And whoever or whatever it is, is closing in. Fast.
I push harder now, tangled vines closing around me, threatening to bind me in place for the predators to find me.
I’ve never felt this exposed.
I don’t have weapons. Or any fucking clue where I am.
But I’ve never felt more alive.
Adrenaline spikes in me, and I find a small clearing. It’s enough to give me some lead time, and I spring forward, my legs pumping like they never have before.
Another shot rings out behind me, followed by a groan.
“I’m coming for you, Ivy,” a voice booms.
Soren.
I breathe a sigh of relief, until my mind remembers that he’s fucking chasing me, too.
I run harder. I trip on a branch in the darkness, the moon obscured by the treetops, and I fall awkwardly on my side as footsteps continue toward me, rhythmically.
Fuck!
I struggle to my feet and continue to run, limping now as my ankle lets me know it’s not happy with my fall.
My steps slow before I mean for them to. Just for a second. Just enough. And that’s all it takes.
A strong hand closes around my waist—firm and unavoidable.
My breath tears out of me as my body jolts, the momentum cutting off instantly as he pulls me back into him.
Like he was always going to end up here.
Like I was always going to end up here.
Then another arm wraps around my neck, a large hand settling over my mouth.
Lips press to my ear. “You really thought you’d get away from me, little poison?”
CHAPTER 59
IVY
My pulse leaps. My breath catches.
He peels my top up and I obediently lift my arms. My nipples pebble hard against the cool breeze swirling around us. He presses my neck, forcing my breasts against the rough tree, scratching my flesh.
He yanks my shorts down, followed by my panties, pooling at my feet.
I squeeze my thighs together, the cool air teasing my pussy. I’m exposed. Vulnerable. His to take. To be claimed out here in the darkness of the woods. Against a tree. Better than I ever imagined.
His breath is hot on my ear.
My own breathing is still ragged as his hands slide down my lower abdomen.
His finger teases my clit, and I feel how wet I already am. How my body betrays me—aroused by the danger, the chase, the inevitable capture.
“Such a good little runner,” he murmurs, his voice low and dangerous. “But you can never outrun me. I’ll always find you.”