eyes raked over her with mild humor and focused on her kiss-swollen mouth. Sarah trembled at his expression. She could still taste him on her lips, still feel his rough caresses and his masterful possession. The most betraying was the scent of their coupling still lingering in the air.

“You okay?”

She clutched her pants to the front of her, knowing they probably offered little protection against his eagle sharp eyes. “Don’t I look all right?” she said more sharply than she intended. “And stop pointing that flashlight in my eyes.”

“I see your hiss is back.”

Sarah quickly slipped into her clothes. Well, what did he expect? She was irritated because she’d given him leverage over her that he would most likely use against her when the opportunity arose. She could see the white of his teeth in the darkness as he grinned down at her.

“You remind me of a barnyard cat I had as a kid, always hissing and showing her claws. Is this the fucking thanks I get for making you feel better than you’ve probably felt in a long time?”

He had nerve! Her mouth dropped open as the heat of mortification rose up her neck, glad he couldn’t see it. She purposely chose to ignore his obvious meaning and stuck with a safer subject. “I’ve been in hot tubs before.”

His laughter was a full-hearted sound, magnified by the hollow caves surrounding them. Another time and she might appreciate the deep, rich sound emitting from his throat—if it wasn’t directed at her.

“Come on, angel, bedtime.”

Before she knew what he was going to do, he took her hand and pulled her down the long, narrow tunnel behind him. She only let him lead because he had a flashlight, knowing she’d never find her way back. Once they walked into the main cave, she tugged her hand out of his and moved as far away from him as she could.

The hot springs and Clint’s massage had done wonders for her, leaving her relaxed and ready for sleep. She wiped the memory of their passionate kisses and raw intimacy out of her head, knowing it was the only way she would get any rest. She knew as soon as she lay down she’d be asleep in minutes.

“Take off your clothes.” His rough voice seemed to come out of nowhere.

“What?” I just put them back on. She narrowed her eyes on him with curiosity, watching him rummage through the contents of his duffel bag. He certainly didn’t look like he was thinking about jumping her bones, a second time.

“Take off your clothes,” he repeated, finally finding what he’d been searching for.

“I heard you, I’m not deaf.” Her gaze widened as he came toward her.

“Only stubborn. And a few other things I can think of.” He tossed a thin green army blanket down at her. “You can’t go to sleep in those damp clothes. You’ll be miserable and I don’t have time to worry about you getting sick.”

Sarah unfolded the blanket gratefully until it occurred to her that his clothes were damp too. If he thought she was going to share the blanket with him he was crazy. She scowled glancing up at him. It was the best she could do under the circumstances. She was too tired to do anything else.

“Need help?”

He looked a little too eager. The wolfish grin on his face didn’t quite reach the blackness of his eyes. The fire he’d started earlier had burned down to practically nothing, yet there was still enough of a glow for it to cast shadows upon the walls. Sarah wondered what he’d do if she said yes—then decided she was too chicken to test him. She’d have no one to blame but herself if he took her up on it.

She was only relieved he didn’t seem eager to talk about what they’d shared at the hot springs. If he could pretend it hadn’t happened, so could she.

“I can manage on my own,” she said tiredly. “And if you were gentlemen, you’d turn your back.” She shook the blanket open, draping it over the front of her.

“Are you for fucking real?” He snorted. “I’ve already seen and felt everything you have to offer, angel. I know your tits are real, and your cunt is hot and tight.” There was a smile in his voice. “How about if I just close my eyes?”

Sarah ignored him and proceeded to wiggle out of her clothes beneath the blanket. She didn’t acknowledge Clint again until she was almost naked. He took the wadded-up ball of clothes from her and turned to exit the cave. She didn’t ask him where he was going with them, taking advantage of his departure by standing and wrapping the cover around her body before settling back down on the floor.

“You look like a cocoon, but I know there’s no delicate butterfly inside. More like a pesky moth,” he retorted when he came back, standing above her.

She gave an unladylike snort over his unflattering description. Her head was resting on his duffel bag and her eyes were shut. She was exhausted, in more ways than one. She couldn’t ignore the slight ache between her legs. Or the telltale dampness still lingering there.

What surprised Sarah more was the emptiness.

“I guess we’re not sharing.”

She found the energy to open one eye and glare up at him. “Try it and you’re dead meat,” she mumbled groggily, falling asleep within minutes.

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