Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

E mma

The wind outside roars like a wild thing, battering the cabin walls with a fury that matches the storm inside me. The fire crackles low, casting warm shadows that flicker across the rough wooden walls, making the space between Slate and me feel both too small and too vast. I lie on the edge of the bed, the blanket wrapped tight around my shoulders, heat still simmering under my skin from his kiss. I can feel him there, close, every breath of his dragging against my nerves, like a constant reminder that I’m not alone in this tiny cabin, that I can’t escape the weight of everything between us.

I shift, turning to face the wall, trying to focus on the knot of wood in the beams above me, but my attention keeps pulling back to him. Slate sits on the floor by the fireplace, shirtless, the muscles of his back shifting in the firelight as he leans forward, stoking the flames. The light glows on his skin, highlighting the ridges and planes, and my traitorous eyes trace the path of each shadow.

It’s maddening—the way I feel drawn to him, the way my body reacts even when I don’t want it to. The memory of our earlier kiss lingers on my lips, a phantom touch that refuses to fade. Finally, the silence becomes too much, pressing in on me like the snow outside, and I give in, letting the frustration bleed into my voice.

“Do you ever stop brooding? Or is this just your default state now?”

He huffs out a low laugh, rough and edged with something that twists deep in my stomach. “Just trying to figure out what you’re doing here, Emma. Because last time I checked, you’re the one who ran off, remember? You could have gone to any goddamn mountain and yet you came to mine.”

His words hit like a slap, cutting through the warmth of the fire, and I push up onto my elbow, narrowing my eyes at him even though he’s still staring into the flames. “I didn’t run. I made a choice.”

That finally gets his attention. He turns his head, his gaze locking onto mine, the shadows casting harsh lines across his face. He stands, crossing the space between us with a few long strides, until he’s looming over me, forcing me to sit up, refusing to let him tower over me. The air crackles with something hot, something dangerous, and I feel it vibrating in my bones.

“And what about my choice, Emma?” His voice is a low growl that vibrates through me, sending shivers along my skin. “You think I wanted you to go? You think it was easy watching you walk away without a word?”

I flinch at the raw edge in his voice, but I keep my chin high, meeting his frustration with my own. “I thought it was best for both of us. I thought you’d be better off without me.”

He steps closer, so close that his breath brushes my cheek, warm and rough. His voice drops to a whisper, but there’s nothing gentle about it. “You’re wrong. I haven’t let anyone in since you left, Emma. Not one person. Because you ruined me for everyone else.”

The truth of his words slices through me, leaving me breathless. My heart clenches, pain and hope twisting inside me, and for a second, I can’t find the words. They stick in my throat, but then they tumble out, unsteady, raw. “I never stopped loving you, Slate. Not for a second.”

Something flashes in his eyes—relief, anger, a need so fierce it makes my pulse race. Before I can process it, he’s closing the distance between us, his hands cupping my face, his thumbs brushing roughly over my cheeks. The firelight flickers across his expression, all the anger and longing laid bare.

“Then why did you leave?” he demands, his voice breaking on the last word, his forehead resting against mine.

My breath hitches, tears burning in the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to look away, to hide. “I thought I needed to prove something to myself. I thought... I thought you’d find someone better.”

He lets out a harsh breath, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes, his expression a tangle of anger and something softer, something that makes my chest ache. “There was never anyone better, Emma. Never.”

Before I can respond, before I can let the truth of his words sink in, Slate’s mouth is on mine, claiming me in a kiss that’s all fire and frustration. It’s not gentle—it's rough, desperate, the kind of kiss that shatters walls. I gasp into it, and he takes advantage, deepening the kiss, his hands sliding into my hair, holding me like he’s afraid I’ll disappear again.

I cling to him, my hands fisting in his hair, pulling him closer until he topples forward, and we crash back onto the bed. The small mattress gives beneath our combined weight, and I arch up into him, feeling the solid heat of his body pressing into mine, the delicious friction of it. The blanket slips away, forgotten, as his lips move against mine with a hunger that’s impossible to deny.

The kiss is everything we’ve held back—years of desire, of regret, of love that never really went away. It consumes me, makes me feel like I’m drowning in him, like he’s the only thing keeping me from slipping away into the storm outside. I pull him closer, wrapping my legs around his hips, needing him closer, needing to erase the space between us.

He breaks away first, panting, his forehead pressed to mine, his breath coming in hot, uneven bursts. His thumb strokes my jaw, rough and tender, and the look in his eyes makes my throat tighten. “This isn’t just about the past, Emma. This is about now. About us.”

My chest heaves with the weight of everything unsaid, and I cup his face with trembling hands, my thumb tracing the rough line of his jaw, feeling the rasp of stubble beneath my fingertips. “Then show me, Slate. Show me I’m not just dreaming this.”

He growls low in his throat, a sound that makes my pulse spike, and his lips crash into mine again, his hands sliding under the hem of my shirt, finding the bare skin beneath. I shiver at his touch, the roughness of his palms against my sides, a moan escaping me that he swallows with another kiss, deeper, more possessive.

