Chapter Nine

Despite scrubbing at my skin and hair in the shower for what felt like the entire evening, the smell of smoke clung to me. Even if I imagined the unpleasant odor, I constantly replayed the events surrounding the fire in my mind. Whoever set up the oven to start smoking had succeeded in creating chaos, which resulted in being able to murder Laura while the rest of us ran around amidst all the pandemonium. But who was the culprit?

I agreed with Dylan's statement—all of us had the same opportunity. And I'd been so engrossed in the games of chess and my determination to find some clues I'd lost track of the comings and goings of everyone else. My thoughts turned back to Adam. Did he set the fire on one of his trips out of the library? Was that why he'd marched into the kitchen so fearlessly? And where was he when I was trying to clear the smoke out of the room?

I tried convincing myself he wouldn't have been able to leave the kitchen without me noticing, yet someone had been able to do exactly that. I found it difficult to reconcile the image of the amiable, attractive man with whom I'd spent the afternoon with one of a ruthless killer…but then again, I'd felt the same way about everyone here. Sighing, I put on my pajamas and combed out my hair. Every time I thought I'd made progress in untangling the mysteries of the lodge, something new happened to set me back. Although I hoped I'd figured out a few key points earlier in the day, I doubted I'd solve anything else overnight.

When I left the bathroom, my gaze immediately went to the window. Sure enough, Adam stood at the edge of the balcony, moonlight illuminating his profile as he stared over the railing. The day's theories jumbled together in my head. Was he waiting for the rest of us to go to sleep to plot his next nefarious act? Or did he wait for me again?

Pushing aside my better judgment and the urge to hide in bed beneath the covers, I decided to confront him. I flung the window open and leaned against the sill. "What are you doing?" I called.

He turned, showing no signs of surprise at my question, and gestured toward the sky. "Just admiring the stars. It's finally a clear night."

"Uh-huh."

"And I needed to get out for some air." He rubbed his nose. "Everything smells like smoke inside, it seems."

Both reasons sounded plausible. We stared at each other in silence until his expected invitation came. "Would you care to join me?"

I picked at the peeling paint on the window frame. "I don't know."

Adam shrugged and faced the trees again. "Whatever you decide, I'll be out here a while longer."

I remembered how nervous I'd felt in the library, and how he'd helped put me at ease. Even if I had no proof of his guilt or his innocence, one relentless thought echoed loud and clear. I didn't want to let fear consume me. I was tired of being afraid.

Slipping on my worn sneakers, I opened the door. His head tilted at the noise, but he didn't move. I joined him on the far side of the balcony, a faint breeze ruffling my hair.

"You're not going to throw me over the railing or anything, are you?" I tried to joke.

No laughs, not even the hint of a smile. "Of course not."

I wrinkled my nose. "Sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"I don't want to talk about any of that stuff right now." Adam let out a puff of air. "Maybe it's stupid and na?ve, but if I'm out here, it's easier to pretend nothing horrible is going on inside."

"I understand."

I followed his gaze out over the dark smudge of trees. Overhead, countless stars splayed across the inky sky, paling in comparison to the luminous full moon. Though undoubtedly magnificent, the panoramic view made me feel even more small and helpless.

Another breeze wafted by, carrying the scent of pine needles. I shivered and rubbed my bare arms. The thin tank top I wore did little to protect me from the evening's cooler temperatures. "I guess I didn't really dress for the occasion," I said. "Besides, my sweatshirt's still damp from yesterday."

He nodded back toward the row of doors. "I can run inside and grab my jacket, if you'd like."

"No, thanks. I'll be fine." I tried not to let my chattering teeth belie the statement.

Adam moved behind me. I tensed, then relaxed as his broad hands covered my shoulders. His skin against mine sent flutters throughout my body. Heart racing, I inched backward and leaned into him.

He wrapped his arms around me, folding me into a warm embrace. We stood motionless beneath the stars, his light breath tousling the hair at my temple. A near-imperceptible shift occurred in the world around us. Suddenly, the universe didn't feel so uncaring and daunting. I wasn't as alone and powerless as I'd thought.

My pulse raced, and I found both solace and excitement enveloped in his arms. I wanted more from him. Turning, I remained in his grasp and gazed into his eyes. Moonlight reflected in their depths, mesmerizing me.

"This was inevitable, wasn't it?" I murmured.

"Mm?" His face hovered dangerously close to mine.

"Us, winding up here, like this."

"Maybe so." Adam dropped his hands to my waist, pulling us closer together. "I won't comment on the paths leading us here, but I will say that from the first time I saw you, I hoped for this chance."

