Page 52 of Hunted

I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. "Thinking about what?"

His lips curl into a wicked smile, and he steps toward me, closing the distance between us. "You know exactly what I mean, little bird."

I feel a tremor run through me as his scent washes over me, that unique blend of musk and something wilder, more primal. "I—I don't know what you mean."

"Don't you?" He reaches out, his fingers tracing the curve of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "Your heart is racing. You can't hide how much you want it."

My breath catches in my throat as his hand moves lower, resting on the curve of my hip. "Want what?"

"You know." His lips are inches from my ear, and his breath is hot against my skin. "The edge of the blade. The thrill of it all."

I close my eyes, my body betraying me as a rush of arousal courses through my veins. How does he always know what I'm thinking?

"Say it," he whispers, his fingers tightening around my hip. "Tell me what you want, baby girl."

I open my mouth, but no words come out. I can't bring myself to voice the dark desires that consume me.

Aksel chuckles, his breath tickling my ear. "Don't worry, little bird. I know all your secrets."

Before I can respond, I feel the cold kiss of steel against my skin. I gasp as his knife presses lightly against my throat, a sensation that sends a jolt of excitement through me.

"Shall we play, baby girl?" His voice is a silky murmur, his eyes glittering with anticipation.

I swallow, my pulse thrumming in my veins. "Yes."

The word is barely a whisper, but it's enough. In one swift motion, he spins me around, pressing me against his chest. I feel the knife leave my throat, only to return a moment later, slicing lightly across my shoulder.

The pain is sharp but fleeting, quickly replaced by a surge of pleasure as Aksel leans down, his tongue tracing the path of the blade, tasting my blood.

I moan, my head falling back against his shoulder as he continues his devilish ministrations. His free hand roams my body, stoking the flames of my desire.

"That's it. Let me hear you."

I cry out, my body arching into his touch as he nips at my shoulder, marking me with his mouth. The knife, the blood, his intimate touches—they blur together, creating a symphony of sensations that push me closer and closer to the edge.

"Please..." I don't realize I've spoken the word until I hear it hanging in the air between us.

"Please, what?" He murmurs, his lips brushing my ear.

"Please, Aksel. I need you."

He smirks, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. With a swift movement, he withdraws the blade and steps back.

"Run, little bird. Make me work for it."

My heart pounds in my chest, and I turn and dash into the trees without another thought. The cool air whips against my skin, sending goosebumps along my arms. I can hear Aksel following behind me.

I dodge between the trees, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. The earth is soft and muddy beneath my feet, threatening to slow my progress, but I push on, driven by the thrill of the chase.

I leave my equipment behind in haste, but I know it'll be safe. No one dares to venture into Aksel's territory uninvited.

My breath comes in short gasps as I run, the familiar landscape guiding my path. I aim for the waterfall halfway back to the cabin, hoping to reach it before Aksel catches me. The thought of him taking me against the rocky cliff, the sound of the water echoing around us, sends a thrill through my body.

The rush of the waterfall grows louder as I draw closer, the mist cooling my heated skin. I spot the shimmering curtain of water through the trees and know I'm almost there.

I scramble over the rocky terrain, my heart pounding in my chest. With one final surge of speed, I burst into the clearing behind the water, the powerful spray soaking my skin.

I spin around, my chest heaving as I search for Aksel. The sound of his approaching footsteps comes to a halt, and I know he has spotted me behind the curtain of water.