Page 126 of Pulse Zero
Only when he’s edging me out of my goddamn mind.
He shakes his head, something sad briefly passing over his eyes. “Not with you. Not anymore.”
I huff out a quiet laugh, shaking my head as I hold onto him tighter. Because damn fucking right I’m going to make him carry me.
“Yeah. Okay.”
He doesn’t even try to put me down. Instead, he locks one arm under my thighs, the other braced at my back, turns around, and starts walking like this is the most natural thing in the world. Like I weigh nothing. Like I belong here, wrapped around him.
I tighten my legs instinctively, arms looping around his shoulders as my fingers curl into the silky fabric at the back of his shirt. My lips brush the corner of his mouth because I can’t seem to stay away from it.
“Finally going to give me everything I want, Reese?”
“Everything.”
Then his mouth is on mine again, slow this time but no less intense, like he’s tasting something he hasn’t had in too long and doesn’t plan on giving it up anytime soon. And the thing is…
He doesn’t stop walking.
I blink, pulling back so I can glance around, trying to figure out how the hell he’s navigating through the woods without looking where he’s going.
The shadows.
They move ahead of him, subtle but deliberate, stretching along the ground, curling around roots and rocks and low branches. They shift and guide, parting the path like they’re clearing the way.
“You’re cheating,” I accuse softly, my breath hitching when his mouth drops back to my jaw.
“Multitasking,” he corrects.
I hum, not even pretending to argue as his lips trail lower. His hand at my back slips down, fingers hooking under the hem of my shirt.
“Take it off.”
His deep, commanding voice sends a shiver straight through me, and I don’t hesitate, not for a second. I trust him not to drop me. I trust him, period. Which is insane. And also the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
I let go of him to tug the shirt up and over my head, letting it fall somewhere behind us, lost to the woods and the moment and everything else that doesn’t fucking matter right now. Because all that matters is him and us. Even as the cool, evening air hits my skin, it barely registers. His mouth keeps me warm as it follows the line of my throat down to my chest.
“Fuck,” I moan, my back arching into him as his lips move across my skin, mapping me out. “You’re very focused right now.”
He hums against my chest. “I’ve had a lot of fucking time to think about all the filthy things I want to do to you.”
Then his mouth latches onto my left nipple, teeth nipping, tongue soothing. I make a lot of otherworldly noises as my dick throbs in my jeans.
“Fuck, Reese. Walk faster.”
He moves to the other nipple, and I get so lost to the sensation of his mouth on me that I have no idea how longhe’s been walking. The trees thin out, and the moon shines down enough to reveal the shape of the house. It’s larger than I remember, though I didn’t exactly stop to take a picture on my way out. It’s nothing flashy, a simple two-story cabin, tucked into the woods like it’s meant to disappear. Considering it’s a safehouse for his resistance, I’m sure that’s the point.
As we approach, Reese doesn’t slow, doesn’t break stride.
“Door,” he snaps.
“What?” I blink as he licks across my chest, then realize we’re about five feet from it. “Oh.”
Right. Because he’s not letting go. At all.
He could definitely make his shadows do it, but he must be a bit too preoccupied. I grin at the thought, extending one arm out as we reach the door, grabbing the handle and twisting, making sure he only has to slow down a little. My back hits the solid wood as he uses me to push it open. He carries me inside, then kicks the door closed.
The inside is dimly lit, clean but lived-in. Dark wood, low lighting, worn furniture. I barely register most of it because he doesn’t stop, doesn’t slow. Even as he continues licking and biting and kissing all over my chest, my throat, my collarbone, he still somehow moves through the space like he’s done it a thousand times, shadows still guiding him.
