?Chapter 77:

Ryder’s dry, mirthless chuckle made my skin crawl with unease, shivers rolling down my spine.

“Unless… you’re jealous?” I taunted, my voice low and husky. My courage, as usual, had its way of creeping up at moments like this. My lips curled into a sneer. “Maybe you should be.”

Ryder’s gaze smoldered, leaving me wondering what was going through his mind. With a tilt of his head, a low, tauntingugh filled the room. His hand tugged gently at a strand of loose hair near my neck as he lowered his head.

“I’d never be jealous of some little Alpha,” Ryder whispered, his eyes glinting with possession. “You’re mine, Jasmine. And mine alone.” Like fireworks on New Year’s Eve, his words ignited a spark within me—a mix of outrage and desire. A part of me liked it when he called me “mine,” when he made me feel like nothing else mattered. But then there was Isabelle. I wriggled under his hold, a futile attempt to break free, but Ryder’s grip only tightened.

“Tell me, Vixen,” Ryder growled, his voice dripping with dark desire, “does he make your body burn like I do? Does he make your heart race? Because I can smell your arousal… it’s mine, the effect I have on you. No one else can do that, not like me. So how could I ever be jealous?”

“Let me go,” I said in a shrill voice, barely above a whisper.

Ryder’s face hovered inches from mine, his eyes burning with intensity. “Never,” he whispered back, his breath mingling with mine, blending into a dangerous harmony.

I felt his warmth, his scent, his raw power. My body responded, traitorously weakening against his. My thighs were already growing warm, and I could feel that too familiar tightening sensation between my legs. Damn.

“Don’t y games with me, Jasmine,” he muttered close to my ear, his voice low and threatening. “I always win.”

With a gentle tug, he tilted my chin to meet his gaze, a silent challenge lingering in his blue eyes. I knew I was walking a thin line, torn between defiance and surrender. Ryder’s smile curved slowly, wickedly.

“Baby vixen,” he whispered, his lips brushing against mine. With a second kiss, he imed my lips fully, and I knew I’d lost all my resolve to fight. I didn’t care. It felt too good to care.

My hands trailed along his chest as I drew him closer, tugging at his hair while my fingers pressed against his scalp. The long bulge in his briefs told me he was as aroused as I was, and I leaned forward to feel it against my thighs. An encouraging groan from him made me grow hotter as his kiss deepened. His hands trailed along my back, tapping impatiently as he searched for my zipper.

Still kissing me, his hands moved downward, sending shivers through my body. Tiny goosebumps lined my skin as my spine arched back, inviting him. The way his teeth grazed the outline of my corbone, down to the curves of my breasts, raining little kisses along my skin as his lips traveled lower.

“Mmm,” I groaned before tugging my dress down. With a hungry look in his eyes, I felt the heat between my legs tighten and tingle as he cupped my breasts. Desire and need filled his gaze. Without waiting for him to admire them to his satisfaction, I leaned in, bringing my lips close to his face.

His gaze was dark, and I could feel my heart thumping loudly. He was dangerous now, like he wanted to devour me. Run! My instincts screamed at me. I wanted to stay, to match his gaze, to challenge him. But with the intensity of his eyes, those res could kill. They could pierce through my heart like an arrow.

One step. Two steps. Three!

The room wasn’t a safe hiding ce from this man, but if I could make it to the restroom, I could just shut the door.

I hadn’t even finished analyzing my thoughts when his long hands snaked around my waist.

His dangerous cologne filled my nose, weakening my bones. Every fiber of my body softened as he pulled me close. I couldn’t say a word; I couldn’t protest either. It was as if every word was stuck in my throat. I could only stare into those dangerous eyes. Damn! This was damn alluring.

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