Page 91 of Run of Ruin

And I wanted her body to know it.

When I was finally seated fully inside of her, we both exhaled a long satisfied sigh. She felt perfect.

“How do you feel?” I asked, knowing that even if it took every ounce of energy I had, I’d pull her off of me ifshe needed me to. I scanned her face looking for any sign of pain. But all I saw was undiluted lust.

“I feel like I need you to make me come now,” she said before lifting and slamming back down onto my length.

“Fuck,” I cursed as the sensation sent a shockwave of ecstasy through me. My girl wanted to be fucked, so she would be fucked. I tightened my hold on her body and lifted her just enough so I could piston my hips up into her. She gasped with each powerful thrust. Her hands clawed at my shoulders.

I’d never seen something more beautiful than my girl, hair messy, makeup smudged, skin perfectly pink. Her breasts bounced as she slammed down onto me, so perfectly tempting, so I took a nipple into my mouth again. Grazing my teeth along them, I bit down slightly, which earned me a low growl of approval from the temptress who was riding me like she owned me. Which she did. Heart, body and soul.

“More,” she begged. And I wasn't one to leave my girl wanting for anything. So I slipped my hand between us and pressed my thumb against her throbbing clit. She bucked against my hand, her eyes falling closed as her head tilted back. I slammed into her, working her clit in tandem with each thrust. Her hold on my shoulders tightened and I knew she was close to her release.

I released my last hold on her hips and let her take over guiding her body down onto me at the pace she needed as she chased her orgasm, and brought my free hand to her neck, pulling her lips to mine again.

This kiss was all tongue, teeth and desperation. Her moans grew heavy and loud as she bounced on my cock faster and faster. My balls drew up tight to my body as I felt my own wave crest. Finally, her slick channel clamped onto me as her release found her. The pressure of her body claiming mine ripped my own release from me as well. I rested my head onher chest and held her tightly as we both rode out the waves of passion rushing through our bodies. My cock throbbed, and her muscles tightened around me. I’d never felt something so goddamn perfect.

When our breathing slowed and our hearts stopped racing like we were still running from the world, I felt her body tremble, a soft, breathless laugh slipping from her lips. I opened my eyes to find her looking down at me, her hair tousled, her cheeks flushed, and that wickedly beautiful smile curving her mouth. She looked like chaos and salvation wrapped in one. Like something I’d never stop chasing as long as I lived.

I reached up and claimed her mouth again, because how could I not?

“I am desperately in love with you, Brexlyn Hollis,” I whispered against her lips, the words tasting like a promise I didn’t know I was brave enough to make until right then.

She sucked in a sharp, startled breath and then smiled, eyes gleaming.

“And I am in love with you, Ezra Wynstone,” she whispered back, her voice rough and sure like a vow.

I kissed her again, because no words in any language could come close to what she made me feel. But she knew. God, she knew. I loved her with every broken, bruised, and stubborn piece of me, and with every part I hadn’t figured out yet. I’d give her anything. Be anything she needed. Hell, I’d share her heart with the others if that’s what made her happiest. Because I wanted her to know I loved her.

And I intended to show her just how much… at least a few more times tonight.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-ONE

Bex

I slipped carefullyfrom Ezra’s arms, not wanting to wake him. His face was soft in sleep, the faintest crease still etched between his brows like even his dreams carried too much weight. I glanced over at the other side of the room, at Zaffir’s empty bed. He hadn’t come back with us after the interview, and it didn’t look like he ever made it home. Guilt prickled under my skin. I should’ve brought Ezra to my room. The one the boys insisted I have to myself. I hoped I hadn’t made him feel like he couldn’t sleep here.

Tugging on Ezra’s discarded button-down, the only piece of clothing left intact after last night’s chaos, I let a ghost of a smile tug at my lips.

My poor dress was beyond repair. I glanced at it. Lying there on the floor. Torn to shreds. And as my eyes scanned the ripped fabric, I found myself picturing what it might be like to truly shed the labels and the station that Praxis forced on us. It was a small ember that had been building to a flame. I wasn’tnaive enough to believe I had the power to change anything single handedly…but recent events had me thinking dangerous thoughts. Like…what if I could?

Buttoning the shirt, I shook my head. It was too early to have such rebellious thoughts. I padded through the house and made my way to the kitchen, where the house was still draped in early morning quiet.

I set about brewing coffee, one small, familiar ritual in a world that had spun so violently off its axis.

We had today off to prep for the coming gauntlet of trials. Nova had stopped by after the interview last night, all sugary smiles and empty congratulations. None of us had it in us to pretend it felt like a victory. Dani’s screams still clawed at my mind. Nova, as always, either didn’t notice or didn’t care.

She rattled off the schedule, oblivious to our hollow expressions. Two trials a day for the next several days, then a brief break, followed by a longer, grueling event meant to stretch two to four days. My stomach twisted at the thought.

The coffee finished brewing, and I poured a cup, savoring the bitter warmth as it slid down my throat. Luxuries like this wouldn’t come with us when we returned to Canyon, if we returned at all. Thirteen trials still loomed ahead, and though some of them shifted to more mental contests this week, I knew better than to relax. Nova claimed that the medical trials had been shuffled to the end of the Run, likely to maximize the drama now that the audience was fully invested in our team and my goal.

They were planning to make my desperation to help my brother their wicked season finale.

Nova, to my surprise, hadn’t said a word about my little rebellion on live TV. Instead, she’d gleefully reported that our appearance had already blown up across the networks. My kiss with Thorne was everywhere. Ezra’s confession had the publicin an uproar. There were even rumblings online about ousting Canyon’s leadership.

I couldn’t say I’d mourn their downfall… though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified of who might take their place.

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