Page 38 of The Haunting of the Mountain

“I like that way more than I should.”

When we cross the threshold, I set her down. “Turn around. Hands on the bed.” I take a few steps toward her and she takes a few back, her legs hitting the bed. “I don’t want to tell you again.”

“What happens if?—”

I grab her face and kiss her roughly, capturing the rest of her sentence in my mouth. Moaning. Whimpering.Needy.I bite down softly on her bottom lip as I pull away from our kiss. She’s wobbling in front of me. Out of breath.

“Hands on the bed.” It’s raspy and gruff. Flat.

Kyla complies, turning around and placing her hands on the bed. “Like this?”

I move toward her, sliding my hands across her lithe body before pressing her against the mattress. I spread her legs wider with one push of my knee.

“Good girl,” I rasp, dragging my hand down her spine before taking her ass in my hands. “Good fucking girl,” I growl, slipping inside heaven once again.

Chapter 9

Kyla

I can’t stop smiling.

It’s not my fault. It’s the naked mountain man sleeping soundly next to me. He’s making me grin from ear to ear. Making me toy with his chest hair. Making me envision a future of exploring every inch of this mountain with him, searching for cryptids and ghosts, wild berries and waterfalls. I’d be happy doing anything so long as it’s with him.

I never thought I’d want to live this far away from civilization but I can’t imagine a world without Stone by my side.

I allow myself a few more quiet moments, stroking his chest as I listen to his rhythmic breathing. I’ve never been so calm and relaxed.

And well, sore.

But this is the kind of sore I can get behind. Last night was unforgettable. My time with Stone has been unforgettable. But it’s running out.

My stomach sours and bile rises in my throat as my fingers stop moving against Stone’s chest. Is this all we have? I don’t want to believe it. I know Stone wants me. He loves me. And I love him. But am I living in a fantasy world where this could work?

I sigh, pulling away and then slipping out from under the covers. Shivering, I pad into the bathroom and turn on the shower. I need to rinse off these bad thoughts. Of course, it will work.

We’ll make it work.

I peekat the bedroom door over my laptop. I’m smiling again, and again, it’s all Stone’s fault. He makes me so happy. My insides flutter and my body reacts whenever I’m in the same room as him. And when he touches me?Ungh.

But I played a little trick on him. I couldn’t help myself. Payback… I can’t wait to see his face, and the rest of him, when he finally wakes up.Ifhe wakes up. I’ve been waiting for what feels like hours for that man to stir. He hadplentyof stamina last. But I guess he’s spent.

I sink back in my chair, remembering last night. He made good on his promise. I can’t think of a single part of me he didn’t taste. From head to toe, that man’s tongue was all over me.Insideme too.

My nipples tighten as I cross my legs, everything heating up and pulsing. Stone doesn’t even have to be around to turn me on. I cup my breast, rolling my hard bud between my fingers as I slouch, opening my legs as I slide my hand lower. But my computer dings and I groan

Probably for the best. I’d prefer Stone to take care of me. Or have him order me to take care of myself. Hairs stand on the back of my neck. I loved how he took control last night. Commanding me. Using me. I thought my first time was going to be awkward but it was anything but. It was like our bodies were meant for each other. Everything felt natural and easy, much like all of our interactions.

I feel safe and comfortable around him. Loved and desired. And I’ll do whatever I can to preserve that.

Me: It finished transferring. I’ll let you know…

Nell: DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING

I filled Nell in on what happened at the library. She’s convinced there’s something on the tape because my battery shouldn’t have died so quickly. I’m doubtful, but I figured I might as well check. I’m hoping Vernon makes an appearance because our audience won’t believe a guy like him exists without evidence

I hit play, and it doesn’t take long to watch the segment. Unfortunately, my camera wasn’t pointed at Vernon, but I think I caught something else. Right before the book slams on the cabinet, I swear I hear a cat meow. I’ve replayed the clip about a half dozen times and each time I hear a cat that wasn’t there.

I’m in the middle of typing out a response to Nell when Stone screams,“Ah,fuck!”

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