7.

Arcade

Darkness wraps around me like a second skin as I step outside. The air is thick with the scent of water and earth, the chorus of insects and frogs plays in the background. I scan the area, my grip tight on the rifle. My instincts are on high alert, every rustle and bustle making my pulse quicken.

If Belle is under any kind of threat, I'll kill and ask questions later.

I turn back towards the cabin and catch a glimpse of Belle watching me from the window. Her face is pale, her eyes wide with fear and something else—guilt, maybe. Her secrets are starting to gnaw on me. I thought I could keep it cool, but I no longer think I can. There has to be honesty between us, or she won't ever feel bonded to me if she keeps a part of herself hidden. And I won't accept just having a part of her anymore. I'm going to want it all.

Moving farther into the dark, I make sure every step is deliberate and silent. This is my domain, and I know how to blend into the swamp. But no matter how hard I look, I can't find any sign of an intruder. The corners are empty, the silence undisturbed except for the natural sounds of the night.

Frustrated, I lift the rifle and fire a couple of warning shots into the air. The sharp cracks echo through the trees, a clear message to anyone who might be lurking. Don't mess with me. And definitely don't mess with my woman.

I turn and make my way back to the cabin. The door creaks as I push it open, and Belle jumps, her eyes still wide, her breath coming in quick gasps. She looks like a deer caught in headlights, and it tugs at something deep inside me.

"Did you see anyone?" she asks, her voice trembling.

"No," I say, my tone gruff. "But I sent a message. If anyone's out there, they'll think twice before coming back."

She nods, relief flickering across her face. But I can't let it go. I can't let her off the hook that easily. "Look," I say, my voice low and firm, "I'm done beating around the bush. You need to tell me what you're hiding."

Her eyes widen, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "I... I don't know what you mean."

"Quit stalling," I snap, my frustration boiling over. "Beautiful, young girls don't just wander into the bayou and decide to spend the night at a stranger's house. What's the real story?"

"I... I told you..," she stammers, her voice shaking. "I just wanted to go for a midnight swim and then you found me."

I step closer, my gaze locked on hers. "Stop lying to me, or I'll pull you over my knee and spank the truth out of you."

She opens her mouth to protest, but the words don't come. The silence stretches between us, thick with tension. I can't stand it anymore. I lose control, my emotions spilling over.

"Damn it, woman!" I curse with a hiss. "What are you hiding?"

I grab her shoulders and press a hard kiss on her mouth, my frustration and need pouring into that single, desperate act.

She gasps against my lips, her body stiffening for a moment before melting into me. The kiss is rough, demanding, a clash of wills and desires. And when I start pulling her toward the cot, she doesn't protest.