Page 4 of His Untamed Craving

To my surprise, whenever I glance back, she's only a few strides behind, with a look of determination etched across those delicate features. Not a single complaint or whimper of exertion, just a woman seemingly in her element despite the brutal slog.

As if reading my thoughts, she catches up until we're walking side by side. "Impressed yet?"

I shoot her a sidelong glance, unable to deny the spark of begrudging respect flickering through me. "We'll see how long that stamina lasts."

Rather than looking discouraged, she only grins wider, dark eyes sparkling with challenge. "I'm just getting warmed up."

I focus on the trail ahead, trying to ignore the delicious way Daisy's generous curves shift with every step, straining against that tight, moisture-wicking material.

Thankfully, the trail kicks up another series of gnarly switchbacks, providing a much-needed distraction from my spiraling thoughts. I pour on the gas, determined to wipe that cocky look off her face.

Except no matter how grueling the terrain, how punishing the pace, she doesn't falter. Those toned legs keep devouring the rocky path with an almost preternatural grace, that wild mane of curls bouncing with every stride, beads of sweat glistening along her tan skin.

We crest the top of the saddle, the imposing silhouette of the Fang's sheer granite face now looming before us in all its glory. I pause for just a beat, drinking in its merciless, unyielding aura as my blood thrums with the familiar thrill.

"Not bad for a morning stroll, eh?"

Daisy's teasing words break my trance. I glance over to find her hands planted firmly on her hips, chest rising and falling with each ragged breath as she smirks at me. A feral, untamed glint in those dark eyes has me swallowing hard.

In that moment, I realize two things with crystal clarity:

One, this woman just proved she's the real deal by matching my grueling pace without even flinching. She belongs out here, same as me.

And two... I'm well and truly fucked, because despite my best efforts, I can't deny the lust simmering through my veins. I want this woman in a way that's borderline primal.

Which means this little expedition up the Fang just went from challenging to downright hazardous.

Because one thing's for damn sure—if I let myself get lost in those curves and that wild spirit, it's gonna be one hell of a distraction when we need laser-sharp focus to survive this beast of a climb.

But as Daisy's teeth tug at that full lower lip again, I can't help but wonder... maybe a little distraction is exactly what I need.

Chapter 3

Daisy

The rhythmic crunch of our boots against the rocky trail fills the crisp mountain air as we press on toward the base of the Fang. My calves burn with that delicious, fiery ache that comes from a solid uphill grind, but I push through, determined to hold pace with Wyatt.

I may have proven I can hang so far, but I'm far from done. This is only the beginning.

My gaze drifts up to the imposing granite spire looming closer with every step. Its jagged, unforgiving silhouette scrapes the horizon, and a thrill races through me.

Wyatt glances over his shoulder, dark eyes studying me in that intense way of his. There's a new glint behind them—respect, maybe? Whatever it is, it only stokes the flames of my determination. I meet that smoldering stare head-on, quirking a brow in silent challenge.

"Not too late to turn back," he rumbles.

Rather than rising to his bait, I simply laugh, loud and uninhibited. "Face it, Croft, you're gonna have to try harder than that to get rid of me."

Wyatt holds my stare for a beat before turning forward again, but not before I catch the faint quirk of his lips.

We fall into a steady cadence, the only sounds our rhythmic footfalls and the ragged draw of our breaths. Despite the grueling pace, I find myself relishing the simplicity of it all—the singular focus on putting one foot in front of the other, the world narrowed down to nothing but me, this mountain, and the man striding beside me.

"So, how'd a city girl like you end up wandering the wild?" Wyatt's gruff voice snaps me from my introspective trance.

I can't help the wry grin that tugs my lips as I shake my head. "Is it that obvious?"

Rather than answering directly, he simply arches one dark brow.

"Let's just say the concrete jungle wasn't really my scene." I shrug one shoulder, keeping my tone purposefully nonchalant.