Page 86 of Once Upon a Fable

Oh, God.

Whatisthis?

Shock widened his eyes, mirroring mine. We quaked as we paused in our fight. Our bodies trembled as if we hummed at the same bone-breaking frequency. His heart pounded into mine, drilling its way into my chest, trying to understand what thehellwas happening.

Black desire drenched him as his hands turned hot against my skin, digging into my biceps as the icy madness left his stare, unable to hide the complex depth he hid.

My core went wet.

My heart went wild.

I wanted him as much as I wanted to be free.

Apologies once again glowed in his dark gaze. Awe and fascination, interest and fear all morphed together and painted his face with the truth.

Each flicker of emotion sliced and diced me. It corrupted my mind from hurting him to helping him. Helping the man intending to kill me.

Gem!

Stop it!

His hips rocked up, sending more blood-scorching currents throughme. I matched his rock, sitting heavier on him, disgusted with myself that I could fight him but not me.

A hoarse groan escaped him.

I sucked in a breath.

For a split second, his lips parted, and his hands came up to cup my face. His thumbs traced my cheekbones with the most exquisite reverence and care. His eyes dropped to my lips. His throat worked as he swallowed. The tightness in his body melted into need.

And itaffectedme.

Even in a grief-filled forest after being marched by my killer, my body reacted.

My breasts swelled, my heart kicked, and my traitorously wet core clenched with vicious hunger.

His hand swept from my cheeks to my nape. He pulled me down, down to his mouth.

I folded over him.

I licked my lips, every part of me tingling, thankful, hopeful that this was the moment where I saved both of us. Where he finally gave in to acceptingsomethingexisted between us. Something neither of us was looking for nor wanted, but something that couldn’t be denied.

I want him.

And that scrambled my mind because how, why, what was Ithinking?

You’re not.

You’re in shock.

It’s time to go, Gem.

Power siphoned down my arms. The handle of the shovel grew heavy, coaxing me to use it.

Do it.

Do it now.

This is your last chance!