Page 100 of Hunted By Valentine

Something is different with Ruby tonight, and I love the way she’s letting go. However, I’m not sure I trust it. Not when I know how angry—maybe even betrayed—she must feel to find out I was hired to kill her. The fact that she’s barely addressed it sends alarm bells ringing in my head.

Letting go of her breast, I grab her throat, pulling her closer while adding pressure. “What do you want from me tonight?” I rasp.

Her eyes widen slightly. “I want you to fuck me. In front of Michael and to mark me,” she croaks. I can feel her throat working as she swallows thickly.

“And that’s it?” I ask, not sure I believe her.

“For now,” she replies.

I hold her in place for a minute or two, slowly loosening my grip as I search her eyes for answers. But I find none, only confirmation that there’s something she isn’t telling me. “Alright,” I agree. “What do you want first?”

Rather than answering me, Ruby gets to her feet, pulling me with her. When we’re both standing, she makes quick work of undoing my jeans, pushing them down, and taking my boxer briefs with them. Once they pool around my legs, I kick everything off, including my socks and shoes.

Completely naked, I can’t resist pulling her against me, feeling her curves and soft skin against my body. “You’re so beautiful,” I rasp, running my hand down her back.

Her dark green eyes grow glassy as unshed tears gather, but she doesn’t allow them to fall. “Thank you,” she stammers. Then she clears her throat and blinks rapidly, the orbs hardening with every movement of her lids. “What do you need for the mark? A lighter? Anything else?”

Holding up the arrowhead, I point at it. “I also need a pen or something I can use to hold it. Maybe some tongs,” I suggest.

With a sharp nod, she spins on her heel, disappearing into the kitchen where I hear her rummage around, slamming cupboard doors. She returns with a metal bucket, showing me the ice filling the bottom. “Will this work?” she asks, pointing at the pair of tongs hanging on the edge.

“Yes,” I rasp, licking my lips. I take the bucket from her and put it down on the floor. “And a first aid kit. Anything with—”

“I’m not covering it up,” she hisses, sounding outraged by the mere prospect.

“First off, you need to cover it up. The skin will be ruined and there’ll be a high risk of infection.” I make sure she sees the seriousness etched into my features so she knows I’m not joking. “But I also need some antiseptic so I can sterilize the area before branding you, Pet. I’m not taking any risks with you.” I don’t know which of us is more surprised by the possessiveness and care coating my words. Not that it matters, it’s not up for debate.

A small satisfactory smile graces her lips as she leaves me again. This time she’s gone for longer, but she returns with a small medical kit. I’m honestly shocked she found one. Well, not really, but kind of. With the way Michael has been treating her, care has obviously never been high on the agenda.

“I saw Marco,” she says, handing me the kit.

I let out a growl. “The bastard better still be out for the count,” I observe, raking my gaze across her naked body for emphasis.

She rolls her eyes. “He was. How long will he be out for?”

Too busy roaming through the small kit, I don’t answer her right away.I quickly find the antiseptic I was looking for, and pour some onto a small cotton ball. Then I beckon her closer with the crook of my finger.

“Where do you want the mark?”

She considers it, tapping her index finger against her cheek. “Hmm… how about here?” She slides a single finger between her breasts, stopping at her under boob.

“There?” I arch an eyebrow. Without giving her the chance to answer, I reach out and quickly pinch the skin. My intention was to show her she picked a bad place, but when she doesn’t even flinch, I’m the one proven wrong.

Another growl escapes me, and I slowly turn my head to look at Michael. What the hell has he done to her that she can barely feel pain? Or maybe she can feel it, but it’s not a hindrance or deterrent to her. Not even outside of sex.

I stab my finger in his direction, not looking away as I speak to my pet. “He dies tonight.”

Chapter 37

The Hunter

Ruby laughs. “Oh, he will.”

Without delaying further, I quickly clean the skin where she wanted the mark. Once done, I grab the tongs, placing the arrowhead between them. As I flick the lighter, the flame appearing, she lowers herself to her knees.

She shuffles closer, and as soon as my cock touches her lips, she swirls her tongue over the tip, lapping up the pre-cum. My length jerks as she wraps her hand around the base. The sight of her like this, taking charge, causes a shudder to ripple through me.

“Mhmm, Pet,” I groan.

---