Page 13 of Mine to Claim

I turn away and rummage through my pack, fighting to steady my breathing as heat swirls low in my belly. "Sex burns calories. And your skinny ass has none to spare."

I toss him almonds and watch warily as he tears into them. Despite his gaunt features, wiry strength cords his arms. If provoked, I have no doubt he could inflict serious damage in an instant.

He inhales the almonds, not bothering to try and make them last. Swiping a hand across his mouth, he turns guarded eyes to mine. "Now the sex?"

"No, Devon."

Shock and wariness flare in his eyes. "But . . . what do you want as payment then?"

His assumption that he owes his body in return for help squeezes my chest tighter than a damn vice grip.

I turn away quick before he sees the pain in my eyes. Can't stomach the thought of him viewing affection as currency. "You don't owe me anything, Devon."

I start walking, hoping he'll split off alone, but, deep down, a foolish part wants him near. Relief, like cool spring in the summer heat, washes over me when his soft footfalls trail behind.

We walk on in silence thick as smoke before he pipes up tentatively. "We gonna fuck after dinner at least?"

My shoulders slump like the fight's gone out of ’em. I want this kid for more than just a roll in the sack. "No more sex deals."

I glance back, and there’s hesitation swirling with something more in those dark eyes. "What'd you do for food before me?"

He shrugs. "Scraps. Killed a few people. Sex seems easier."

Red hot rage flashes through me at the thought of others using and discarding my boy.

Myboy.

“You’re sticking with me and I'll teach you to find food, set traps. No whoring yourself out." The words tear my throat like glass.

No one is touching my little psychopath but me.

He’s mine to keep safe.

Mine to fuck.

Mine to love.

Like hell will I allow anyone else to take what I claimed. To hurt what belongs to me.

Devon stares at me, brows furrowed, then nods, and I breathe a little easier knowing he's safe for now.

Which means I’m gonna have to convince him to stay.

Permanently.

I snort. Maybe I should just tie him up, collar him like a slave. Can’t get away from me then.

But the feral brat would fight tooth and nail, and last thing I want is for him to hate me, to associate being with me as anything other than pleasurable.

Speaking of, there is one thing I’m curious about. "Why didn’t you try putting me down in my sleep?"

His lips quirk up, a glimpse of the attitude I know so well. “Because I liked it. The sex. With you."

That shy admission warms me. Maybe last night meant something more to him after all. Is that why he tried to run in the middle of the night? He got scared?

Fuck if he ain’t the only one.

Never expected to feel so possessive over someone. Won’t walk away from him again, that’s for sure.

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