5

His eyes trail down my body, his expression a wild mix of fear, envy, jealousy, and appreciation—all pulsing through the bond, reflected in the golden rims of his eyes.

“When did you get here?” I ask, trying to sound casual. He doesn’t answer at first. Instead, he lifts his gaze to meet mine, eyes stormy, and grabs my hand. Without a word, he yanks me outside, slamming the door behind us. In one swift motion, he pushes me back against the wall, the impact nearly knocking the wind out of me. A possessive growl rumbles through his chest as he buries his face in my neck, his nose brushing my ear. The tingles spreading across my skin send my body into overdrive. My lips quiver, my legs press together—arousal hitting me hard and fast, uncontrollable.

“What do you think you’re playing at, Baylee?” he growls, velvet and dangerous. His breath fans across my face, making my insides melt. His hand trails down my body, leaving fire in its wake. My stomach tightens, thighs damp with desire.

“I… I don’t know what you mean,” I whisper. My voice is barely audible. Every nerve in my body is humming. I feel love-drunk, overwhelmed, intoxicated by his presence. Combined with the Ailm bond, it’s almost too much.

“Wearing this. Showing all of this when you know it’s mine!” His growl is thick with possessiveness and lust. It rumbles against my ear, sending shivers down my spine, lighting a fire in my chest.

I pull back slightly, boldness slipping into my smirk. “Not yours yet though, am I, Caden?” I tease, biting my lip as I gaze up at him through my lashes. “You still refuse to claim me.”

His answering growl makes my core clench. My back arches into his chest, a moan escaping me as the need builds. I crave his hands, his touch, his mark—every inch of him.

As if reading my mind, his hand trails up my thigh. His rough, calloused palm grips my skin, spreading my legs gently. When he touches bare skin instead of panties, he lets out a pained, guttural groan.

“Fuck, Baylee… what are you trying to do to me?” he groans against my throat. His lips brush the skin there, sending another wave of heat down my spine.

I’ve never felt arousal like this before—wild, reckless, and consuming. His voice alone is enough to undo me.

“You want me to claim you?” he whispers darkly. “How many times do I have to tell you—you’re mine.”

I nearly collapse, cheeks flushed, body trembling. Wetness runs down my thighs, soaking my legs. I’m desperate for more, addicted already.

“This is mine,” he growls, dragging a finger down my slit. I moan, gripping his shoulders as my knees threaten to buckle.

His finger finds my clit and I gasp, the sound loud despite the music behind the door. Thankfully, he has me hidden in the shadows. But the thrill of being caught only fuels my fire. Let them see. Let them all see him claim me.

I bite his shoulder just as he slides a finger inside me. I’m so slick it slides easily. My knees give out, but Caden catches me, his free arm holding me up as I moan shamelessly.

“Is this what you want, Baylee?” His voice is hoarse with need. He pulls his finger out and adds another, pushing them in deep. I gasp, eyes rolling back as my head falls against the wall.

“Yes… please, Caden, yes!” I cry, breathless.

He pumps faster, his thumb circling my clit. Pressure builds fast, and I feel like I’m going to explode. My nails dig into his shoulders as I ride the edge, clinging to him like a lifeline.

“Fuck, Caden!” I cry out, panting, desperate for release. His hands work me like magic, faster, deeper, harder. His eyes never leave mine, not even as I fall apart in his arms.

I come hard, screaming into his shoulder as the orgasm crashes over me, wave after wave of euphoric pleasure rocking through my body. My limbs twitch, my breath stutters, my soul sings. It’s more than just physical—it’s everything.

He holds me tight, supporting me as I come down from the high. I’m shaking, buzzing, absolutely undone.

Then he lifts his fingers to his lips and sucks them clean, moaning as he tastes me. The sight alone makes my legs squeeze together, wetness pooling again instantly.

“Only I get to taste you,” he murmurs, pressing my head back gently. He kisses my throat, his tongue brushing the spot where his mark should be.

“Only I get to touch you.”

A shiver rolls down my spine.

I smile up at him, arms wrapping around his shoulders. I peck his lips. “All yours.” And for the first time, I mean it—without fear, without hesitation.

He growls, kissing me again, slow and lingering, groaning softly as our lips melt together. He pulls back just slightly, running his nose along mine.

“I love you, Caden,” I whisper.

He growls softly and pecks my lips again. “I love you too. So much.”

He kisses my forehead, then pulls back and adjusts my dress slightly, licking his lips as he eyes me like a man starving.

“Now come on. May will kill us if we don’t stay for at least half the night.”

I groan at the thought. “I don’t want you to leave me again.”

His gaze darkens, and he shakes his head firmly. “I’m yours, Baylee. For now and forever. I’m not leaving you again. Not ever. You’re mine, and I’m yours. I want everyone to know it. So let’s go back inside… and show all those creeps that you’re officially taken.”

He kisses me one last time, then grabs my hand, lacing our fingers as he leads us back inside.

But just before we reach the door, he pauses. His eyes drop to my skirt. He bites his lip like he’s seconds away from ripping it off and throwing his shirt on me instead.

“Remind me to burn this when we get home. There’s no way in hell you’re allowed to look this damn good in public without my mark again.”

I grin, not bothering to argue. Let him have his moment. After everything we’ve been through, I’m just happy he’s finally back by my side.