?Chapter 72:

Ryder’s eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying. “You’re testing my patience, Jasmine.”

“I’m not moving,” I said, my voice firm. “Either toss me my clothes, or if you really want me out of this stream, walk into the water and take me out.” Damn! The words had barely left my lips before I realized the implication. Ryder’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and he sauntered forward, his movements fluid and deliberate. And yes, very fast, like he’d been waiting for me to say those words all along.

“No, no, no!” I protested, panic rising. “I didn’t mean that!”

Ryder’s smile grew wider. “You should be careful what you wish for, Jasmine.” I took a step back, the waterpping at my legs. “Don’t you dare touch me!” I warned, trying to sound brave.

I felt Ryder’srge hand wrap around my waist, pulling me out of the water with ease. I was hurled over his shoulder, my body bent at an awkward angle. His shoulder pressed against my bare breasts, sending a jolt of electricity through me. This was so embarrassing. I was stark naked now.

“This is ridiculous!” I shouted, pounding my fists against his back.

Ryder’s hand wrapped around my legs, holding me in ce. I felt waves of heat surge through my body, despite my anger. It started from my stomach and gradually spread to my inner thighs, causing me to jerk, pressing my legs together.

How could he do this to me? How could he make me feel like this?

Ryder’s stride was long and purposeful, eating up the distance to the shore. I bounced against his shoulder, my naked body pressed against his clothed one. I should have been grateful that his hands weren’t wrapped around any sensitive areas of my body, but even as they rested on my legs, it still felt wrong. The heat of his hands fueled a lust I didn’t even know still existed.

Finally, he ced me down, my feet touching the warm sand. I nearly stumbled, trying to cover my chest. I straightened, my eyes shing with anger. From all indications, he was gloating in victory—his chin tilted up, a wide grin on his face, and his eyes darkened slightly.

Without thinking twice, my hand flew across his face, my palm wide before it came crashing against his cheek. A loud thwacking sound echoed through the empty forest. His face turned away from mine, and I couldn’t move from where I stood.

Jasmine’s POV

Feel the magic on gα?ησν????s

“What have you done?” The question echoed in my head like a nursery rhyme. Frozen to the ground beneath me, I slowly raised my eyes, locking them with his. His gaze was cold, light blue eyes darkening into deep blue, calcting, like a predator sizing up its prey. Realization dawned on me—I had crossed a thin line.

An eerie silence hung between us, heavy and oppressive. I could hear my own rapid breathing, the thumping of my heart the only sound in the air. Ryder’s eyes bored into mine, a deep frown etched on his face. The side of his face I’d pped was red, if not maroon.

He was done joking around.

Ryder’s hand lifted to his face, his fingers brushing the spot where I’d pped him. For a split second, I thought I saw the corner of his mouth twitch before his lips curled downward, a hint of subtle pain flickering on his face.

“Do that again, and you’ll regret it,” Ryder growled, his voice low and cold. The threat sent shivers down my spine, a shudder coursing through my body.

My chest rose and fell as I fought to keep my breathing under control. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say I was hyperventting. I couldn’t let him see how rattled I was.

“You had no right to touch me like that,” I snapped back, trying to keep my voice steady, but it shook more than I intended, betraying my fear.

Ryder’s eyes darkened as he took a few steps closer, his big, tall frame towering over me. Trying my best to get away from him, I took a step back. I had almost forgotten I was naked—not that it mattered now that he looked like he could rip me in two. My heart raced with such force that I could feel my pulse pounding in my veins.

“You gave me an order, Jasmine,” he said, his tone taunting as he moved in, closing the gap between us with a single stride. “You told me toe get you.” With two more steps, my back met a hard, rough surface, my spine pressing against the bark of the tree. The closeness of his body made it impossible to think straight. His scent was intoxicating, a mix of earth and something dark and dangerous that made my pulse race even faster.

“And I always follow through,” Ryder added, his voice low and husky. His hand reached for my chin, tipping it lightly, his face barely an inch away from mine. My breath caught in my throat.

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