Page 40 of Torment

She looked up and saw Hunter leaning against the door, the epitome of confidence. Just the sight of him had her insides coiled tight.

“Until someone tries to take it from me.”

“Will you punch that person in the face too?”

“Probably.”

He cocked a brow.

“Okay, definitely.”

He smiled and shook his head as he made his way over to the bar. Every step he took was like he owned the fucking floor he walked on. The way he carried himself, the swagger and the confidence as he walked that big, strong, ripped body of his toward her, had Scarlet swallowing hard. It wouldn’t have been that bad if she hadn’t experienced firsthand just how powerful that body of his was—especially pushed firmly against hers, rocking her body to ecstasy. Scarlet had to clench her thighs for the second time in one day to get some relief from the ache that started between her legs.

“Care to share a little Jack?”

“Yeah.” She shook her head slightly in order to focus. When she pulled out a glass and started filling it, her hand was shaking. Naturally, since Hunter was the most observant damn man she had ever met…he noticed.

“What’s the matter, Scar?”

“Nothing.”

“You look a little flushed.”

“I’m not…” Scarlet glanced up at the roof and huffed. “I’m not flushed.”

“You sure? Your cheeks are all pink, and that vein in the side of your neck seems like it’s going apeshit.”

“Oh my God.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “What the hell are you doing, Ace?”

He shrugged and picked up his drink. “Nothing. Just observing.”

“Why? Why are youobserving?”

Green eyes narrowed at her. “Because I want to.”

“Well, go observe someone else. I’m not in the mood for games.” She grabbed her drink, rounded the bar, and made a beeline for the door. That was before a strong hand grabbed her arm and swung her around, making her drop her glass to the floor.

A breath escaped her with a huff as he pushed her against the wall—hard—pinning her hands above her head.

“Hunter, what the hell are you doing?”

“Why is this so fucking difficult?” He fixed his green-eyed gaze on hers.

“What are you talking about?”

“You. This. Everything. Everything is just so goddamn difficult.”

“It doesn’t have to be. Just turn your back and walk away. It’s as simple as that.”

“You think I haven’t tried?” He pushed his body harder against hers. “You think I haven’t thought about just walking away without ever looking back? I can’t, Scar. I just can’t walk away from you.” He slammed his fist into the wall behind her. “Why in the name of fuck can’t I walk away from you?

She leaned her face closer to his, feeling his warm breath move across her wet lips. “I don’t know. You tell me.”

His eyes softened, his gaze dropping down to her lips. “I don’t know, Scar.” Then he lightly brushed his nose down the side of her face like he was smelling her, taking her in. “I don’t know, but it’s fucking killing me.”

“What’s killing you?” she whispered.

“The fact that I can’t stop thinking about you—wanting you.” His cheek gently stroked against hers, his lips barely touching her ear. “I want you, Scar. I want you, and all your pleasure, to be mine and mine alone.” Harder he pushed himself against her, his thumbs leisurely stroking her wrists. “I want to own you. I want to know that you’re mine, that you belong to no one but me. I know I should walk away, but I just can’t.” He softly placed his lips against the skin of her neck. “I just,” another kiss against her neck, “fucking,” and another, “can’t.”

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