Anton grunted, his grip tightening as he gave me what I needed—more of him, more of everything. He thrust harder, faster, every stroke sending shockwaves through me. The pressure between my legs intensified, and with each deep, powerful thrust, I was drawn closer to the edge, an aching need building to an unbearable climax.
And then it hit. A violent, explosive release that shook me to the core, my body spasming around him, pulling him deeper as I cried out. Anton followed soon after, his breath ragged, his hips stuttering against mine as his own climax ripped through him.
We stayed tangled together for a long time, our bodies pressed close, the world outside completely forgotten. The hazy bliss of our shared moment lulled us both into a false sense of peace.
Then, the distant rumble of engines shattered the stillness. The sound of approaching vehicles grew louder, breaking the fragile intimacy we’d built. Anton’s body stiffened beneath my hands, his muscles going taut. His gaze darted to the door, the warmth in his eyes replaced by a sharp, calculating focus.
In an instant, Mr Sexy Soldier was all business. He sprang to his feet, the abrupt shift leaving me blinking as I tried to process the change. Without hesitation, he reached for his clothes, his movements quick and precise.
In an instant, Mr Sexy Soldier was all business. He sprang to his feet, the abrupt shift leaving me blinking as my mind struggled to process the approaching danger through the lingering haze of contentment. Without hesitation, he reached for his clothes, his movements quick and precise.
“We need to move,” he said, his voice low and urgent. His movements were swift, precise—an automatic response to danger. I scrambled to follow his lead, my fingers fumbling as I tried to pull myself together, but every instinct screamed that we were running out of time. The sound of the engines was now unmistakably close, each roar tightening the knot in my stomach.
“Get into the loft and hide,” Anton commanded, his tone now sharp, devoid of tenderness.
Nodding quickly, my pulse hammering in my ears, I rushed to the ladder. Anton was already heading for the door, ducking behind a stack of hay bales, blending into the shadows.
I barely made it halfway up before his voice called out, low but urgent. “Stay up there and keep quiet, Marcie. No matter what. Let me deal with this.”
Fear coiled tight in my chest as I scrambled into the loft, my hands trembling. I pressed my back against the cool, rough wood of the walls, trying to calm my erratic breathing. The quiet around me was unnerving, amplifying every sharp breath I took. I strained to listen for any sign of what was happening outside, but all I could hear was my breathing and the rumble of engines. Then, a pause—a tense moment—before the heavy thud of boots echoed against the dirt and gravel outside the stable doors. Anton’s words echoed in my mind:Let me deal with this. I knew he was more than capable, but the thought of leaving him to face our enemies alone made my stomach churn. It didn’t help that I hadn’t recovered my knife after the driver had discarded it during the attack yesterday.
My gaze landed on the rusty pitchfork propped against the wall. Without hesitation, I grabbed it, pulling it close to my side. My fingers curled around the handle like a lifeline, the cold metal grounding me.
Weapon in hand, I held my breath, and waited for what was coming next.
CHAPTER 24
ANTON
DAY 4 – MORNING – THE CAVALRY ARRIVE
Soft rustling above marked Marcie’s position in the loft as I crouched behind the stack of hay bales near the stable door. My heart thudded steadily in my chest, each beat a reminder to stay calm, stay sharp.
Squinting through the partially opened door, I caught glimpses of two black jeeps rolling to a stop outside. The low growl of their engines died as the vehicles settled, and doors clicked open. Men stepped out, their movements brisk. From this angle, I couldn’t seethem properly, and my gut churned at the uncertainty. Friend or foe?
Marcie and I needed this to be over—needed these to be our people. But I wouldn’t bet her safety or mine on hope alone. My fingers tightened around the knife’s worn grip, it’s now familiar feel steadying my resolve.
The sound of muffled voices carried through the air as the men advanced. They moved with precision, their footsteps dull against the compacted dirt outside.
Moving silently, I slipped closer to the door, positioning myself behind it. Every movement was measured and deathly quiet, instinct taking over. As the door creaked open, and a guy took a step inside the gloomy stables, I rushed him from behindand in one fluid motion, locked my arm around his neck, and pushed the blade against his skin.
“Don’t move,” I murmured, quiet but firm.
The man froze instantly, his hands shooting up. His voice came out hoarse but laced with a familiar edge of amusement. “Is that any way to greet your best friend?”
The tension in my chest eased in an instant. “Ash,” I muttered, releasing him and stepping back. Relief spread through me, my lips quirking into a grin. “I should’ve guessed you’d be the idiot to come barging in without a proper signal.”
Ash turned with a smirk. “And I should’ve guessed you’d be ready to slit my throat,” he said, rubbing at where the blade had nicked his skin. “I forgot it’s kill first, ask questions later with you Special Forces types,” he sniggered.
“Would’ve done it too, if I didn’t like you so much,” I said, the grin turning into a laugh as I pulled him into a firm embrace, a solid clap on the back sealing the moment. “Damn good to see you, brother.”
“Likewise,” Ash replied, his grin still in place as he stepped back. “Guys!” he called, and seconds later, the barn door creaked as several figures poured in, boots scuffing the dirt floor in quick succession.
Miki was first in, and his grin matched my own as he slapped me on the back, giving me a quick, brotherly hug. “Glad you’re okay.” His gaze darted around, assessing. “Where’s Marcie?”
“In the hayloft,” I replied, just as several more of our guys barrelled into the barn all at once.
The faintest rustle reached my ears, and my gut clenched. Marcie. I’d told her to stay put, but I knew she wouldn’t listen. I’d have to address that later. My mind flooded with images of how 'Sir' might punish his disobedient woman when we were alone, and the thought made my cock jerk in response. The idea of making those fantasies real excited me. But right now, sheneeded to know we were safe. I turned to call to her, but before I could speak, my words were cut off with an 'oof!' as Vlad lifted me into a bearhug that nearly broke my back.