Page 34 of The Devil's Wrath

“Intense and incredibly hot,” Vera corrected with a wicked grin. “Can you imagine those gorgeous, dangerous men chasing you through the woods? The thrill of the hunt, the rush of adrenaline . . . and then the mind-blowing sex that follows?” She fanned herself dramatically. “I’m getting all hot and bothered just thinking about it.”

I couldn’t help but glance back in Theo’s direction. A slight smirk played at the corner of his mouth, as if he knew precisely the effect he had on me. I tore my eyes away, trying to focus back on Vera and the pulsing rhythm of the music. But my heart raced and my skin tingled with an electric awareness of his presence. I downed the rest of my drink in hopes the burn of the vodka would dull the ache of longing that had taken root in my chest.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“I need another drink,” I yelled to Vera over the thumping bass. She grinned and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the makeshift bar.

As we waited for our drinks, I couldn't resist another glance in Theo’s direction. But he was gone; the spot where he had been standing, now empty. Disappointment settled heavily in my stomach. Whathad I expected? That he would finally come over and sweep me off my feet, proclaiming his undying love, chase me through the woods, and then ravage me on some moss?

That’s exactly what I wanted . . .

I mentally chastised myself for being so naive.

Vera pressed a fresh cup into my hand, the fruity concoction sloshing over the rim. I took a long swig, welcoming the numbing warmth that spread through my veins. I was determined to enjoy myself tonight, to push aside thoughts of anything but my present . . . of Theo and thisBrotherhoodhe belonged to. But even as I danced and laughed with Vera and our friends, I couldn’t shake the feeling of his eyes on me, watching me from the shadows. I was tired of the cat and mouse games, the constant push and pull, but I also craved it like the fucked-up human I was.

As the night wore on, people drifted away in pairs and small groups, stumbling off into the woods or having sex in view of the party. It was hard not to watch them, envious of the connection, although temporary, that they were engaged in. Vera had long since disappeared with her burly brunet, leaving me alone by the glowing embers. The air was chilly, and I shivered, pulling my cardigan tighter around my shoulders as I moved closer to the bonfire.

“Cold?” a deep voice murmured from behind me.

I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat. Theo stood just a few feet away, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his leather jacket. The firelight cast a warm glow over his features, softening the hard edges of his jaw and making his green eyes glitter like emeralds.

“I’m fine,” I managed, ignoring how my body responded to his nearness and the scorching heat that pooled low in my belly.

He took a step closer, his gaze intense and unwavering. “You don’t seem fine.”

“I’m not sure what gave you that idea. I’m having a great time.”

“Hm.”

I was aware of how close he was to me, and my heartbeat quickened just like it always did when he was around.

“You’ve been watching me all night.” He broke the awkward silence.

I swallowed hard, and my mouth suddenly dried. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

An amused smile slowly curved his lips. “Don’t play coy,Raven. It doesn’t suit you.”

“How would you know what suits me, Theo?” I challenged.

Theo took another step toward me, close enough for his scent to envelop me, a heady mix of leather, smoke, and something like amber. My breath caught in my throat as he reached out, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The touch was featherlight, but it sent shivers racing down my spine.

“I know more than you think,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate. “I’ve been watching you too, trying to figure you out.”

“And what have you concluded?” I asked.

“You’re deeper than you let on. You hide yourself behind these walls, but I can see the passion hidden beneath your intelligence. You’re wild, but you’re afraid to show it. Afraid of losing control. But I see you, and you’re so fucking beautiful.”

I scoffed, trying to ignore how my heart fluttered at his words. “Please don’t pretend like you know me, Theo. I can’t keep doing this Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde routine. One second, you’re stalking me. The next, you pretend like I don’t exist. I’m a little too old for the high school hot-and-cold routine.”

His eyes narrowed as a flicker of frustration passed over his face. “You think this is a game to me?”

“That’s exactly what I think.” I met his gaze, refusing to back down.

“You have no idea what you do to me, do you? What effect you have on me? You have no idea how much I’ve been holding back, how much I’ve wanted to let go and show you the truth.”

“Oh really? Let me guess: the truth is that you’re a brooding bad boy with a secretly soft heart. I’ve read that story before, and it never ends well.”

His lips curved into a humorless smile. “You’re right, it doesn’t.” He took another step, closing the distance between us. “But you know better than most; the truth is rarely pretty, and my truth, andyours, is darker than most.”

---