AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wait,” I managed to choke out, remembering the ring box tucked away in my pocket. I couldn’t let her find it like this, not when I had a plan in mind for the perfect proposal. “How about we go for our run now instead? We can find a more secluded spot where we won’t have to worry about being quiet.”
Tori’s eyes flicked around the unfinished tattoo parlor, and she trembled slightly. “You’re right. Plus, this floor does not exactly scream comfort.”
“Exactly. Besides, I think christening your future business should be something special, not just a quick, heated romp.” Though, a quick, heated romp sounded fantastic.
She purred, her fingers tracing my jawline, making me shiver with anticipation. “All right, wolf boy,” she teased. “Take me somewhere breathtaking. Show me what you’ve got.”
“Your wish is my command.”
Chapter 25
Tori
Ridge’s voice carried across the parking lot. “Okay, deputy, keep me apprised. If they start at it again, give me a call.”
He climbed in the car and began driving us back to the manor, all the earlier joy of the evening having been sucked out of him.The tension in the car was palpable as we drove back to the manor. His jaw clenched, and his knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel. I wanted to help, but I wasn’t sure how.
“Hey,” I said softly, trying to break the silence. “Let’s go for that run.”
He glanced over at me, his eyes filled with gratitude and something else I couldn’t quite place. “Yeah, you’re right.”
As we pulled up to the manor, I still found it surreal that shifting was now a part of my life. I used to fear it, but now I looked forward to the freedom it brought. Being around other wolves made me feel like I belonged. Blackwood Creek wasn’t exactly home yet, but I was grateful for the life I’d found here.
We walked through the mansion toward the back door, and I thought about where I’d be if I hadn’t met Ridge. The mere notion sent a chill down my spine.
“Hey, you okay?” Ridge asked.
I gave him a tight smile. “Yeah. Just thinking about how different things would be if we’d never crossed paths.”
“Let’s not dwell on what-ifs.” He pulled me into a brief but fierce hug. “Right now, all that matters is that we’re together.”
We stepped out into the night, the cool air caressing my skin as we walked deeper into the woods.
“Is this far enough?” I asked, glancing around at the darkened trees that surrounded us.
“Seems like it.”
I looked back toward the town in the distance. Ridge was still worked up from our heated encounter in the tattoo parlor, and I wanted to give him something else to focus on. Something more primal.
“Remember that little show you gave me last time?” I asked. “Well, I thought maybe it’s time for a little payback.”
“Really?” He raised an eyebrow, his eyes lighting up with interest.
“Yep.” I slid the straps of my dress down my shoulder and shimmied until the fabric was bunched under my bra. I unsnapped my bra and let it fall to the ground, watching the hunger in his eyes grow, then slid the dress down my body until it pooled around my feet. My thong followed.
I twirled a finger in my hair and winked at him. “Your turn.”
A devilish grin spread across his face as he quickly removed his clothes, tossing them aside haphazardly until he stood naked before me. His body was a masterpiece, every muscle perfectly defined beneath his tanned skin. Heat pooled between my legs, my body aching for him. I pulled him close and captured his lips in a searing kiss.
His hands roamed my body, cupping my breasts and squeezing my ass. I let out a moan and pressed against him.
“God, Tori.” He broke the kiss. “You have no idea how much I want you right now.”
“Then take me.” My gaze locked on his. “Claim me as yours.”
His breathing hitched, and for a moment, I thought he would give in. But then he shook his head. “Not yet,” he said. “I need to know you’re ready for that kind of bond.”
“I am,” I said. “Ridge, we’ve been through so much together. I trust you more than anyone else in this world. And I love you.”
