Page 39 of Moonflower

I was right—we’re in the woods. The moon is visible through the barren branches that extend upward and sideways at crooked angles.

A rustling noise comes from my right, and I jump.

Wilder doesn’t move to comfort me or tell me I’m safe, and it makes my skin break out in goosebumps. When I turn to face him, he’s grinning. But it’s not a happy grin. No, it’s creepy as hell. Almost sinister.

I gulp. “Why did you bring me here?”

“To chase you.”

Oh god.

“Chase me.”

“That’s right.” He steps up to me, his fingers feathering down my arms. “You’re going to run. And I’m going to chase you. And when I catch you—because you will never be able to get away from me, Moonflower—I’m going to shove you to the ground and fuck you. You want that, right?”

Butterflies come to life in my stomach. “You read my blog post, you know I do.”

He grips my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “I want you to say it.”

“Yes,” I whisper. “I do.”

“Tell me what else you’d like.”

“I . . .” My cheeks heat, and I’m grateful the darkness conceals my blush. I’ve never voiced this desire out loud, and I have no idea if it’d even be something Wilder would want. But he and Ezra made it clear that they won’t judge me.

And Wilder already knows what I’m dying to say. I just have to build up the courage to actually say it.

“Spit it out, Cora.”

“I want to pretend I don’t want it.” I pause. “If you’re into that.”

“There’s nothing I want more than to fulfill all the fantasies in that pretty head of yours.” As he says it, he moves to stand behind me. His hands rest possessively on my hips, making the ache in between my legs worse. “You want to be scared?”

“Yes.” I hesitate again. “I know it’s dark.” I hate the way my voice trembles.

“The darker the better, my lovely Moonflower.”

“You’re sure?” I whisper.

He squeezes my hips. “Perfectly. Anything off limits?”

“No.”

He chuckles. “Good.”

“So I’m going to . . . run?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Do I get a head start?”

“Of course. Don’t want to catch you too fast.” He brushes his lips down my neck.

“Where’s Ezra?”

“You’ll find out.”

That sends a shiver of delight through me.