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Shouting out the victory, I turn and leap into Wyatt’s arms gleefully and he stumbles back a step as he catches me with a low chuckle. Our eyes lock and I’m suddenly hyper aware of my body pressed against his bare chest. My smile falters as the air charges between us.
There’s a chorus of whistles and catcalls and I clear my throat and slide back down, taking a subtle step away. Wyatt's eyes remain dark, his mask of detached politeness slipping.
A slow clap draws our attention. "Well played, darlin'," Wilder drawls, lips curving into a roguish grin. It’s good-natured but his sharp eyes take in everything. Emrys crosses his arms, unimpressed.
Luckily, before anything else can be said, Dad comes bounding over with a wide grin. "Great game, Kitty-Kat!" He sweeps me up in a hug, spinning me around like when I was a little girl. I can't help but laugh.
Mom and Annabelle follow close behind, Ethan trailing after them carrying a large bag stuffed with towels and water bottles.
"Goodness, Roger, go easy on the poor girl after such an intense game," Mom chides, though there's a hint of amusement in her tone. She’s happiest when she thinks I’m actually involved with someone. Maybe being involved with three men is like triple the endorphin rush for her matchmaking self.
I wouldn’t be surprised.
Dad just winks conspiratorially as he sets me down. "Nonsense, Evelyn. Our Kathryn here is tougher than any volleyball match."
I shoot him a grateful smile. No matter what, Dad's faith in me never wavers.
"I hope you all didn't tire yourselves out too much," Annabelle says with a teasing lilt. "Tonight is the big bonfire kickoff after all."
Ethan hands out water bottles and towels, his eyes twinkling. "Wouldn't want to miss all the s'mores and scary stories."
Wilder sidles up next to me, bumping my shoulder playfully. "Well if there's food and drinks by an open fire, you know I'll be there."
His easy charm makes me smile. "It wouldn't be complete without you." The words slip out before I can overthink them, but the answering grin Wilder flashes me is worth it. I meet Annabelle's knowing gaze, the wheels clearly turning in her no-boundary-having head. Thankfully, she just smiles and loops her arm through Ethan's.
"We'll see you lovebirds down there." With a wave, they head off down the beach, playfully shoving each other.
Dad claps his hands together, back in high spirits. "Alright troops, rest up and refuel. We'll see you at dusk." He presses a swift kiss to my forehead. "I'm happy for you, Kat."
With that, he whisks Mom away, her protests fading into the distance.
I turn to Wyatt, Wilder and Emrys, catching them all watching me closely. The sun dips lower, shadows playing across their handsome faces. A new energy hums in the air between us. I know I'm balancing on the edge of a precipice.
But, shit…I'm starting to crave the fall.
Chapter 12
The sun sinks lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the white sand beach. I trail behind Kat and the others as we make our way towards the large bonfire in the distance, the flames already dancing high and hot against the darkening night.
I never thought in a million years that I would ever be in this sort of situation. I hate my job. I hate being arm candy for rich, snobby women. Some of whom can barely keep their hands to themselves, even if you make it very apparent how unwanted it really is. No means no, cunts.
Yet, of fucking course I just so happen to be assigned to someone like Kat. I have never entertained the idea of doing anything with a client through this stupid job, yet she’s intrigued me from the moment I scanned her profile.
She just had to be as devoted to animals as I am. She just had to have a heart. She just had to be so Goddamn fuckable. Hell, even her name calls to me. Kat. She has claws and cunning just like her namesake. And I desperately want her to sink them deep into me.
Even now, watching the bewitching sway of her hips as she walks ahead of me, I hunger to seize her soft curves and claim her mouth once more. Since that first electrifying kiss, I've craved her like a man possessed. She stirs something primal within me that’s untouched by any other.
As if sensing my stare, Kathryn glances back, turquoise eyes alight. "All good back there, Emrys?"
I grunt at her. Grunt. I’m not even trying to be mysterious or aloof. It’s just everytime I open my mouth to try and say something–anything–to her, my tongue turns to mush in my mouth. It’s infuriating.
I might be a mannerless mute, but working with animals for your entire life leaves you with a certain level of knowledge. Eyes are the windows to the soul. Dogs can’t speak, but if you look into their eyes, you see their emotions and love as clearly as if they could.
Humans are no different. We’ve all got a base level of animalistic instincts that rule us, that reveal us. So I use that knowledge to my benefit and try to convey with my eyes what I can’t voice. And when her gaze meets mine, her steps falter briefly and her lips part before she visibly gathers herself with a subtle shake of her head. Still, the hint of pink gracing her cheeks reveals I affect her as much as she does me.
Up ahead, the bonfire's orange glow beckons enticingly. Kat glances over her shoulder at me, eyes dancing in the firelight. Yes, this night holds promise indeed.
The hunt is on and I never lose sight of my prey.
