Page 83 of Corrupt Me

I know he’s doing it on purpose.

“I’m going to make you lose your mind tonight. That’s what happens when you deny yourself—it’s my fucking right.”

My insides burn so hot I might combust, but his blatant possessiveness always elicits that reaction.Make me yours and keep me. Damn you. It feels like I was made for you, you stubborn male. Our eyes lock in the mirror, and I say, “Your right, huh?”

“Keep this shit up. I’m going to spank your ass, and I guarantee you won’t question me again. Tonight, kitten.”

With that veiled threat of a hard fucking, he leaves me all hot and bothered. I’d rather take a cold shower than endure this wanton state.

The crisp air helps to dampen my raging desire, thankfully. He secures my snowboard and his onto the ATV.

Abi walks to my side wearing a pink ski suit and elbows me playfully. “You look thoroughly fucked. No wonder Hunter is glaring at me.”

“Ignore him.”

“I can, but can you do the same?”

“I’m trying my best and failing spectacularly.”

“I like the way he looks at you. And more than that, how he’s always protecting you, but…”

I hear the implication loud and clear.Can he protect my heart too?

I exhale a long breath, my heart heavy with despondency. “It’s going to hurt like hell, won’t it?”

She wraps one arm around me and holds me tightly. “I hope he realizes you’re the best thing to happen to him.”

Sadly, I sometimes feel like I am the worst thing that could happen to him. We’re content in our own pain and misery before someone sheds light on them. I was like that before he showed up and scratched at my surface, deep enough for some dormant wishes and desires to slip free. It’s impossible to shove them back inside now.

Dane calls to Abi, and she joins him in front of their ride. Blake carries their ski equipment from the cabin while Mia heads my way.

“I hope you’re the one who can get through to Hunter. Please be patient with him. I see the change, and knowing him, he will try to fight this,” she says, squeezing my hand.

“He’s already fighting it.”

“Hold on to hope, even when it’s hard. I wish I knew what troubles him, but he looks lighter. Thank you for that.”

Tears glisten in her eyes, and I hug her. “You don’t have to thank me. But I don’t know if the person he wants is me.”

“If it’s not you, then it’s no one.”

She leaves me to ponder her words and hops onto the ATV behind Blake. I do the same, crossing my arms around Hunter’s torso. It’s so easy to get lost in the image that we’re a couple too. Kaden, Celine, Dane, and Abi round out the group in front.

“Are you okay?” Celine asks me once we reach our destination at the foot of the valley.

I shrug. This dichotomy—living my life with one foot in paradise and the other in purgatory—might split me apart.

“You know what I realized? I don’t know him as much as I’d like. I was so wrapped up in my hurt and anger I lost the chance to dig into Hunter’s troubles and failed to realize that he has been putting on a show.” She looks at him, sadness veiling her expression. “I love you both and see how good you are for each other…”

Are my friends projecting? Why do they keep saying that?

While deep in my thoughts, the majestic scenery of the mountains nearly passes me by. I am sure this natural habitat is spectacular in every season, with the endless lake and barely-touched nature. My emotional anguish won’t end anytime soon, so I take in the peaks breaking through the sky and the tall snow-covered trees dressed in glittering diamonds.

When we stop in the small town, the guys tense, always looking from right to left, dripping with suspicion.

“Guys, cut it out. You’re drawing attention to us,” Celine says.

“Cassandra wouldn’t have sent us here if she thought we might be in danger,” Abi reminds them.

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