Page 28 of Room Seven

I raise my eyes off his chest where they settled a second ago to help cut the surge of energy rolling through me.

“Goodbye was your last word to me, Viper. That is the one that counts.” His pick of memories to shove into my face has my blood turning to ice. He’s right. I do need to remember. Shun me once, shame on you. Twice is my fault.

I might not put him on his ass the way he deserves, but that doesn’t mean I have to stick around and let my emotions get the better of me.

“Now it’s my last one for you.”

Amber eyes turn to liquefied gold.

“Aster.”

Damn, that voice.

Shivers scale over my body and my name pours between us like warm honey and makes me feel naked.

For several frenzied heartbeats, we take each other in.

One heartbeat.

Two.

If I don’t move by the third one, I’ll jump him where we stand and then those cranky pilots will get a free sex show on the house.

I brush by Viper and head for the stairs. My cousin Belle has a friend here. I can always call her and get some help. My hand falls over my pocket.

Oh, thank God.

Worst-case scenario, I have my credit card. At least I didn’t lose that in the shuffle back in Chicago. A win for pockets with zippers. I’ll take out cash at an ATM and then just turn into smoke. Change my hair, find a new city where my father can never find me. Just start over.

If it were that easy you would have already done it,hisses a nagging voice in my head. One day, I’m going to find an off switch for that damn thing.

Unforgiving hands lift me into the air and I am slung over a broad shoulder, all my racing thoughts left behind like bad ideas.

Tears came easily to my younger self. Now I just get mad.

Blood fills my cheeks for various reasons–hanging upside down is a major one. But the way Viper’s large fingers wedged between my thighs has copious amounts of blood rushing to my cheeks, nipples and clit.

“Put me down!” I roar and thrash in his powerful grip, but the steel bands locked around my ass and legs are unwavering.

Luther opens the door, and I am unceremoniously shuffled into the back of a Beamer. Mirsha, always one step ahead of everyone, blocks my exit from the other side.

Viper swings in, and I take my shot. Knuckles hit solid cast iron.

Sweet Jesus in heaven!

I regret the second I lash out at him. But I don’t let my expression reveal the bolt of pain that shoots up my arm.

Holy fucking hell! That hurt,I scream internally.

“Damn it, woman, you’re gonna hurt yourself.” Viper takes my throbbing hand and massages his thumbs over the back of my knuckles.

Sweet loving angels in heaven, that feels good. It’s tempting to let him keep touching me but the flash of my remaining therapy bill has me jerking my hand away. “Stop that! And let me out,” I seethe in Viper’s face and swing again. He’s ready for the second one.

Using my momentum against me, I fall right into his lap and before I can scramble away, unforgiving hands plunge into my hair.

A strangled cry breaks free from my lips. I fight to free myself from his hold, but he’s larger than me by about two-hundred pounds. His touch serves as an anchor. He takes control over my movements and the worst part is I can feel his friends watching when they could be helping me.

Wicked intent settles over Viper’s features and that damning smile of his peels back to reveal bloody teeth.

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