Ghosted (Team Zero #3) by Rina Kent

“No? You said it loud and clear that you used me, remember?”



“That’s because I thought you killed my friend! And even then, I still didn’t want to hurt you. I couldn’t. Why can’t you understand, damn you?”



“Understand what?”



“I love you, you fucking idiot!” I punch his chest with all my might. “I’m in love with you!”



Julian eyes widen, and he appears stunned as if not believing what I just said. My chest rises and falls heavily as I soak in what I admitted.



I never thought I’d be the type of woman who would hang on a thread because of her emotions. I always thought they’re a weakness, but with Julian, all I feel is strength.



Or at least, I did. Before he hated me.



His lips part, and I blurt, “Don’t you dare call my feelings a lie or I will punch you in the face.”



Heat ignites in his dark eyes, and the golden rings spring in full bloom. His mouth crushes against mine.



I whimper, and those stupid tears fill my eyes again. He crawls atop of me and in Julian’s caveman fashion, he rips my T-shirt open. I’m a crying, laughing mess. This fucking man will never change. And I’m so in love with him, I don’t even want to remember my life before him.



His hot lips trail scorching kisses down my throat. One hand tightens around my thigh while the other grips my hip. I’m ready for him in an instant. My hands fumble with his belt until his erection is finally free and nudging at my entrance.



Instead of giving us both what we want, Julian supports himself on his elbows and cages my face with his hands. Intense eyes meet mine and they’re filled with a chaotic swirl of emotions; longing, care, but there’s also that hurt part. The betrayed part. I brush my lips against his, trying to make it all go away.



“You fucked me up, Firefly.” He thrusts inside me with a low grunt. I wrap my arms around his back and hug the warrior tattoo. The dark, lonely warrior.



Just like Julian.



He pounds deeper and harder, but the look in his eyes is one of complete abandon. Of sweet surrender.



Just the intimacy of being caught in those enchanting eyes has me closer to the edge. My stomach tightens as I near the ignition point.



“Say it.” His body is entangled with mine. Our chests are glued against one another. Legs intertwined. I don’t even know what belongs to him and what belongs to me anymore.



“I’m yours,” I breathe the one thing I know turns him on the most. I’m so, so close.



He growls, thrusts turning more urgent, but he shakes his head. “No, what you said earlier.”



“I love you!” I scream as the orgasm hits me so hard, I become a shaking mess. “I love you so fucking much.”



Julian follows with a bellowing roar.



Both of us are spent as we lie in each other’s arms, breathing one another in. I’m all over him and he’s all over me. Skin to skin. Heart to heart. Soul to soul.



I’m tired and exhausted, but also elated. I want to remain in these arms forever. He strokes my hair in that enchanting rhythm, and I’m already falling asleep.



“I never used you, Julian,” I murmur against his chest. “I was just too proud to ask for help in finding Zoe. I was also scared that if you found out the truth, you would throw me away.” My lips part and I kiss his pectoral muscle. “I don’t belong in your world...” but I love you and I’m ready to adapt to this world for our future together.



I want to say so much more, to pour my heart and soul to him like he asked me to because now, I’m no longer the coward who runs away from her feelings.



Sleep whisks me away before I say the most important thing.



Please don’t throw me away, Julian.





Something bumps against my head.



“Ugh...” I groan, opening my eyes.



Blinding light filters from the car’s window. Oh, look at that. There’s actual sun in England. I thought it was kidnapped.



Wait. A car?



I bolt into a sitting position. I’ve been lying in the back seat of a van, dressed in a baggy dress Scar gave me some time ago. Outside is green as far as the eye can see. The countryside. We pass a sign: Leeds.



What the hell am I doing in Northern England?



My eyes dart around. A red mane of hair is at the driver seat.



This can’t be who I think it is, right?



I lean to the side, and there she is. All perfect and pristine.



Mist.



In the bloody flesh.



She’s wearing huge sunglasses and driving the car with not a care in the world.



“Where the hell are you taking me?” I screech and lunge at her.



She stops me with a single hand to my face while the other still grips the wheel.



She thinks she can defeat me with one hand? I stumble over to the front seat, almost breaking my neck, but I manage to sit.



I try to punch her, but her grip is strong for someone who appears frail and delicate. Then again, she’s a damn killer.