Page 66 of Lust

Ten seconds.

Blake spins me, pushing me toward the door, and as Roman joins us in the hall, there’s a rattle as the guillotine slices through the air, ending with a loud thud as it meets the wood. My hands cover my ears as a reflex, as if I can eliminate the sound from my memory.

But I’ll never be able to forget that sound.

“Don’t touch anything. Let’s get out of here,” Roman states as we move toward the front door.

Blake has to support me as I begin to sob into his shoulder.

I don’t remember getting into the car, the drive home, or being carried to my room, stripped down then laid on a bed.

My next memoryis horror when there’s a loud thud, and I scream as a severed head rolls across the floor, stopping at my feet. Blank, soulless eyes stare up at me.

“Hey, hey, you’re okay. You’re safe, Sydney.” Arms wrap around me as I open my eyes to find Roman holding me.

“Oh my god…his h-head. I saw it, Roman. I-I saw his eyes just staring at me,” I sob, gripping his top, tugging on it like it will save me. But there is nothing that will ever be able to rid the image from my memory.

I’m not sure how long he holds me, but by the time my heaving sobs begin to subside, a headache throbs in its place. I curl into the warm body holding me and fall back to sleep.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

BLAKE

Islip into the room and see Syd curled into Ro’s large frame. It’s five in the morning, and I know Ro will be awake and wanting to get a head start on any new info from Oz.

“Hey,” I say as I reach his side. “Go shower. I’ll take over so she can sleep a little longer.”

“She’s been restless for the last half hour, but no more nightmares,” he tells me as he gently untangles himself from her. Once standing, he kisses me. “Thanks. See you in a bit.”

He leaves, pulling the door to behind him. Syd shifts positions, her hand reaching out across the now empty bed. I quickly lift her hand and slide in beside her.

“Shh, it’s okay,” I soothe, brushing her hair back from her face. “It’s just me. Go back to sleep.”

She settles, but I know she’s not asleep, her breathing is too fast and deep.

“Blake?” she questions.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“Where’s Roman?” she asks, rolling over and tucking herself in the curve of my body.

“He was here before but had something he needed to do.” I ignore the feeling of her arse resting against my cock, which isslowly stirring behind my boxers. She relaxes, and I think she might actually fall back to sleep.

She shifts again, and this time it’s followed by a low groan.

“Syd,” I say, an edge of warning to my tone.

“Hmmm?” She rolls her hips into me.

“Keep still,” I say, griping her hip to stop her.

“I don’t think I will,” she tells me, humour lacing her words.

This woman amazes me more every day. When I first met her, she was quiet and submissive in character, but it was hiding the real her; someone strong, resilient and sexually confident despite her lack of experience.

“Touch me, Blake. I need to feel alive. To remember I’m still here…that I’m worthy and…”

“Loved, Syd. You’re loved and worthy and here and alive. And Ro and I are going to do everything we can to make sure you stay that way.” She tenses at my words, and if I had to guess, it’s because in an awkward as fuck and roundabout way I just told her I love her—we love her. Then I allow my mind to have unfettered reign over my body. Starting with my hands as they explore her and my lips as they kiss her neck.

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