Page 15 of The Devil's Hunt

I dropped my shoulders in exasperation and turned to face him, anger burning through my veins. "I don't belong to you. I don't belong to anyone." I poured myself another drink and took a large gulp before continuing. "Why does everyone keep saying I amyours? Because I'm not."

Archer stepped forward, towering over me, his presence powerful and intimidating. "I think you like the idea of being mine, Mila." His voice was low, deep, and husky. I could feel his hot breath on my lips, and I shivered, ready to argue with him.

"I—"

He cut me off, his fingertip pressed against my lips, stopping the words I wanted to shout at him. "Stop arguing with me," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Let me show you what it's like to belong to someone."

I stared up at him, his eyes blazing with intensity, and I knew I was in trouble.

"I know you feel it too." His hand cupped the back of my neck, pulling me in close to him, and his lips grazed my lips. "The energy between us. The way your body responds to my touch. Don't deny it."

"I'm not denying anything," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I want to make you mine in all the ways that matter. I want to claim you as mine in every sense of the word."

"I-I don't know what I want."

"Yes, you do, little rabbit."

He was too close, his lips hovering over mine. I didn't want to want him the way that I did, but I couldn't deny the way that my body reacted to him. I didn't even understand why I wanted him. He was a stranger to me, a murderer, and I barely knew anything about him, but I wanted to know everything. His hand moved down my back, pulling me even closer to him, and a rush of heat spread throughout my body. He pressed his lips firmly against mine, and the world around us disappeared. The sounds of loud music were muffled bythe steady thrum of my heartbeat pulsing through my ears. It was just him and me, lost in a kiss that seemed to last forever. His hands roamed over my body, making me feel more alive than ever. A moan escaped my lips, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth. I could feel his hardness pressing against my thigh, and I knew what he wanted.

But did I want the same thing?

As much as I tried to resist him, my body was betraying me. I wanted him in a way that I had never wanted anyone before. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, and I felt him respond. His kiss was hard, rough, and filled with a possessiveness that I had never felt before.

"Oh my God, Mila?" My best friend's high-pitched and perplexed voice screeched in my ear while her firm grip yanked me away from Archer.

"Ouch," I protested.

"What are you doing with Archer fucking King?"

"What's it look like I'm doing?" I blushed.

"He's bad news, Mila. You’re too good for him."

I frowned in annoyance and pulled my arm out of her grasp. "Maybe I'm tired of always being good! MaybeArcher fucking Kingis exactly whatIdeserve."

"Mila, I didn't mean—I'm sorry."

I sighed. "I know. I want to feel like a normal college girl. And right now, for whatever reason, he is interested in me."

"Just be careful, okay? He has a reputation, that's all. I don't want you to get hurt." She looked over my shoulder and scowled at Archer.

"I am a big girl, Lace." I squeezed her hand reassuringly and turned back toward Archer, who stood with his arms crossed and an unamused look on his face.

"You good?" he asked, his eyes watching Lacey intently.

"I'm great." I grabbed a bottle of whiskey off the table and wrapped my fingers in his, pulling him toward the friends he had introduced me to earlier. The blonde girl on Kai's lap was kissing his neck, and his hand was between her legs, both oblivious to ourarrival. The others were busy laughing and drinking, enjoying the warmth of the fire. I sat beside Kai and his girl, resting my back on a giant boulder. Archer sat down next to me, and I moved closer to him, taking a big drink of whiskey and passing it to him. I watched him take a bigger drink, mesmerized by his perfect features and how the fire lit up his olive-green eyes.

"Your friend seems to have an issue with me." His voice was low, leaning toward me but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"She's protective," I responded, leaning back on my elbows. The stars were bright, and the full moon shone down on us. "She doesn't seem to like you very much."

"I'm not surprised. I don't care for her much, either."

I laughed and rolled my eyes at him. He handed the bottle of whiskey back to me, and I took another drink, letting the warm liquid slide down my throat. I closed my eyes and let the effects of the alcohol, the fire, and Archer's scent settle into my soul. I opened my eyes and realized he was watching me, his eyes a mixture of desire and something else.

The firelight reflected off his face, casting shadows on his chiseled features—black hair, strong shoulders, and bright green eyes. I leaned closer to him, my head buzzing, and extended my lips toward him. He brushed his lips against mine before putting his arms around me and pulling me into his lap. I moaned softly as I felt his hard cock pressing against my hip. It was exactly what I wanted.

---