Page 88 of The Dark Obsession

“It’s not too late. We’re high up already so it won’t take too long to get to the top.”

The skeptical look she throws my way makes me nearly want to retract my offer, but who am I to back down.

“All the hikes I’ve done in my life had barely any elevation and were like two- or three miles tops. Well, those were more like walks in a park so you should probably lower your expectations.” Casting her eyes downwards, a pink hue covers the apples of Malory’s cheeks.

Tempted to run my fingers over the transparent skin, I cup her jaw, tilting her head back up.

“We’ll take the four-wheeler as far as we can get and the last bit isn’t too steep. Besides, the trees offer more than enough shade along the trail.” I feel her breath stutter when I lower my hand to her neck, grazing the delicate softness as her pulse flutters under my fingertips.

“You’re safe with me, Malory.”

If my girl decides to climb a mountain, I’ll fucking carry her in my arms.

“I know.” She signs, leaning into my touch. “Okay, but don’t tell me I haven’t warned you when I pass out halfway through.”

A rare smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I lean down to press a kiss to her forehead, then her nose and lastly, I gently peck her plush lips. “I won’t let that happen.” I whisper against her mouth before standing up.

“Meet me downstairs when you’re ready. And don’t forget sunscreen, baby.”

I stand in the shade of the nearby pine trees, the sun shining brightly on the wildflower covered clearing, a light breeze coasting through the high grass.

I’m leaning against the four-wheeler I keep at the back of the garage, waiting for Malory to come find me.

Since she’s gotten here, I haven’t had a chance to take this thing out for a ride, mostly keeping it as an emergency vehicle in case anything happened to the truck.

I won’t have my little one tracking through wilderness all the way to the nearest town if I were to break a leg.

The front door opens with a screech, reminding me to put oil on the hinges as my girl steps out onto the patio, dressed in black biker shorts paired with a cropped shirt showing off her slim thighs along with the curve of her adorable ass.

Great, now I’m going to have a boner during the whole ride up.

Malory’s eyes widen when she spots the giant ATV bike behind me. Only for them to then rove over my muscles with a subtle gleam of appreciation.

I give her a knowing smirk and she shakes her head before heading in my general direction, her gaze glued to her feet.

As soon as she’s within reaching distance, I grab her wrist, whirling her around until her back hits the hard planes of my chest.

“You can watch me all you want, little one.” I whisper directly in her ear, letting my lips coast over it.

“Just say the word and I’ll strip so you can have a good, hard look.” Tugging the collar of her shirt to the side, I reveal the sensitive spot where her naked shoulder meets her neck.

Trailing my nose down to it, I take a long inhale of her sweetly arousing scent, feeling her faintly shudder against me.

“I thought we were going on a hike?” The breathlessness in her voice giving away how much my touch affects her.

Women have always fawned over my looks, seeking the thrill and danger for one night. An irritation I didn’t care for.

Those surface level interactions meant nothing to me and in the end, it was easy enough to send them running with the dead, empty look in my eyes.

Yet with Malory, I yearn for her attention, possessive over every heated look she ever so discreetly throws my way.

“I have excellent navigation skills in the darkness if we let’s say get delayed for a bit.” This time I bit her neck, earning myself a needy moan.

Her back arches instinctively, her ass pressing into my throbbing erection.

The low growl rumbling from deep within my throat causing Malory to spin around in my arms, covering my mouth with her hand to stop my assault.

Her heart shaped face flushed, lips parted as her chest heaves against mine. Nonetheless, she narrows her eyes at how easily I’m able to get her to succumb to me.

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