Page 77 of Wild Highway (Runaway 2)

“I’m leaving.” She yanked the nightstand drawer open and took out the few things she’d stashed inside. A lip balm and a box of condoms got thrown on the suitcase pile.

It was impossible to take a full breath. My chest felt tight like someone had wrapped it in steel.

I was supposed to have until Christmas. I was supposed to have time to prepare for this.

I wasn’t ready.

“Would you have even said goodbye?” I asked.

She stood from the drawer, throwing a hand lotion onto the bed, and her shoulders drooped. “No.”

It was eleven years ago all over again.

Well, fuck that. I wasn’t letting her slip out again. This time, she could watch me walk away when I was goddamn ready to leave.

I blew into the room, my rage a force, and took her face in my hands. I held it tight, then slammed my mouth on hers in a hard, brutal kiss.

Gemma melted against me, surrendered, as I poured my frustration into her lips. She leaned into it, taking everything I had. She let me punish her with this kiss.

Except I didn’t want to punish her. I wanted to love her and keep her and . . . fuck. It would break her.

I tore my mouth away and dragged in a jagged breath as I dropped my forehead to hers. Her scent was everywhere, and I realized how foolish I’d been not to take her to my bed. Because I had nothing of hers to keep. When she left this cabin, she’d be gone.

“I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked. “I don’t—”

“It’s okay.” I cupped her cheek and leaned away to meet her eyes. They were full of unshed tears. When one dripped down the smooth curve of her cheek, I wiped it away with my thumb. “It’s okay.”

She stood on her toes, brushing her lips against mine. This time, it was my turn to melt. I wrapped her up tight, holding her close as she opened her mouth to let my tongue sweep inside.

I’d memorize her taste. I’d memorize the way she felt in my arms. I’d do all of that because I hadn’t all those years ago.

This time around, I wouldn’t lose her memory so quickly.

Our hands fumbled to strip clothing as we shuffled to the bed. Her sweater came first so I could mold my hands over the black satin of her bra. Her nipples pebbled beneath the fabric, digging into the flesh of my palm. My button-up came next, followed by the white T-shirt underneath.

When the backs of her knees hit the edge of the mattress, I eased her down and flicked the button open on her jeans so I could drag them off her legs. With them gone, the only thing left on the bed was Gemma in her bra and panties. And that fucking suitcase.

I shoved it to the floor.

Gemma scowled as her clothes spilled everywhere.

I shrugged and unbuckled my belt. If this was the last time, I wasn’t going to be hindered by that fucking luggage.

Gemma sat up and ran her hands across my stomach, her pink nails digging into the dips between each muscle. Then she ripped the button free and tugged down the zipper. The moment I sprang free, her tongue was on me, licking the tip of my cock before taking me completely into her mouth.

“Gem.” I cupped the back of her head. “Fuck.”

She moaned and the vibration of her throat nearly tipped me over the edge.

I pulled her off me with her ponytail, then I shoved off my jeans, and tore at her panties while she unclasped her bra. When I covered her naked body with my own, she wound her legs around my hips. Our eyes locked. Our breaths mingled. And when I slid inside her bare, I wrapped her in my arms so she’d feel the beat of my heart.

It was hers.

And when she left here tomorrow, she’d take it on the road.

Gemma trembled beneath me, her legs cinching tighter to pull me deeper.

“I need to get a condom,” I whispered in her ear.