That name wrecks me when it comes out of her mouth. I flip her onto her back, shove her thighs open, and thrust into her hard, my whole body shaking with how much I need this.
The bed creaks, and slams against the wall with every snap of my hips. She cries out, her nails digging into my shoulders.
Then she screams as her climax crashes through her. So violent, shaking, and beautiful.
I follow, gritting her name through my teeth as I come deep inside her, every muscle locking, every breath stolen. I collapse over her, panting, shaking; my forehead pressed to hers.
“I needed that,” I whisper.
She giggles. “Happy to help.”
I smirk, kiss her lips, and pull out gently. I leave the bed and head outside.
Another cold fucking shower; my skin’s still tingling from her when I walk back in.
Aspen’s sitting on the edge of the bed now, eyes heavy.
Dante’s already geared up.
My gear’s on the bed beside her, but her eyes are full of fear now. Sadness.
Like she finally feels it too—
That this might be the last time she sees us standing here.
Alive.
I gear up slowly, piece by piece, feeling every buckle like it’s being welded to my fucking bones.
Aspen slips out of the room, and I don’t follow. I keep my eyes on the wall in front of me as I finish.
Dante stands still for a moment. “I don’t want to take her with us,” he says, barely audible.
I don’t answer right away because I feel the same, and admitting it feels like failing her.
“I know,” I finally whisper, and when I turn to face him, our eyes meet, both of us already drowning in the choice we made.
I step out of the room. Dante follows close behind, silent.
Outside, Aspen stands next to Max and Ryker. They’re already geared up, ready to go, faces tight, eyes scanning everything but her. She’s tying her boots, focused, unaware.
I lift my hand slowly, make the silent gesture.One stays back.
Max and Ryker catch it instantly.
Their chins dip, subtle but sure. And I see it, that flicker of relief behind their eyes.
Dante moves first, circling behind me, stepping to Aspen’s left.
Max shifts forward, closer to the door.
Ryker takes a single step back, silent.
She finally finishes tying her lace, stands up straight, eyes bright, and face hopeful until it clicks.
She whips around, panic setting in fast. “No,”
Dante grabs her arms, and she fights hard.Knees. Elbows. Teeth. Pure instinct.
