Page 59 of Brick's Retribution

He responds with just as much need as I have, his touch demanding, treating me like something precious and desired all at once.

I don’t stop until we’re both falling over the edge.

I don’t know if it’s the danger of what we’re doing, or if this is because our connection is undeniable, but I’ll take it.

"When we get out of here," he promises against my lips, his voice strained with the effort of holding back, "I'm going to worshipeveryinch of you properly. Somewhere with a bed and all the time in the world."

The images his words conjure make me tremble. "I'll hold you to that."

"Good," he growls, claiming my mouth again in a kiss that promises everything and delivers just enough to leave me aching for more.

"That was..." I start, then trail off, unable to find the right words.

"Yeah," he agrees, understanding what I can't articulate.

We lie there in silence, the reality of our situation temporarily held at bay by the afterglow of what we've just shared.

For these few precious moments, we're not a cartel princess and her protector—we're just two people who've found something beautiful together.

But eventually, the sound of distant voices reminds us that we can't stay here forever.

Our hunters are still out there, still searching for us, still trying to get me.

"We should move," Brick says reluctantly, though he makes no immediate effort to release me.

"I know," I reply, but I don't move either.

Whatever comes next, we'll face it together.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Brick

The storm drain system stretches for miles, a concrete maze that I know will lead directly under the city toward the clubhouse.

Every step away from that tunnel where we fucked feels like I'm leaving a piece of myself behind.

Everything has changed between us, and I can't stop thinking about it.

The way Imani felt in my arms, the way she looked at me when we came together, the trust she’s shown me since we’ve been on this adventure.

If I can even call it an adventure, that is.

Things should be simple—protect her, complete my assignment, deliver her safely to the club, then get back to looking for Lashes, for my best friend in the entire fucking world.

But nothing about this feels simple anymore.

What happened in that tunnel wasn't just sex, wasn't just two people finding comfort in each other.

It was primal as fuck, like I was claiming her.

I’ve never felt this way toward a woman, and something about Imani makes me desire her.

Not in the typical way like a clubwhore or random piece of ass on the street. It’s more intense, deeper.

Fuck, I can’t even be thinking about this shit.

My duty is to the club, to finding Lashes.

---