Page 38 of Sinful Embers

No. No, no, no.

I stumble back, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My pulse pounds against my skull as I bolt toward the basin in the corner, my hands trembling violently.

I scrub. Hard. Desperate.

Tears blur my vision as I frantically try to wash it off, but the blood won’t come off.

I press my palms against the cool stone, gripping the edge as my body convulses with silent sobs.

The images hit me like a freight train.

The gunshot. The screams. The blood on my hands.

And a voice—Vivienne’s voice—whispering like a ghost in my mind.

You’re my little key that unlocks the world I’ve always dreamed of and keeps me safe from the cunts that would try and take it from me.

I squeeze my eyes shut, but I can’t shut her out.

I can’t escape her.

I can’t escape myself.

Chapter 11

LEIGH

Desire.

It snakes through my veins, slow and smoldering, awakening me from the depths of slumber into a world clouded with intoxication. A soft exhale of breath grazes my ear, warm and familiar. A voice—deep, jagged, and saturated with possession.

"Leigh."

The mattress beneath me shifts as moves over me. A firm hand cups the nape of my neck, the rough fingers extending down to my shoulder, thumb caressing the sensitive skin just below my ear. A delightful shiver races down my spine, accumulating between my legs.

"You're safe now," Radomir murmurs, his lips gently brushing against my temple. "It's over."

I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding. My fingers dig into his bare chest, feeling the solid muscle beneath my palm, the familiar scent of him—spicy musk—surrounding me like a second skin.

He's here. He found me.

"Where are Carlos and Timir?" I whisper.

"They're dead," he snarls, his voice dark with promise. "They'll never hurt you again."

A sob of relief begins to rise in my throat, but Radomir silences it with his mouth. His lips crash against mine, as his tongue intertwines with mine in an eager dance. His body is heavy and warm as he presses me down into the thin mattress, his muscular form encasing me.

"Radomir," I gasp as he bites my lower lip gently, tugging it between his teeth before easing the sting with his tongue. “I’m so glad you’re here. I thought you’d never find me.”

"I’ll always find you, Leigh.” His voice is thick with passion. “I told you, you’re mine now; I’ll never let anyone take you from me again.”

"Yes, I’m yours," I breathe. "Always."

His growl of satisfaction vibrates against my throat as his mouth ventures lower, leaving soft, tender kisses down my collarbone and over my naked chest. His calloused hands cup my breasts, thumbs grazing gently over my already hardened nipples.

I arch into him, desperate for more, yearning for the unique friction only he can provide. He doesn't make me wait. His mouth envelops one sensitive peak, sucking gently while his other hand slips between my thighs. His fingers glide over the damp heat between my legs, and I let out a cry.

"You’re so fucking wet for me," he growls against my skin. "I need to be inside you, Leigh."

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