Page 149 of Exes and Oh Hell No

Instead, I’m wet.

Dripping.

Why the fuck am I getting so turned on by him losing control of himself?

My eyes flick toward the woods ahead, catching a glimpse of my parents’ house in the distance.

A wild idea takes root.

I take off running. “You’ll have to catch me to find out,” I yell over my shoulder, not looking back.

Ford’s snarl cuts through the air—a low, menacing sound that should have me sprinting in the opposite direction.

But I know better.

The predator inside him has fully emerged.

And I’m his willing prey.

My feet pound against the earth, my breath ragged.

I’m not built for this.

I don’t run unless I absolutely have to, but Ford? He’s an apex hunter.

He’llalwayshave the edge.

My only chance is to outsmart him.

My gaze darts over the area, relief filling me when I spot the tall weeds and rocks shielding the entrance to the old coal structure my parents never used.

It’s been abandoned for years.

My dad always warned me the ground might cave in if I got too close, but right now?

It’s my only shot.

I round the hill, slowing my pace as I slip behind the structure, keeping low as I sneak through the entrance.

Long shadows stretch across the damp, cold interior. The air is thick with the scent of coal and old earth.

Pressing my hand over my mouth, I try to stifle my heavy breathing.

The thrill, the fear, the anticipation—it all coils inside me like a live wire.

Seconds stretch into minutes.

The air in my lungs burns as I slowly creep toward the door?—

A thud stops me in my tracks.

My heart slams into my ribs as a shadowy figure drops into the doorway, blocking my exit.

A shrill scream rips from my throat before I can stop it.

Ford.

His hand wraps around my throat. The darkness in his eyes is all-consuming.

---