Page 70 of Corrupt Me

She hangs up, and I’m left pacing, frustration bubbling under the surface.

With no other option, I follow Bailey inside the last cabin on the left and catch sight of her just as she’s rounding the corner into the open living and kitchen area, where a cozy seating nook fills the corner. The fireplace and a TV screen give the space a warm, homey feel. Polished hardwood floors, black and gold lights, and accents of green add a modern touch.

She stands before the panoramic glass window, her palms pressed against it. The view beyond is breathtaking, but not more than she is. She closes her eyes against the sunlight for a second, and it’s like the rays kiss her eyelids and cheeks. I instantly groan, and she opens them.

“We should go check the rest of the space,” I sigh, coming to terms with the fact that I am fucked.

While the downstairs is an open concept, the upstairs consists of several bedrooms, one of which boasts a king-sized bed and a walk-in closet. Two armchairs and a small round table are tucked into the left corner overlooking the valley. The adjoining bathroom is donned in marble and has a generous tub and shower stall. Cream curtains frame the windows, complementing the upholstered bed, while dark green walls and a golden-and-black rug tie the room together—it feels cozy.

We move on to the two smaller bedrooms. Unlike the first, they are completely bare, stripped of any decor or furniture, though they share a connected bathroom.

She tilts her head, tapping a finger on her mouth. “You can sleep on the couch.”

“Maybe I want to sleep in the bed.”

She narrows her eyes at me and then shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

Her challenge lights me up, and I can’t resist rising to meet it and throwing in one of my own. “I will.”

Descending the wooden stairs, I chuckle to myself as I grab our luggage and carry them to the bedroom.

While she unzips hers, I go back downstairs to the kitchen. Opening the cupboards and the fridge, I find both of them stocked. I don’t know if it’s the scenery, but I’m in the mood for hot chocolate.

After preparing two mugs, I head back upstairs and see that she has unpacked our bags and put our clothes inside the closet. I offer her a cup.

“Thank you,” we say in unison, smiling at each other.

We each drink the sweet concoction, and when we’re done, we go outside to explore. On the back deck is a hot tub with a mesmerizing view of the mountains, valley, and lake and a small sauna.

“Skiing or snowboarding?” she asks, sipping but fully engrossed in the scenery.

“Snowboarding. And you?”

“Snowboarding.”

Isn’t that interesting?

“Grandmother, while she secluded us well, and we had a strict upbringing, she was adamant that we were ‘worldly.’ From winter sports to traveling to other countries, we always went on an extended vacation when school was out.”

“My mom loved winter sports, especially skiing, but the moment I put my feet on a snowboard, that was it.”

“A little rebel, aren’t you?”

While the corners of my mouth pull in a cocky smile, my heart tightens. Something must give me away because she places her soft hand on my chest and says, “It’s okay to miss her, Hunter. But you did what you loved, and from what you told me, that’s all she wanted…”

I nod, not being able to form words.

“I’m going on a hike through the forest,” she says, determined.

“Can you repeat that? I think the high altitude is making me hear things.” I even cup my ear to emphasize my point.

She pushes at my chest playfully. “I’m going to enjoy this break. Fuck Felix and my parents.”

“I love it when the claws come out, kitten.”

The atmosphere heats, making my insides burn with growing lust. My body is weak in its desire for her but also from the accumulated exhaustion of having to curb it. I beg for strength because it gets harder each passing day.

One second. Two seconds. Three seconds pass while all I have to do is incline my head, grip her waist, and mold us together—kiss and have my way with her. I feel the stitches keeping my control together loosening.

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