Page 56 of Pretty Little Game

Cass shrugs lightly, his arms shifting around me. “I’ve always loved this place. It’s so peaceful and quiet. I thought you might enjoy the fall leaves, and I knew we would be alone. Not many people come out here toward sunset in the fall.”

“Show me more?” I ask, turning to look up into his eyes.

His soft smile warms me. Releasing me, he takes my hand and guides me back up the path. Rather than heading back toward the parking lot as the trail forks, he turns left, guiding me farther into the trees. We continue to share the expensive bottle of wine as we go, holding hands as we meander down the idyllic pathway.

And then, a short while later, the scenery starts to change as the forest floor rises on either side of us, transitioning into rocky canyon walls with fascinating layers and accents of green moss.

“This is called Wildcat Canyon. It’s the deepest one in the park,” he explains, his face lifting to admire the beauty of our surroundings.

“I love it,” I breathe, taking in the peaceful tranquility of the water tumbling down over the rocks, laughing happily.

“Come on. I’ll show you my favorite place,” he says after a moment.

I follow without question, simply appreciating our time alone together–without prying eyes to question our every move–that is so few and far between. After about a mile of strolling along the tree-lined pathway, we reach another narrow canyon with unique rock formations rising on either side.

Turning off the main trail, Cassio guides me into the mouth of the narrow passageway.

“Where are you taking me?” I whisper, feeling like we’re entering forbidden territory.

“Somewhere no one will find us,” he whispers back with a mischievous smile.

“Is this where you kill me?” I tease.

He gives me a playful wink over his shoulder, making my heart skip a beat.

“This is the French Canyon,” he explains, guiding me confidently and taking my elbow to lend me extra support as the terrain grows less steady. “I always loved it here because it feels so otherworldly.”

Honestly, it feels like we’ve entered some fantasy land, with black rocks covered in green moss looming high above us and casting the narrow trail in deep shadow. It’s nearly sunset now, and the space is almost eerie; it’s so quiet and remote. But with Cassio next to me, I’m not afraid. I find the scenery hauntingly beautiful.

At the end of the narrow valley is another canyon, far smaller than the Wildcat Canyon but somehow far more awe-inspiring. A waterfall tumbles over the cliff’s edge, splashing into the pool below and making the scene that much more stunning.

Here, Cassio stops and pulls me to him once again. One hand presses against the small of my back, holding me against his firm, athletic body. The other lifts our hands, still interlocked, between us as he brushes a kiss across the back of my palm.

“Did my heart love till now?” he murmurs, his eyes peering deep into my soul as he quotes Romeo. “Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”

Tingling excitement races across my skin at the sexy sound of his smooth voice, confessing his love to me with some of the most romantic words ever written. I can hardly breathe as I find myself lost in the depths of his sincere gaze.

“It doesn’t matter what your name is or who our families are. I think you’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, and I only want you.”

Tears sting my eyes as I realize just how lucky I am that the man I love wants me so completely. Rising onto my toes, I kiss him fiercely. He responds eagerly, his tongue stroking between my lips to taste me.

Gasping, I wrap my free arm around his neck, letting the near-empty wine bottle dangle from my fingertips as I lean into our embrace. Cassio moans, the sensual sound vibrating through me and pooling anticipation deep in my belly.

Releasing my hand, he turns his wrist to palm my breast and, at the same time, stoops to scoop his other arm beneath my hips, sweeping me off my feet. I wrap my legs around his waist instinctually, molding my body to his as my clit throbs against the seam of his pants.

“I want you so fucking bad,” he growls, holding me close as we breathe heavily.

“I need you,” I whisper, the closest I can bring myself to actually begging him to fuck me, which I want desperately. “Please.”

He groans and leans his forehead against mine, his jaw muscles flexing as he grinds his teeth. “I didn’t think to bring condoms. My wallet’s in your car.” A regretful laugh rasps from his lips. “I figured I’d be able to control myself that long, at least.”

I release a breathy laugh. “Well, I’m not about to wait.”

“But…”

“It’s okay. I… got a birth control implant a few weeks ago. Just in case.” I bite my lip, self-conscious over coming across as excessively thirsty, and realizing it might look bad that I didn’t tell him before now. But with our dates being so unpredictable and sparing, I didn’t want something like a lack of condoms to ruin a rare opportunity.

Cassio’s eyes slide closed and remain shut as he swallows hard.

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