Page 24 of Stalker

My chest constricts at the thought of never seeing her smile again. Never hearing her laugh. Never feeling her touch.

The truth hits me like a plasma bolt to the chest, stealing my breath.

I love her.

The realization burns through me, terrifying and absolute. I'd sooner cut out my own heart than leave her. She's become as essential as breathing.

Maryse sighs in her sleep, her hand curling possessively over my heart. As if she knows. As if she's claiming me, darkness and all.

CHAPTER 10

MARYSE

Istir awake, my body pressed against Bruticus. His ebony skin is smooth as silk under my fingertips, yet unyielding in places where bone spurs protrude. A perfect contrast, just like the man himself - gruff and dominant on the outside, but with an inner softness that shines through in unguarded moments.

Trust doesn't come easily to me, but with Bruticus, it's different. Apart from my father, there's no one I trust more. The depth of affection in those crimson eyes is almost painful to behold, an intensity that both thrills and unnerves me.

It's that very intensity that drew me to him in the first place. Like a moth to a flame, I'm helplessly attracted to the fierceness of his spirit. Yet, being the focus of all that passion is overwhelming at times. I'm still grappling with how it makes me feel, torn between desire and trepidation.

My musings are cut short as Bruticus stirs beside me. In an instant, his lips claim mine in a hard, demanding kiss that steals my breath and scatters my thoughts to the wind.

"Morning, beautiful," he murmurs against my mouth, his voice still rough with sleep.

"Mmm, morning yourself," I manage, my heart racing at his proximity. "Sleep well?"

"Best sleep I've had in years." His hands roam over my body, igniting sparks of pleasure in their wake. "Must be the company."

I arch into his touch, craving more. "Glad I could be of service."

He chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrates through me. "Oh, you're more than just a service, sweetheart. You're a goddamn revelation."

And then he's kissing me again, hot and hungry, and I surrender myself to the fire between us, my uncertainties melting away in the heat of our shared passion.

The chrono on my wrist beeps. The sound pierces through my desire-addled brain like a bucket of cold water.

"Damn." I pull away from Bruticus's heated kiss. "I have to go."

"Stay." His hands tighten on my hips. "Five more minutes."

"Can't. June and Eve are waiting for me at the Commerce Center." The lie of omission sits heavy in my stomach. "Shopping trip."

"Shopping." His lip curls. "Sounds terrible."

"Not all of us can walk around in black leather all day." I wiggle free from his grasp, immediately missing his warmth. "Some of us need actual clothes."

"What you're wearing now suits you just fine."

"I'm naked."

"Exactly."

My laugh echoes off the walls as I dart into the bathroom. "You're impossible."

"Impossibly charming."

I peek my head out. "Impossibly full of yourself."

The sight of him sprawled across my bed, all ebony skin and dangerous grace, makes my heart skip. The secret about lunch with Dad burns in my throat. But telling Bruticus wouldmean explaining who my father is, and that conversation... that conversation would change everything.

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