Page 50 of Little Red Riding Hood
In that moment, Red felt invincible, like he could conquer the world if he wanted to.
Wim, seemingly finally satisfied that Red was thoroughly covered in his saliva, stopped. Red leaned into his embrace, and as he rested his head against Wim’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of hisheartbeat, he couldn’t help but fear. Was he fallingin lovewith this wild wolf?
The notion was terrifying. Not only were they merely temporary allies sharing a journey, but Wim was still keeping his secrets from Red… still thought Red’s quest was stupid, even if he wouldn’t say it to his face.
The wind picked up, carrying the scent of pine and earth through the air, and Red nestled closer to Wim, savouring the warmth and security his body offered.
Red would not spoil this magical moment with such thoughts.
“Like having your hair pulled, do you?” Wim ran his large hand through Red’s hair, which must’ve resembled a bird’s nest by now. “What else do you like?”
What did Redlike?He was pretty sure Wim could do almost anything to him and he’d like it very much. But he forced himself to think back to what else the stable master had done to him. “I’ve been slapped before.”
Wim’s fingers stilled. “But did you like it?”
Had Red liked it? His encounters with the stable master had always been about the other man’s pleasure—Red had never stopped to consider his own.
“I think so? I think I especially would if you were the one slapping me.”
Wim made a thoughtful, disgruntled sound, but his fingers thankfully resumed their blissful strokes. Red fought very hard not to purr like a kitten.
Wim pressed a kiss to the top of Red’s head. “I loved carrying you on my back earlier. I’ll carry you for some of the journey from now on. It’ll be quicker.”
Quicker?Though he’d adored riding Wim, Red wanted to protest. He’d rather slow the journey down, spend more time together before they inevitably parted ways.
The memory of the evil, calculating look in the Queen’s Shadow’s eyes resurfaced. How long until the geist popped back up to checkon Red? What would happen if he saw his furry travelling companion?
Alas, it did seem like the sooner they reached the Dark Forest, the better.
As Wim continued to cradle him in his arms, Red remembered the wolf hadn’t answered his question from so many hours ago now—about how exactly the Dark Forest was going to help him find his cure—but there was no way Red was going to ask it again.
Not when they only had a handful of days left together.
Not when Wim made him feel so good.
So needed.
Soperfect.
No, Red wanted to stay trapped in the bubble they’d formed for themselves for as long as possible. He’d treasure every single second until reality shattered their fragile dream.
Eleven
The rhythmic sway of Wim’s gait lulled Red into a peaceful trance as the wolf carried him through the forest. Cradled against Wim’s broad back, the warmth of his thick fur enveloped Red like the world’s cosiest blanket. He buried his face into the soft scruff, inhaling the comforting scent of pine and earth that clung to Wim.
They’d been travelling this way for hours. After spending too long wrapped up in each other’s embrace, Wim had announced they’d need to move quickly to make up for lost time.
With each of Wim’s large strides, Red’s thoughts drifted back to their intimate moments from earlier. The memory of Wim’s rough tongue dragging across his skin sent delicious shivers down his spine. He savoured the lingering taste of the wolf on his lips—a heady musk that made his head spin with desire.
Red’s fingers idly stroked through Wim’s fur, relishing the opportunity to simply be with him without the burden of words.
When dusk began to settle over the forest, painting the sky in hues of burnt orange and dusky purple, Wim slowed to a stop beside a small bubbling brook. Red reluctantly slid from his back, his limbs grumbling from the effort of supporting his weight once more.
As the wolf shifted back into his human form, Red couldn’t help but admire the play of muscles rippling beneath Wim’s tanned skin. Surely they would share a bedroll again tonight? Red would be free to explore every inch of him.
But an uncomfortable silence stretched between them as they set up camp. Wim moved with an uncharacteristic broodiness, his brow furrowed in a perpetual frown.
Red found himself sneaking furtive glances at the wolf. Had he done something wrong?
