Page 76 of Redemption

I start running. I have to get as far away as possible before slowing down; the damn bells will give me away if I continue sprinting, and I already know he’s faster than I am.

I hurtle down the path, willing my eyes to adjust to the darkness as I run farther away from the light of the fountain. The maze opens up to my left, and I choose to take the turn rather than going straight. There’s no way to know how to get to the exit, and Dane is well aware of that fact.

My fate is already sealed, but I grit my teeth and increase my speed.

He wants a hunt? I’ll give him a hunt. He’ll have to work for it if he wants to capture me.

With every pounding step, the bells sway on the cord between the silver clamps. The weight of them tugs at my trapped nipples as my breasts bounce. My blood runs hotter in my veins, and it’s not just from the exertion of evading him. The torment to my nipples is unbearably erotic, and my inner thighs are wet with my arousal. My swollen labia throb with every stride, and I’m achingly aware of how empty I am without his cock filling me up.

“Abigail!” He roars my name from the center of the maze, and I know I’m out of time.

I duck down an opening to my right, winding my way deeper into the maze. I take turn after sharp turn, until I’m dizzy and my breath burns my lungs. He can clearly hear the jingling of the traitorous bells, but I think my path has been erratic enough to confuse him.

For a while, at least.

I slow down and struggle to breathe as shallowly as possible so that the bells won’t jangle. My steps are light and careful, and I manage to take another turn without making a sound.

I’m not sure how long I manage to keep quiet before he calls out for me again.

“I know you’re nearby, Abigail. Such a clever little pet. You’re lost, but I’ll find you.”

He says the last like a mercy.

His voice is far too close. I have no choice: I have to start running again.

He barks a laugh when the bells chime, and a mix of defiant rage and desire heats my flushed cheeks.

His arrogance is galling, but my body craves him.

I deny my base, carnal needs and increase my speed, rounding another corner. Seconds later, I cry out before I can stop myself.

I’ve hit a dead end. And I can hear his heavy footfalls pounding closer.

I whirl, and his massive, shadowy form is barreling towards me, cutting off my exit. I scramble back, but I collide with the hedge. Branches prickle my bare skin, scratching my sensitized flesh like a sharp caress.

He slows as he closes in, and his white teeth flash in a feral smile through the darkness.

“Little dove,” he coos. “Are you trapped?”

“Don’t touch me,” I snap, pressing myself deeper into the hedge.

“Poor little pet. All alone out here. So lost and afraid.”

“I’m not afraid,” I lie. Fear thrills through me in a tingling wave, setting all of my senses on high alert.

“You don’t have to pretend with me.” He says it like a reassurance that’s belied by his mocking tone.

He’s right in front of me, his massive body blocking any hope of escape.

“You seem to be caught in a snare. Let me help you.”

He moves lighting fast, grasping my shoulders and tearing me away from the hedge. He tackles me to the ground, angling us so that his body takes the impact.

Then he rolls atop me, forcing me onto my front. The clamps bite into my nipples. With my hands bound behind me, there’s nothing I can do but kick and scream.

My defiant shriek dies in my throat when I catch the glint of the blade out of the corner of my eye.

“Dane!” True, potent terror claws at my insides.

---