Page 171 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

“Brunch can wait,” Gabe shoots Hank a look that requires no translation. The raw hunger beneath his playfulness is palpable now, barely contained. “Our woman has spoken.”

“Yeah, we’ve talked enough for one morning,” Hank growls low in his throat, his hand gripping my waist. “You sure you don’t want brunch?”

“I’m sure.”

Gabe’s mouth curves into a wicked smile. “No complaints here. I vote we feed her… something else.”

Hank nods, his eyes dark with promise, and then he looks at me. “Luv, I seriously suggest you run…”

A nervous laugh bubbles up—but it dies when I meet Hank’s eyes.

That smile? Gone.

What’s left is all dominance, intent, and hunger sharpened to a blade’s edge.

I gulp.

My thighs clenchinstinctively.

He means it.

He’s not teasing.

Gabe catches my reaction, his grin stretching slow and wicked. “Sweetheart, you really should run.”

I don’t wait to second-guess myself.

I bolt.

Chapter 47

I take off like a shot,bare feet pounding the path, gravel, and dirt biting my soles—but I don’t care. The ocean air whips past me, cool against the flush, heating my skin.

“She runs,” Gabe growls, amused. “God, I love it when she runs.”

“Let her have a head start.” Hank’s voice is pure predator. “I want tochase.”

I veer off the main trail, breath coming in gasps, my muscles burning. The ground dips and rises, cliffs rising on one side, wild brush on the other. The adrenaline surges through me, igniting every nerve.

Behind me—thunder.

Boots pounding. Male laughter—dark, hungry.

“You know you won’t win,” Gabe calls. “But damn, sweetheart, you look good trying.”

I risk a glance over my shoulder—mistake. They’re gaining fast. All lean muscle and focused heat zeroed in onme, their eyes locked on me like prey.

“Run faster,” Hank taunts, closing in. “Give me a reason to punish you.”

My breath catches. A thrill—pure, electric—spikes through me.

I push harder, legs pumping, lungs burning. The wind tangles my hair, and a laugh bursts free, wild and breathless.

This is insane.

This iseverything.

I vault over a twisted root, nearly lose my balance, then recover with a burst of speed. The wind howls in my ears, my pulse louder still.

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