Page 27 of The Claiming

He lifts one finger to my face and glides it slowly against my skin and, as I stare into his eyes, they sparkle with wicked intention.

“Our claiming is not so brutal.”

“Tell me about it.” My breath is coming faster and my skin tingles where he touches me and his lips brush close to mine as he says huskily, “When the prey is captured, they are chained to their captor. They walk back to the ceremonial chamber and the official declares them as claimed. Then they take the oath of The Claiming.”

“What does that involve?” My voice shakes as I struggle to concentrate because being so close to Frankie is stifling my senses, as well as electrifying them at the same time. It’s as if there is nothing in the world except this man. He is everything and I am struggling with my desire for him to kiss me, deeply, passionately and lustfully.

“They promise to be exclusive for the semester. To uphold the sanctity of the ceremony and face punishment if they break the code.”

“What punishment?”

I shiver as he drags his face across to my ear and the stubble on his chin scratches against my delicate skin.

His words hover as a warning as he whispers, “They find themselves locked in the dungeon until they repent their sins and beg for forgiveness.”

“That’s disgusting.” I whisper, outraged he believes they have the right.

“It’s an effective warning.”

“You’re making this up to suit your own agenda.” I hiss, reality bringing me safely back from the abyss.

“My game, my rules.” He tugs me closer, his hand moving around my waist and pulling me hard against him.

“What’s the matter, baby girl? Are you afraid of the big bad wolf?”

“Are you?” I hiss, hating that I’m loving every second of this and also hating how turned on I am right now.

“I’m afraid of losing.” He confesses and for some reason, it makes me laugh.

“Same.”

As I stare into his eyes, I love the challenge in his, my own reflecting back at him. We both know there is no way in hell I’m not taking this challenge, just to prove that I am better than him.

“So–” He whispers against my lips. “Are you up for the challenge, baby girl, or should I find someone else who isn’t afraid to try?”

“What do you think?” I push him away and drag in a huge gulp of air, effectively breaking the magic hold he has over me.

“Show me the tunnels. Show me the way out, Frankie Majerio, because until I see it for myself, I am agreeing to nothing.”

“And if I do?”

His voice is controlled, uninterested even, and I shrug. “Then I accept your challenge and will see you on the other side of the river.”

“Good answer.” He shines his torch deeper into the distance.

“Come, but word of warning, you’ll get dirty.”

“As if I’m bothered about that.” I scoff and his deep chuckle brings a smile to my face because it appears we are more alike that I ever thought possible.

FOURTEEN

FRANKIE

I knew I liked this girl. She is me in female form, so why wouldn’t I? Unlike most of the airheads that come on to me, she loves a challenge. She resists and yet it’s there in her eyes when she looks at me. She wants me as much as I ache for her and there is no way in hell I’m not claiming this woman. She will be mine and then life will get interesting.

I lead her through an opening at the end of the chamber where the roof height alters, causing us to stoop lower. Cobwebs dust our faces and stones and dirt crunch beneath our sneakers. The air is shorter, more stifling, and as we venture further, we resort to crawling along on our hands and knees.

“Fuck, Frankie, are you sure about this?” Cassie shines her torch and whispers, “It’s getting narrower.”

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