Page 61 of Silent Stalker

The snap of a twig gives away her position. I pause, letting her think she's lost me. Her breathing slows as she tries to stay quiet. Smart girl, but not smart enough.

My fingers trace the rough bark of a tree as I round it. She's close—so close I could reach out and grab her. But I want to drag this out, make her wonder where I am and when I'll strike.

A gasp escapes her lips as a branch scrapes her skin. The sound shoots straight to my groin. I adjust myself, fighting the urge to take her right now. Her desperate anticipation will make it all the sweeter

Clara breaks into another run, and I let her. Her feet pound against fallen leaves as she sprints deeper into the darkness. I match her pace from a parallel path, staying out of sight. I deliberately snap a twig or rustle branches every few steps, keeping her on edge.

The chase is intoxicating. Each time she changes direction, every stumble and gasp feeds my hunger. I'm toying with her now, herding her toward the clearing ahead. She doesn't realize she's running exactly where I want her to go.

The moon breaks through the clouds, casting shadows that dance across her skin. She pauses at the edge of the trees, chest heaving, looking for an escape route. I circle behind her, close enough to feel the heat radiating from her body.

She's almost within reach now. Her body glows silver in the moonlight as she pauses, sensing my presence. A soft breathescapes her lips, fogging the air. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, the only movement she dares to make.

I step out from the shadows, my body blocking her path. Her eyes widen at seeing me, a hungry, desperate look I've come to know well.

"You knew I'd catch you," I whisper.

She backs away, her eyes never leaving mine. "You're enjoying this."

It isn't a question, and I don't bother responding. Instead, I take a step forward, relishing the fear in her eyes.

"Please," she breathes, her breath ghosting over my skin. "Silas, please."

Her voice is like a caress, sending a shiver down my spine. This is what she wants, what she's been craving.

I lunge, pressing her body against the rough bark of a tree. She lets out a startled cry, her hands scrabbling against the trunk. I catch her wrists, pinning them above her head with one hand. The other slips around her throat, applying just enough pressure to let her know I'm in control.

Her eyes flash with a mixture of desire and defiance. She strains against my hold.

"Fight me," I taunt, tightening my grip. "Show me what you've got."

Her legs wrap around my waist, trying to unbalance me. I smirk, leaning into her, letting her feel my arousal.

She grunts, struggling against my hand at her throat. I add more pressure, just enough to widen her eyes. Her free hand claws at my arm, trying to break my hold.

"That's it," I murmur, nipping at her earlobe. "Show me that fight that gets me fucking hard."

Her hips buck against mine, her movements frantic. The feel of her soft body pressed against mine sends sparks of pleasure through me.

The more she fights, the more savage my desire becomes. Her lips part, breath coming in short gasps. I lift my mask enough to kiss her hard, demanding her submission. Our tongues tangle, a battle of dominance that mirrors the struggle of our bodies.

I release her wrists, sliding my hand down to grab her ass. She whimpers as I lift her, grinding her against me. Taking advantage of her momentary lack of balance, I spin us around, roughly pinning her front against the tree.

"Tell me this isn't what you need," I challenge, teasing her mercilessly. She responds by pressing deeper into the rough bark, her hands seeking purchase on the tree trunk as her body betrays her desire.

This is what she wanted. I can feel her need, her desire for me to take control. Letting go of her throat, I reach down and tear at her panties, ripping them from her body. She gasps, her breathing becoming erratic.

"Do you have any idea how good you feel?" I breathe, my lips brushing her ear. "So fucking wet and ready for me."

"Stop," she begs, attempting half-heartedly to escape. "Please, don't—I can't take it."

Her voice is like a drug, sending a rush of power through my veins. But the game isn't over yet. I tighten my grip on her wrists and thrust into her harder, reveling in the feeling of her soft body yielding to mine.

"Tell me you don't want this," I growl. "Tell me you don't want me to fuck you senseless."

"No," she whispers, her voice hoarse with desire. "I don't want this. Please, let me go."

I chuckle. "Liar. Your body betrays you, Clara. It craves my touch, my dominion.”

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