Page 38 of Cruel King

“Fuck,” I mutter. “I’ll get Thal.”

She nods as I go to retrieve Thal from the safe room. “That was fucking close,” I murmur, and he nods, the tension in his jaw is unmistakable.

“We need to move somewhere safer,” he says, stopping in his tracks and looking me dead in the eye. “This place isn’t secure enough anymore.”

“Agreed,” I say, my mind already shifting into high gear. Moving won’t be easy, but it’s a necessary step for our safety. “We’ll start searching for a new place immediately.”

Cathal nods, pulling out his phone with quick, decisive movements.

“Summer,” I say gently, turning to her. She seems lost in thought, her brow furrowed, and her lips pressed tightly together. “You sure you’re okay?”

She looks up, startled by the sudden reality of her situation. “Yeah, fine. We could go to my house,” she replies softly, her voice wavering slightly.

Reaching over to squeeze her hand reassuringly. “No, it’s too obvious. Plus, it’s already up for sale. We’ll find a place where we can feel safe, I promise.”

“Damn right,” Cathal mutters, his focus still on his phone. “And if anyone tries to fuck with us, they’ll regret it.” The sharp edge to his voice shows his nerves, which I know is all about Summer. As much as I hate to admit it, she is our weakest link. If she’s pulled in for questioning, she will crack. There are no two ways about it. We have to protect her from that for herself and for us at all costs.

21

SUMMER

The dim light in our bedroom casts shadows on the walls as Cathal and I stand near the edge of the bed, our eyes locked together. My heart races, my breath catches in my throat, and an almost tangible tension fills the air around us—thick with desire and anticipation.

I wince slightly as I shift my weight from one foot to another, trying to find a comfortable position. The branding marks on my back are still raw, a constant reminder of the dark bond that now ties me to Cathal and Ciarán. The burn stings and throbs, but it’s a pain I’ve come to crave, a testament to the depths of our connection.

My skin feels tight and sore as I move, but it’s a small price to pay for the pleasure and intensity that comes with being Cathal’s possession. Each time I feel the burn of them, my body quivers in discomfort and arousal, knowing that they were placed there by his hand next to his brother’s. Ciarán is allowing us some time alone, to be together, just the two of us, and I intend to make the most of it.

His eyes, piercing blue and dark with lust, seem to see straight through me, leaving me vulnerable and exposed. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once, and I can’t get enough of it.

He turns me around, shedding the robe from my naked body gently, letting it pool at my feet.

Cathal’s fingers hover over the sensitive skin of my branded back, his touch feather light as he traces the shape of the intricate design. His concern for me is clear in the gentle way he treats my aching body, but I can feel the barely contained desire that courses through us both.

“Does it hurt?” he asks, his voice low and husky.

I bite my lip, hesitating for a moment before answering. “It’s bearable. But if you touch me some more, I might just forget about the pain altogether.”

He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to the tender area. The sensation sends sparks of lust over my skin, a shiver of pleasure mingling with the lingering discomfort.

“Summerbell,” he murmurs, his breath hot on my branded flesh. “I want you to know that I’m yours.”

His words send a thrill of excitement racing through me, igniting a fire deep within my core. I turn to face him, our eyes locking in a heated gaze, and I can see the truth of his words reflected in the depths of his blue eyes.

“I know,” I whisper. “Show me I belong to you.”

“Believe me, love,” he growls, pulling me closer until our bodies are pressed tightly together, “I plan on doing just that.”

His urgency thrills me. He has no hesitation, no fear of me now. He is all in, and the deepening obsession he has with me is both terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

His lips find mine in a fierce kiss, full of pent-up desire and longing. My hands tangle in his dark hair as we lose ourselves in each other’s embrace. Our tongues dance together in a passionate exchange, fueling the fire that continues to grow within us.

Thal’s hands roam my body, his touch possessive and demanding. Each caress sends shivers down my spine, leaving me desperate for more. His fingers trace the curve of my hip, dipping lower to brush over my pussy. I moan into his mouth, my legs parting instinctively to grant him access.

“Fuck, Summer,” he mutters against my lips, his voice thick with need. “I want you so damn bad. I can’t get enough of your cunt.”

“Take me, Thal,” I breathe, my head swimming with his coarse words. “Show me how much you want me.”

He walks us back to the bed with a predatory glint in his eyes. He gently lays me down, pushing my legs wide open, taking a moment to drink in the sight of me sprawled out in front of him. His gaze is intense, full of hunger and a spark of something that scares me. It’s as if nothing will stop him from claiming every inch of me.

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