The crisp mountain air no longer felt so cold. Heat spread over my body. His head ducked down, and he captured my mouth in a gentle kiss. Soft lips pressed against mine. I melted farther into his embrace. His tongue slid forward, and I welcomed it, reveling in his sweet taste.

I ran my hands over his shoulders and laced my fingers behind his neck. Lost in his kiss, I pretended we were two normal people surrounded by beautiful scenery, doing nothing more than succumbing to a mutual attraction in one exhilarating moment. Even if something terrible happened to me later on, I could say I chose happiness over fear.

Our kiss grew more fervent, and his grip on me tightened. I let out a small whimper when he pulled away, but he beamed at me. "Stay with me tonight," he said.

The edge in his voice sent a shiver through me, although my cheeks burned hot.

"Since we don't know what tomorrow will bring, let's be together now."

A tremble shook my knees, and I was glad his strength supported me. Several tiny wisps of doubt flitted through the back of my mind, yet my desire for him overpowered them.

"Okay," I said, the single word all I managed to get out.

Adam took me by the hand and led me toward his room. I floated across the balcony behind him in a dreamy haze. Once he opened the door, though, all semblances of tenderness disappeared.

Inside, he shoved me against the door and assaulted my mouth with a crushing kiss. His lips whisked away my noise of surprise, and a new wave of need washed over me. Yearning to discover more of him, I balled my fists in his T-shirt, anticipating the feel of the firm muscles underneath.

He cupped both sides of my face with his hands, the pressure of his lips never relenting. Though pinned to the door, I rolled my hips to meet him. His fingers drifted down to my neck, and I gasped.

Adam drew back, breaking the kiss, and studied me. Darkness shadowed his hazel eyes. "You still don't trust me." Fingertips rested at my throat. "Not completely."

I stared at him, my chin trembling. Twinges of guilt stabbed at my heart. I couldn't answer.

"Oh, Veronica." He towered over me, keeping me trapped. "I swear on my life, I'm not going to hurt you." With one finger, he tilted my face upward. "However, if you let me, I will make you scream."

He punctuated the declaration with a quick swipe of his lips across mine. Before I could react, he spun me around and slammed my wrists against the door. Leaning into me with his full weight, he nipped at the edge of my ear. "Tell me to stop, and I will." The raspy tones of his growl added to the thrilling sensations. "But first, you should know how much I want you."

His mouth skated over my neck, and I squirmed. "Is that so?" I asked, trying to keep my voice airy.

His palms skimmed over my sides, their warmth radiating through the thin material of my tank top. "From the sexy dress you wore the night we first met," he whispered, pressing into the swell of my hips, "to those tight jeans later on…" He gave my ass a squeeze before continuing to roam over the front of my body. "Everything about you was irresistible. And, lucky me, I then learned you were smart and witty and wonderful on top of that."

My breath clouded the glass panes when his hands slipped beneath the flimsy shirt, caressing my stomach. "Should I continue?" he asked.

I didn't know whether he referred to his salacious words or bolder explorations. Both options sounded good. "Mm-hmm…"

Adam returned his attention to my ear, tracing a line along the ridge with the tip of his tongue. "Knowing you were so close, just one room away from me, drove me crazy." His hands rose, his thumbs grazing the underside of my breasts. "Each night, I'd lie awake here thinking about you. How I could get to know you better, win you over, make you mine." Meandering higher, strong fingers massaged my flesh, cupping and kneading. "Like I said, maddening."

A haze of lust enveloped my senses, and I struggled to breathe evenly. All I focused on was how much I wanted him to touch me everywhere. The cool glass along my cheek contrasted with the fire growing between us, creating a dizzying effect. My breath hitched in my throat when he found my hardened nipples.

"What about you?" he asked, teasing at the buds.

His skilled manipulations prevented me from forming cohesive thoughts. "What about me?"

Adam kissed my neck again, never relinquishing his hold on me. "Were you thinking about me in the same way?"

I debated how honest to be, even as he distracted me with his titillating movements. "I was attracted to you, but I didn't want to admit it to myself. I thought you might be dangerous, and I should stay away."

I worried my answer disappointed him when his hands left my chest, but they came to rest back on my hips. The pads of his fingers danced along the waistband of my pants, skimming inside the elastic.

"And now?" he encouraged.

I shuddered, imagining him dipping lower and lower. "Maybe I shouldn't have kept my distance."

My wishes came true when one hand snuck between my legs, toying with my panties. "Maybe?"

Only a small patch of cotton separated us. I wriggled beneath him in an effort to seek out more of his touch. "Fine, definitely," I said. "I shouldn't have tried to push you away."

