Chapter 0309

"You taste even better than you smell. Absolutely intoxicating." Before I can react, his mouth claims mine in a searing kiss. His tongue sweeps inside, drawing a moan from my throat. My fingers dig into his sculpted arms as fire pools low in my belly.

He explores my mouth with deliberate slowness before breaking away. "Mmm, divine," Victor murmurs, licking my swollen lips before standing. The towel tenting at his waist leaves little to the imagination. My cheeks burn at the obvious evidence of his arousal.

I gape as he steps back with a dark chuckle. He grabs his duffel and disappears into the bathroom, emerging minutes later in low-slung athletic shorts that showcase every ridge of his abs.

Victor prowls back to me, nuzzling my cheek before whispering, "You smell like heaven, little wolf, but we both need food." His heated breath fans my ear as he takes the chair opposite mine.

The mention of my scent makes my face flame. I stab my fork into the takeout container rather than respond.

Thankfully, Victor changes the subject. "We'll keep heading east. I know this highway well—it's where Sebastian's warriors ambushed me. We'll follow it to Florida, then shift for the final stretch to northern Georgia."

"How long?"

"A week, maybe. These buses stop at every podunk town. But if we stay safe, we can get proper rest each night."

"Good. I'm running on fumes."

A muscle ticks in Victor's jaw before he schools his expression.

"What aren't you telling me?"

He hesitates, then exhales. "Money's getting tight. Hotels every night will drain my cash fast."

I blink. Guilt twists my gut—he's been funding everything while I've been too panicked to think. Crossing to my bag, I pull out a thick envelope.

"Take this."

He starts to refuse, but I cut him off. "This was my emergency fund. Well, I'm in an emergency. You shouldn't bear this burden alone—not when you're only running because of me."

It's not all I have. Mom left me nearly $10K, and I've added to it over the years. This $1K is just the beginning.

Victor pockets the cash reluctantly. "I'll account for every penny."

"Keep it. There's more if we need it."

I gather our trash, tying the bag neatly. "What time do we leave?"

"Bus departs at seven."

"Then I'm turning in." I slip between the scratchy motel sheets. The lamp clicks off as Victor settles into the other bed.

"Goodnight, Isolde."

His voice wraps around me in the dark, equal parts comfort and danger.