Clothing falls away, lost somewhere in the shadows, and all that’s left is heat, skin against skin, the rough press of his hands tracing old paths across my body, paths he hasn’t forgotten. He kisses down my neck, his mouth leaving trails of fire along my collarbone, across my shoulder, until I’m writhing beneath him, my breath coming in sharp, desperate gasps.

I drag him back up to my mouth, my nails digging into his back as I pull him closer, feeling the strength in every line of his body, the way he moves against me like he’s trying to memorize every inch. He groans into my mouth, and I feel the sound vibrate through me, deepening the ache between my legs, making me arch into him, needing more.

“Tell me you’re mine,” he growls against my lips, his voice rough with need, his hand sliding up my thigh, fingers pressing against me in a way that makes my head spin. “Tell me you’re not running this time.”

My answer is a breathless moan, my fingers tightening in his hair, pulling his mouth back to mine. “Yours, Slate. I’ve always been yours.”

The firelight plays over our skin, turning the room into a haze of heat and shadows, the storm outside nothing but a distant roar.

My body trembles from his touch, my senses wild with abandon. Every worry I’ve been carrying melts away, and right now, the only thing that matters is Slate and me, tangled in this space, in this moment.

Slate, his tongue, his hands—it's all I can think about.

“Sweetheart, I just want to make it clear to you–I’ve never been with another woman. I’m a virgin. You’ve always been the only one for me and I’m not sure I can control myself if we keep doing this.” He gestures toward his jeans, where a small wet spot darkens the fabric. He flashes a smile, and I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. I clamp my hand over my mouth, eyes wide.

“I–I–I’m still a virgin too, Slate.”

Slate moves fast, pulling me closer, wrapping my legs around his waist as he nestles himself between my thighs.

“That sweet, juicy peach feels so good against my cock,” he groans, his voice rough, filled with raw need as I grind down on him. The friction between us is electric, and I can feel the power of it, the way I’m unraveling this strong man with every move. His hands are everywhere, roaming over my body, the callouses on his palms scraping deliciously against my skin.

“Your skin is so fucking soft and sexy,” he murmurs, his voice low and hoarse, his hands sliding up to remove my shirt and bra to cup my breasts. He hesitates, his eyes meeting mine, asking for permission without a word. I give a slight nod, my breath hitching.

I feel safe with Slate. I want him. I need him. I want to forget everything—every fear, every doubt—and just drown in this moment with him.

“Oh, baby,” he breathes, taking my nipple into his mouth. He sucks deeply, his teeth grazing just enough to send a shiver racing down my spine. My body arches into him, and he growls against my skin.

“I love how fucking responsive you are to me,” he growls. Slate drops to his knees on the floor in front of me, grabbing my face gently but firmly, making it impossible to look away. His eyes are serious, intense.

“I don’t want to fuck this up. This thing between us... it’s special. I’m not in a rush. I want you to feel good about us, about everything. I don’t want to scare you off by moving too fast.”

His sincerity floors me. He’s being so careful, so thoughtful, and it only makes me want him more.

“I want you, Slate,” I whisper, my voice shaky but sure.

“You have me, Emma. God, you have me, baby.” He crushes his mouth against mine, kissing me with a kind of desperation that makes my heart pound. It’s a kiss filled with passion, with need, with raw, unfiltered desire. I feel the weight of it, the promise behind it. This isn’t just a moment; it’s something more, something forever.

I kiss him back, hard, pouring all of my fears and insecurities into it, trying to show him that it’s okay, that we’re okay. We’re more than okay.

“I want you, Slate. I need you. Please,” I beg, my voice thick with desperation. I can’t let him pull away, not now.

He growls into my mouth, kissing me harder, more possessively. His tongue invades my mouth, and I melt into him, completely lost in the storm of him.

“Baby, you never have to beg me for anything,” he breathes against my lips. “All you have to do is ask, and I’ll come running. No matter what it is, I’ll do it for you. You own me, Emma. More than you’ll ever know.”

With those words, he scoops me up into his arms, holding me close like I’m the most precious thing in the world.

“Once we do this, there’s no going back,” he says, his voice thick with emotion, with desire. “You’ll be mine. You belong to me.” His tone is firm, dominant, and it sends a thrill racing through me.

I nod, my voice a whisper. “I belong to you, Slate. I’m yours.”

His eyes burn into mine, filled with possessiveness, hunger. “Say it again.”

“I’m yours, Slate.”

Slate growls, rolling on top of me, his weight heavy and possessive. He bites down on my bottom lip, nipping it gently, sending a jolt of heat through me that makes my heart race. My need for him overwhelms me, consuming every thought, every feeling.

“You see how hard I am?” he growls, pressing the tip of his cock against my entrance.

My legs part without hesitation, my body craving him, needing to feel him deep inside me.

“Is my peach hungry?” he teases, a lust-filled smile playing on his lips as he works the zipper of my pants down.