Adam chuckled, a wicked laugh that resonated in my ear. "Good, good." He stroked me through the dampened fabric, pulling me closer. The heavy bulge of his erection pulsed against me from behind, eliciting a fresh flood of arousal. "Then let's start making up for lost time."

He half-dragged, half-carried me over to the bed, where we collapsed on top of the covers. He quickly peeled off my top and tossed my sneakers to the side, doing the same with my pajama pants. I shifted backward, closer to the pillows, but he caught me. With one swift motion, he yanked my panties away, leaving me exposed in the moonbeams streaming through the windows.

"Perfect," he said, tracing the curve of my breast. "Even better than in my wildest fantasies."

Standing next to the bed, he removed his undershirt and jeans with the same haste, allowing me my first unobstructed view of his body. The wan light etched into the lean lines and firm planes of his torso. I enjoyed the sight, but I silently urged him to shed his boxers, the last article of clothing between us.

Before he finished undressing, he rummaged around in a bag on the nightstand. "Stupid optimism finally wins out," he said, dropping a box of condoms onto the wooden surface.

I giggled, appreciating his foresight. "My sister did suggest I might meet someone this weekend, but apparently, I didn't plan so well."

He flashed me a grin. "To be honest, I didn't think I'd wind up being this lucky. Yet, here we are."

At long last, he slid his underwear off over his narrow hips. His erect cock stood stiff in the moonlight, long and sturdy like the rest of him. An intense craving consumed me, and I quivered in anticipation. I needed him.

Adam unrolled the latex sheath over his thick shaft before rejoining me on the bed. Propping himself up beside me, he ran a single finger over the length of my body, from my collarbone, between my breasts, straight down to my waiting pussy. A trail of sparks traveled the same path, and I drew in a sharp breath.

"Are you still ready for me?" he asked.

I nodded.

He spread my thighs apart with a firm shove. "Normally, I would take my time with someone as amazing as you, but if I don't fuck you right this second, I'm afraid I might explode."

Without warning, he grabbed my hips and flipped me over. The tip of his cock teased at my pussy, and I inhaled. Bracing myself on my forearms and knees, I swallowed back a moan as he worked his way inside. Palms planted on either side of my hips, he pushed into me inch by inch, stretching me. Never before had I felt so full .

He set the tempo with short, quick thrusts. I rocked back to meet him, savoring every collision of our bodies. Within moments, our measured rhythms broke down, and pleasure took command. Holding me in place with his solid grip, he slammed into me even harder. I dug my fingers into the mattress and tried to match him, but my efforts were futile. He had complete power over me.

Every time he lunged forward, his cock forged deeper into my cunt, gliding across my most sensitive nerves. Ecstasy prickled over my skin, simmering in my veins. I clutched at one of the pillows, burying my face in it, and lost myself to the whirlwind of sensations.

Never slowing, Adam slipped one hand beneath me. Expert fingers sought out my clit, rubbing in little circles. The added pressure proved too much to handle. A violent orgasm overtook me, sending me off balance. It raged through me like a hurricane, an inferno, something bigger than I could control. I clenched around him and screamed into the pillow while the tremors wracked my body. As I rode out the storm, satisfaction settled over me, erasing all the negativity of the prior days.

My muscles slackened and my breathing gradually slowed. He withdrew, and I sensed movement beside me, yet I stayed in place, enjoying the utter bliss. When I turned and opened my eyes, Adam lay on his back, hands pressed to his head.

"Damn, I needed that," he said, letting out a long breath. "I think we both did."

I smiled. "Definitely."

He leaned over and dropped the used condom into the plastic receptacle beside the bed. Shifting, he reached for me. "Come here." He slid an arm underneath my limp body, and I allowed him to pull me from the pillow onto his shoulder. "I dreamed about this part, too, holding you close and being with you."

I snuggled against him, lulled by the rise and fall of his chest. "Not to shatter all your grandiose visions of me, but it's been a while since I've…well, done any of this."

A short chuckle reverberated beneath my ear. "Same here, actually."

"Someone like you?" I ran my fingers along his collarbone. "I find it hard to believe."

"I could say the same thing about you." Leaning his cheek against the top of my head, he toyed with the ends of my messy hair. "I moved halfway across the country for my current job a while ago and have been throwing myself into it ever since. It hasn't left me a lot of time for meeting new people and having some fun."

"I understand. I've been known to fall into the same habits." I continued tracing lines over his chest, delighting in the warmth of his skin. "And while my sister never seems to have a shortage of guys to date, none of them have ever been appealing to me." I crinkled my nose and rolled my eyes at the memories. "Maybe my standards are too high."

"Hey, you're here with me now." He squeezed my shoulders. "They can't be that high."

