Page 55 of Hunter

Before I can say anything, the movement of her legs spreading open eases my worry. She wants this. A deep breath escapes, relief washing over me. “Yes, sir,” she whispers, and my heart stutters in my chest. The word rings in my mind, and I realize how much I crave it. “Sir.” The thought lingers, making my pulse race.

I get closer, guiding her legs wider with my hands, anticipation humming through me. Her eyes stay locked on mine, watching every movement, every touch. There’s no doubt now—she wants this as much as I do.

Her legs spreading wide push all my self-doubt aside. She wants this. A breath of relief escapes me—how could I have ever doubted it? “Yes, sir.” Her voice is soft but undeniably breathy, sending a jolt of heat through my veins. The word echoes in my head, and my heart stutters in response. Sir. The first time she has ever called me that. Something about it makes my pulse race, a possessive streak in me coming alive in ways I can’t fully control. A man could get used to this kind of treatment.

I move closer, spreading her legs further, anticipation humming through me. Her eyes don’t flinch away; they lock with mine, full of curiosity and something darker. Her breath hitches as I slowly slide the toy inside her, the motion deliberate and teasing. I circle her clit with my other hand, savoring the breathy moans she can’t seem to contain.

When I’m done, I grab her waist, pulling her to her feet. She shuffles, testing the sensation, her movements uncertain. There is a moment of hesitation, and then she bends to grab her clothes. I press the button four times. The sound that escapes her lips is a gasp, sharp and needy. She stands abruptly, her back hitting the shelves with a soft thud. The shelves rattle, but I stop them before anything falls.

“Clumsiness equals punishment,” I murmur, my lips curling into a grin. This—this is what I want. I press the button again,the sensation pulsing through her. She groans, her legs crossing instinctively as the pressure builds. Her face flushes, her chest rising and falling in a frantic rhythm.

A few more presses, and she bends over, gripping the sink so hard, her knuckles turn white. Her moans grow louder, more desperate. I relish in the control, in the way she submits to me so freely, but I wait, holding back until her breath becomes erratic. When she’s right there, on the edge, I stop.

Her groan is full of frustration, and she glares at me, her gaze fierce.

She was so close. I know it. I can feel it in the tension of her body and in the way she shakes. But I’m not done yet. I flash a wide, mischievous grin back at her, returning her annoyance with my own sense of satisfaction.

I glance at my watch. “Get dressed, Sophia. Your family is probably wondering where we are.”

She rolls her eyes, but there’s a playfulness in her expression I haven’t seen before. Quickly, she dresses, and we step outside the bathroom. I’m expecting someone to be waiting, but as we make our way through the house, no one seems to be nearby.

As I reach for the sliding door handle, Sophia’s body stiffens beside me. I squeeze her hand, leaning in slightly. “They don’t matter. No one outside that door matters. Only you and me.”

Her hand tightens around mine, a deep breath leaving her lips as she nods. For a moment, we just stand there, the weight of everything hanging between us. I know she’s struggling, that her walls are up, but I wish she’d let them fall more easily. The way she holds herself around her family—guarded, distant—makes my stomach twist. What have they done to her?

I want to kill them. The thought lingers, raw and unrefined, but I swallow it down. I can’t help her if I let my anger control me.

Finally, she speaks, her voice confident despite the tension. “Ready.”

I nod without saying anything and open the door. We walk across the yard, her hand firmly clasped in mine. She doesn’t look anywhere but straight ahead, shoulders squared like she’s preparing for battle. I, on the other hand, can’t help but scan the area. A few people glance our way as we make our way to the far corner of the yard, where a young brunette with long hair is sitting at a table, her eyes glued to her phone.

“Hey,” Sophia greets her, taking a seat.

“Welcome back,” the woman says, turning to face me. “So, you’re the new attraction everyone’s been buzzing about.” She chuckles, and I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. I’ve never had so much attention on me, never been the center of so much curiosity.

“We should charge them,” Sophia says, her eyes twinkling with humor as she pats my hand.

“A hundred dollars,” I reply with a smirk. “I’m sure they’d pay that and more.”

Her cousin, I assume, winks at me. “They’d pay more if you take your shirt off.”

“Why do I feel like cattle being sold off?” I joke, placing my hand on my chest in mock indignation. “Have you guys even looked at me? I’m worth at least three hundred per person.”

They both burst into laughter, and I can’t help but join them. Sophia’s relaxed now, smiling, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that smile on her face. If I have to make a fool of myself to keep her at ease, then so be it.

The girl extends her arm with a grin. “The name’s Steff. I’m Sophia’s favorite cousin.”

I shake her hand firmly. “Nice to meet you, Steff. Maxim. Sophia’s favorite arm candy.”

Sophia lets out a snort of laughter, and the sound wraps around me like a warm embrace. As much as I love hearing her moan, her laughter? That’s the real victory. Nothing beats knowing I’m the one who made her smile.

“I like you already,” Steff says, looking between Sophia and me with a playful glint in her eyes.

“The feeling’s mutual,” I reply, the words genuine. The interactions I’ve seen between Sophia and her family have been the most real I’ve witnessed in her life. They seem close—authentically close.

I lean in slightly, lowering my voice to a whisper, “If I go on a killing spree today, don’t worry. She’ll be safe.”

Sophia glances at me, her lips curling slightly as she replies in the same low tone, “Good, because she’s the only one I’d care if you killed.”

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