The Arrangement

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The world around me blurs into a mirage of shadows and sounds as I sprint through the dense forest, my heart pounding a violent rhythm in my ribcage. Each drop of rain that splatters my skin is like a reminder of the chill in the air, but the electric thrill coursing through my veins keeps me warm, an intoxicating mixture of fear and exhilaration.

It's like the weight of the darkness around me is pressing in as I hear the pounding movement of Ashton as he chases me down. With every snap of branches behind me, I push myself forward, my legs burning with exertion. He's close, too close and I can sense the predatory energy radiating from him like heat from a fire.

My instincts scream at me to keep running, to escape the clutches of the hunter, but I can't help but feel a twisted sense of exhilaration as I navigate the treacherous terrain. A want coursing through, a need for him to catch me.

I spot a thicket ahead, dense with brambles and branches. It's a risk, but it might offer me the cover I need. With a burst of energy, I veer toward it, pushing my way through the prickly barrier. The thorns snag at my clothes and skin, but I barely notice as adrenaline propels me forward. I stumble into the small clearing on the other side, my heart racing, lungs burning, but I'm momentarily hidden.

I crouch low, catching my breath, my body trembling with exertion and fear. I listen intently, trying to gauge how close he is. The rain continues to drench me, but it drowns out the sound of my heartbeat, a symphony of chaos that fills the air. I can hear the soft thuds of his footsteps, the rustle of leaves as he moves cautiously, methodically.

He's searching for me, and despite the fear clawing at my insides, I can't help but feel a rush of adrenaline at the thought. I close my eyes for a moment, centering myself, letting the fear become a tool rather than a hindrance.

When I open them again I try to listen for any hint of where he is, the rustle of leaves, his footsteps, anything. But there's just silence. Not a single sound that pinpoints where he could be. All I can hear is droplets of rain as they fall around me.

For a second I think that maybe he's gone in the other direction, that I've actually managed to outsmart him.

But I couldn't be more wrong.

Out of nowhere I hear movement behind me but before I can even attempt to react arms like iron bands wrap around my torso and I'm hauled up off the ground as if I'm completely weightless.

The air rushes from my lungs, a startled scream escaping my lips as I'm pulled backward, a primal instinct kicks in. I twist and squirm, but he's too strong, his grip unyielding. I can feel his breath against my neck, hot and heavy, the scent of rain-soaked earth mingling with something darker, more sinister. Adrenaline floods my system, igniting every nerve ending in a desperate fight-or-flight response.

I thrash against him, my heart pounding like a war drum, but he only tightens his hold, his fingers pressing into my skin.

"Shhh," he whispers, his voice low and menacing, sending a shiver coursing down my spine. "You're mine now."

Every single one of my instinct's is screaming at me to try and escape my natural flight or fright completely taking over.

I twist my body, trying to find leverage, but his hold is relentless, like a vice that won't relent. I manage to glance over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of his face – shadowed and intense, eyes glinting with a predatory gleam.

With a surge of determination, I decide to fight back. I swing my elbow back, aiming for his ribs, but he anticipates my move, shifting slightly to absorb the blow. I feel a surge of frustration and desperation

A low growl like chuckle comes from his as he seems to find great amusement in my attempts to try and break free from his hold as he carries me to whether he's taking me.

I'm soaked through to the bone yet I feel like my skin is on fire as pure unrelenting adrenaline coursing through me. When he finally sets me down on my feet, I barely have a chance to attempt to break free as he shoves me against a tree.

The cold bark pressing against the skin on my chest, scratching and causing a stinging sensation that only causes heat to flood straight to my core. The pain sparking a new sensation that I haven't experienced before, yet I know I want more of it.

His body presses up against mine his hard length digging into my back as his heavy breathing is the only sound I can seem to hear. I'm completely zoned in on just him, everything else seems to disappear.

When his hand comes to my throat he squeezes tight and forces me back so my head turns to face him. His tongue comes out, sweeping up the side of my face, causing me to shudder, but not in disgust. It's of the thrill that runs through me.

"I can feel every beat of your fragile little heart, mouse" he growls in my ear as he kicks my legs apart. "Thud dum, thud dum, thud dum" he mimics and it only causes my heart to race faster under his touch.

When his fingers flex around my throat and he grips to a point I can't suck in a breath I feel how my pulse quickens and I know he can too.

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear, a tantalizing promise of what's to come. His breath is warm, sending tendrils of heat curling down my spine as I feel the pressure starting to build from the lack of oxygen. "You feel that? That's your body becoming aware that I hold your life in my hands right now" his voice is laced with a threat, the power he hold right now soaking through with every word.

The moment his grip loosens I suck in breaths quickly before he tightens again taking full control.

His free hand strokes up my body, the tips of his fingers like scolding rods. Every touch only seeming to be intensified as he makes a trail up to my breast. When he rips my dress exposing me, I can't gasp instead I find myself arching into his touch.

Again he loosen his grip allowing me to breathe before he cuts me off again. This time as his grip tights he pinches my nipple between his thumb and finger, twisting as he does and I swear the sting of pain has my knees almost buckling beneath me.

"All the ways I could hurt you mouse," he whispers letting me breathe again. His hand then descends down between my parted legs. "Make you scream, beg for me to stop" he adds, cupping his hand over my core,  "and there'll be no one to hear you"

I don't think I have ever felt this heightened before, the way he controls every breath I take, the threats and promises in his words, it all has my soaked and I know he can feel it. I'm desperate for him to keep going, to hurt me and do whatever he wants with me.

When he releases my throat I barely have a chance to attempt to breathe before he's tearing my panties off of me, leaving a slight burn in their wake. Then without warning he's gripping my chin and forcing my mouth open before he shoves the damp material in too.

When his hand comes back to my core and he plungers two fingers into me I whimper around my panties. The growl that comes from him is purely animalistic and hearing it causes me to clench around his fingers.