I laughed. It felt good to push aside all the horrors of the previous days and the loneliness leading up to them. "You're different. You can actually hold an intelligent conversation for more than five minutes, and I'm determined to beat you at chess one day."

"You will."

Mentioning the future cast a gray cloud over our pleasant discussion. I tilted my head back to look up at him. "What happens next?" I whispered. "We're still not out of danger. Even now, someone could break through the door any second…"

"We've already come this far." Adam rolled onto his side to face me. "Part of me believes we were meant to find each other, that the fates or the universe or whatever wouldn't let us have something this good only to rip it away."

I blushed. "You make things sound so simple. I don't know how you're so confident."

"I'm not. It's a front." He ran his hand down to the small of my back, pressing our bodies together in a long, unbroken line. "We've seen terrible things, and I'm frightened, too. But the idea of spending more time with you is all the motivation I need to find us a way out of this place." His forehead rested against mine. "I've waited a long time to meet someone like you. I'm not giving up."

"I like the way you think."

Vowing to forget our troubles for at least the rest of the night, I kissed him. Our tongues met in a lazy tangle, a contrast to our previous frantic pace. I returned my fingers to his shoulders and chest, seeking out every ridge and muscle. In our prior lust-driven race toward release, I hadn't gotten the opportunity to explore his body in detail. Now, I wanted to learn everything about him.

I let my palms roam over the expanse of toned muscles, gliding over his pecs, arms, and back. He let out a soft groan against my mouth when I skimmed over his nipples, but I didn't stay in one spot for very long. I smoothed the downy curls at the center of his chest, following their path across his abdomen.

Adam stirred as I traveled lower and lower. I grazed the tip of his erection yet left it alone, choosing to cup his firm ass instead. Another strained growl rumbled in his throat, and he nipped at my lower lip. I giggled, and my fingertips danced back around to the front of him. With a light, feathery touch, I ran them up and down the length of his shaft.

The hand at my back tensed. I wrapped one hand around his cock, the perfect combination of satiny skin and solid steel. Its weight in my grasp triggered a new ache deep in my core. I had to have him again. Tightening my grip, I gave him a deliberate pump.

He broke the kiss, the muscles in his neck and jaw tight. "We'd better be careful," he said.

"Right." I delivered another playful squeeze before releasing him. "So hurry up."

Shaking his head, he grinned. "You really are something else."

He groped around on the nightstand for the box of condoms, yanked one out, and donned it in record time. The mere thought of his cock inside me drove me crazy with desire, a craving only he could satisfy. I pulled him back toward me and ground against the swollen shaft.

Adam stroked the back of my thigh, lifting my leg over his hip. He penetrated my pussy, his wide head pushing inside. When our bodies reconnected, we stayed motionless for an infinite moment. I held him in place, marveling at how I seemed to be made for him. In that instant, nothing else mattered besides the two of us.

He slowly rocked into me. Faint flutters prickled at the ends of my nerves. Another gentle pulse intensified the pleasurable buzz. I looped my arms underneath his to embrace him and tucked my head into his shoulder.

"Uh-uh." With one hand on my cheek, he guided my face back to meet his gaze. "Look at me. I want to see you this time."

A stronger thrust caused me to cry out in surprise. I clenched my knees around him, drawing him farther in. Mirroring his movements, I caressed his jaw, drawing my thumb from his coarse stubble to his velvety lips. All my senses were in overdrive, every impression magnified.

Eyes locked together with mine, he buried his cock deep inside me again. The air whisked out of my lungs, and a new kind of apprehension churned in my mind. In this incredible, intimate moment, I was left exposed and vulnerable to him. I swore he saw inside my head and read my every thought. It had been so long since I'd allowed someone to get so close to me, but I'd promised myself to discard all fears for the night.

His advances increased in speed and force. I could have stared into those dazzling hazel eyes for eternity, but the impending climax beckoned to me. Closing my eyes, I surrendered, letting my head roll against his palm. Where my first orgasm with him had been primal and volatile, this one rippled through me in a series of peaceful quivers. I spasmed around his throbbing cock, then sighed as all tension flowed out of me.

A tender kiss brought me back to reality. "You are so beautiful when you come," Adam whispered, running his fingers through my hair.

His words never failed to send a rush of heat to my cheeks. I draped my arm over him and smiled. "Maybe you bring out the best in me."

He laughed, pulling me in for a hug. "I can't take too much credit for how wonderful you are."

Stifling a yawn, I nestled alongside him, my head heavy on the pillow. "And speaking of good things, I might actually get some sleep tonight."

"I hope so." His body curved into a perfect fit against mine. "I don't care if we doze off now or stay awake until dawn. Just know you're safe here with me."

I believed him.