Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 103

Chapter 103: Pain

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Chapter 103

~Tempest’s POV~

I had begun to get some good control over my irritation perhaps because I was far from Koda, that mate of mine.

Tsk.

Just the thought of his last image—him begging Aira made my insides twist and my anger rise.

I leaned in closer, my lips hovering just above Ryland’s. "You’re the one who said you needed to leave," I whispered, feeling the thrum of his heartbeat through his chest. "But I don’t think you’re ready to walk out that door."

A flicker of something vulnerable passed through his eyes before he pulled me by my arms downward and his mouth claimed mine.

His lips were urgent, his grip tightening around my waist as he pulled me against him, leaving no space between us. Heat flooded my senses, and all thoughts of restraint evaporated as I gave myself over to the moment.

The last remnants of doubt Ryland had vanished as my hands traced over his shoulders, feeling the hard muscles beneath.

Ryland’s lips trailed down my neck, his warm breath grazing my skin, leaving a path of shivers in its wake.

"Tempest," he whispered against my skin, his voice laced with something I couldn’t quite place—something deeper than just desire. It was a question, a hesitation that hung between us.

I pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze. "Stay," I said softly, letting him feel the weight of the word settling between us. "For as long as you want."

His eyes darkened, his fingers trailing down my spine in response. "Careful, Tempest," he murmured. "You’re making it hard to remember why I thought leaving was a good idea."

I gave him a slow smile, my hand moving down his chest. "Then don’t."

Ryland’s hands tightened around my waist, his touch grounding and electric all at once. I could see the conflict lingering in his eyes—a fierce desire tempered by something that felt suspiciously like restraint.

But I wouldn’t let him overthink this—I wanted him right here, without hesitation.

"Ryland," I murmured, tracing my fingers along his jaw, feeling the slight roughness under my fingertips. "For once, don’t think. Just... be here with me."

His eyes searched mine, and after a brief second, he nodded. His lips pressed against mine slowly, as if he were committing every detail to memory.

His mouth moved to my collarbone, his teeth grazing lightly as he worked his way down, sending me a fresh surge of heat.

I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him closer until our bodies were tangled, the connection between us stronger than words. His hands roamed, finding every curve, every inch that seemed to respond to his touch alone.

"Tempest," he breathed my name, his voice thick and barely restrained as if it were all he could manage.

My name on his lips felt like a spark, and I let it fuel me, banishing every thought of past hurts, every reminder of Koda. This wasn’t about him.

This moment was mine, with Ryland—a rare clarity I hadn’t felt in what felt like forever.

"Ryland," I whispered against his lips, "I don’t want to be anywhere else."

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~Author’s POV~

In the dim, cold room across the city where Zara was being held, another form of torture was taking place. _{freēwebnovel.com}