“Yes,” I breathe, completely under his spell. He sheds his jeans next, and a moment later, he’s easing himself inside of me. The pinch of pain from his heavy cock filling me slowly is quickly replaced with pleasure.

He growls again, thrusting deeper into me, filling me completely. The sensation of him inside me is intoxicating.

“I love how wet this sweet pussy is for my cock,” he grunts, his rhythm picking up, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through me. “I can’t control myself, baby. I’ve waited so long for this moment. For you. Who does this pussy belong to?” he demands, his voice thick with control. My mind is hazy, lost in the pleasure he's giving me.

And then, suddenly, it stops.

“Slate, don’t stop,” I beg, my voice trembling with desperation.

“Answer my question.” He rubs his cock against my clit, slick with my juices. “Whose pussy is this?”

“Yours,” I whisper breathlessly, the need in my voice undeniable.

“What do you want me to do to my pussy?” he asks, continuing the slow, torturous assault on my clit.

“I want you to fuck it.” The words spill out before I can stop them, my body craving more. My eyes fly open, meeting his gaze. “Please, Slate,” I plead, my voice filled with raw need.

That’s all it takes. He slams into me, hard and fast, his control slipping away. His wild, untamed expression only fuels my own desire, watching him lose himself in me, for me.

“God, I love your tight little pussy. It feels so good, baby. I want to cover you with cum, mark you like a damn animal.” He pulls me up with him, settling me on top of him as he moves me up and down on his cock.

My head falls back, the new angle making him feel even bigger inside me. The slight pain only heightens the pleasure, pushing me further into ecstasy.

“That’s it, baby. Work my cock. Take everything you need so you can give me that sweet juice. I love how juicy this peach gets for me,” he groans, his hand tangling in my hair, pulling it back roughly.

“Yes, baby. Your tits look so good bouncing like that.” He slaps my breast, the sting sending a delicious wave of heat through me.

“You liked that, didn’t you? You like a little pain with your pleasure, baby?” he asks, slapping my breast again, and I cry out, my body reacting instantly.

“Yes!” I scream, feeling myself flood with more need.

“I think you might be into a little pain. Are you my little pain slut?” he whispers, pinching my nipple hard between his fingers before pulling on it. “It’s our little secret, baby. Give it all to your big dick Daddy.”

That pull is all I need. My back arches, giving him full access to my nipples, and he leans in, biting down hard. The sharp pain pushes me over the edge, and I scream as I ride his cock to my climax.

“Fuck. Baby, I am never going to get sick of hearing you cum. I love how you soak my cock,” he grunts, his thrusts becoming more erratic, faster.

“Get ready, baby. I’m-gonna-fill-you-with-my-seed.” His voice is low and rough, every word punctuated by a deep thrust. His muscles tense, his body shakes, and I feel the hot rush of his release pouring into me in thick, pulsing waves.

He rolls off me, pulling me close to his chest, placing a soft kiss on my shoulder. “You okay?” he murmurs.

“More than okay,” I whisper, smiling against him. “Sex with you... it’s beyond anything I ever imagined. It’s not just physical. It’s in my head, my heart.”

“So what you’re saying is I fucked you into another universe?” He trails soft kisses down my arm, his tone playful. “That makes me your sex god.”

“Then sign me up to be your slave,” I tease, laughing softly.

“Did we do anything that was too much for you?” His hands gently lift my chin, his eyes searching mine with concern.

“No,” I shake my head, smiling. “I liked it. It felt amazing. I’m not sure what that says about me though.” A flicker of doubt creeps in.

“There’s nothing wrong with you. It’s fucking sexy as hell,” he reassures me, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “We can explore more together, whatever feels good for you.”

He pulls me onto his chest, his heartbeat steady against my ear, the warmth of his body wrapping around me like a protective shield. In this moment, with him, I feel completely safe, completely seen.

As we wrap our bodies around each other, I hold onto him, my body arching into his, and he whispers my name like a prayer, his hands gripping me as if he’s afraid to let go.

“Look—” he whispers, “there’s your northern lights.”

I glance out the window to find he’s right. The snow has stopped long enough for a spray of green and pink to wash across the night sky. My heart clenches before I untangle myself from his warm body and cross the space in search of my camera. When I find it, I open the door and quickly begin to snap a few shots of the dancing lights.

Slate chuckles behind me and then wraps a warm blanket around my shoulders. “You’re gonna catch your death out here, woman.”

“Anything for the shot.” I smile up at him. He presses a kiss to the tip of my nose before rubbing his palms up and down my shoulders to generate heat. “And look at you—a true mountain man now wearing just your birthday suit out in the wilderness.”

He grins a sideways grin at me and then spanks my ass in one quick slap. I giggle, rub my cheek with my palm, and then go back to taking a few more pictures. Slate’s arms wrap around my waist, his chin resting on the top of my head as I work. I feel him place a tender kiss at my crown and it nearly melts me into a puddle at his feet. Something like love begins a slow climb in my belly with his gentle touch, but I push it back down.

I have a job to do in Devil’s Peak, and falling for this man all over again isn’t it.