Page 169 of On Cloud Nine

He doesn’t smile or break his targeted stare on me. His piercing blue gaze licks over me. Warmth and adrenaline course through my veins.

Okay, I’m in trouble.

I burst into the forest, darting toward a tree and hiding behind it. The thick bark is cool to the touch, rippling beneath my fingertips. Snow crunches as Matthew comes into view.

“I knew marrying you would keep me young.” He lets out a sardonic laugh that shakes the snow-covered branches overhead. Powdery mist falls from the sky.

“Tired already?” I call out, giving up my hiding place. I run, not looking back. But this time, I hear the heavy drag of his boots as he chases after me.

I’m weightless and light-headed.

I want him to catch me.

I want to find out what he’ll do when he gets a hold of me.

When I reach a small clearing, I steal a glance over my shoulder.

Matthew’s only a few feet away. His jet-black hair is peppered with snowflakes. His features are sharp. Intimidating.

“You turn me into an animal; you know that, don’t you?” He hikes up the collar of his leather coat. My lungs struggle to fully expand as I inhale the icy air.

“Do I?” The bow in my hair is flimsy as I pluck it from my curls and throw it in the snow toward him. When he moves forward, I step back. He grabs the ribbon and rubs the silk against his fingertips.

“All the time.”

My skin pebbles at the darkness in his voice.

“Then come get what’s yours. I’m here for the taking, aren’t I?” I throw my hands out, putting myself on display.

“I’m in no rush. You’re going to tire yourself out soon enough.” His teeth tug at his bottom lip like he’s planning on eating me alive.

“Aren’t you eager to take your wife?” I coax. The bashful girl I was in our bedroom minutes ago fully melts away. Now that he’s my husband, I get to share all the parts of myself with someone who cherishes me.

“I think you like the chase, don’t you?”

“Most definitely.” I let out a loud, thrilling laugh. I absolutely love the game we’re playing.

“When I get my hands on you, you might grow to regret that, wife.”

Yeah, it’s official. Never, ever getting tired of that.

“What are you going to do?” I narrow my eyes on him.

“Take you.”

My spine trembles, my core tightening.

“Here?” I feign innocence.

“Yes, darling, right here, in the fucking snow.”

“Good luck completing your mission, knight,” I squeal and sprint off, surging through the snow with a wild, reckless fervor. The wind whips through my hair as I push myself forward.

I’m invincible.

At least, until a root under the snow snags my foot, tearing me down to the ground.

Ugh. Now I understand why heroines are always falling when they’re being chased.

---