The Hunted (The Killing Hours Book 1)

by Christy Anderson

He turns his attention back to the stove. The scent of what he’s cooking wafts around the room, and shockingly my stomach growls.

  “Where’s your mother, Knox?”

  “That’s enough questions, Raven.”

  He doesn’t turn to me this time, but his voice is firm, final. I sigh lightly. I was pushing my luck asking too many questions in the first place. I sit silently waiting for dinner while I think of my sister. Guilt churns in my stomach that I am safe, warm, and about to be fed while she may not be receiving even the basic needs.

  A few moments tick by. Knox spins around and places the best-looking hamburger and fries I’ve ever seen in front of me. I can’t help but laugh.

  “What’s so funny?”

  He looks down at the plate, trying to figure out what made me laugh.

  “Nothing. I just didn’t expect a burger and fries. I assumed I’d get something fancier out of you.”

  “Fancier?” he asks as he moves around the island to sit on the stool next to me. He pops a fry into his mouth.

  “You wear expensive clothes, you have exotic cars, you live in a castle. You know, fancy.”

  He throws his head back and laughs. The sound sends a bolt of heat straight to my core. The man is sexy already, but when he lets loose and laughs, he’s a completely different person. I can’t help but laugh with him.

  “I’m many things, but fancy isn’t one of them. This is just stuff.” He waves his arms around the room.

  “Fancy stuff,” I add while munching on a fry.

  Knox throws an arm around my shoulders, pulls me to him, and kisses my forehead.

  “Eat.”

  After dinner, Knox pours me a glass of wine and sends me to the balcony to relax while he finishes cleaning up.

  I snag a throw off the couch and wrap it around my shoulders on my way out. I lean on the railing, taking in the beautiful mountains beyond. Moon light shines off them. The smell of fall hangs in the cool, crisp air. It truly is beautiful here. From the limestone façade that brilliantly reflects the sunlight in the day, to the spires that rise up to kiss the night sky, this castle is a work of art. It looks to be plucked from an English estate and dropped in the middle of nowhere Tennessee. If you didn’t know what went on here, you would be none the wiser. Who would ever suspect this estate houses an exclusive casino and BDSM club?

  Knox comes up behind me, snakes his arms around my waist, and draws me back against him. His lips come down on the side of my neck. His breath rushes by my ear sending shivers through my body, and his stubble tickles my sensitive skin.

  “You look so good on my balcony.”

  “You think so?” I turn and set my glass down on a table.

  “I know so.”

  His lips find mine. His kiss is hot and warming. He half-growls into my mouth, fisting my hair roughly at the nape of my neck.

  Our kiss grows frantic. I’m desperate for the distraction, and it seems his cock is desperate for me. The hardness of him pushes against me before he picks me up, and I lock my legs around his waist. He kisses me as he carries me back inside, and the throw and glass of wine are long forgotten.

  When we reach the couch, he sits with me in his lap. It’s the perfect position for me to grind down on his hard length. Yes! I need the friction. I writhe against him, and he pushes his erection up into me. Our tongues slide against one another as our hands roam wildly. The next thing I know, he picks me up and tosses me down onto my back on the couch. His knee finds its way between my legs, pushing them apart as his muscled thighs brush against mine.

  Slowly, he lifts the hem of my t-shirt and slips his fingers under the edge of my panties. The simple brush of his skin along that sensitive area sends heat flooding between my legs. He tugs my panties down, and I lift slightly to accommodate him. His finger finds my folds, and he draws it teasingly back and forth, my flesh pebbling in the wake of his feather-light touch. My nipples tighten, almost to the point of pain. The sensation elicits a small pleasure-filled moan from my lips. His finger withdraws from my overheated flesh, and I watch in rapt fascination as he gently traces along his full bottom lip before the digit slips between his lips and into his mouth. His eyes flutter closed briefly, his dark lashes casting faint shadows on the bronzed skin under his eyes. A low moan rumbles from deep within his chest.

  Holy hell, that’s hot. I can’t look away even if I want to, and when his eyes open again, the fire held within that amber-colored gaze blazes, calling to me. All my senses are heightened. My body thrums. The air hangs thick with arousal, his scent wrapping around me. Every breath I inhale only intensifies this hungry ache building deep within me.

  He grasps the hem of my shirt and lifts it over my head, the motion forcing my arms to comply to his will. I try to lie completely still as his eyes rake hungrily across my nude form. My stomach twists in knots.

  What will he do next?

  Once he has looked his fill, he tugs his shirt off and tosses it to join mine on the floor. Leaning his large frame over mine, his tongue darts out to flick my nipple. My back arches off the couch, seeking more, but his large palm gently presses on my chest, pushing me back down.

  “Patience, baby.” He almost purrs in that low, deep, whiskey tone. Every word is laced with his own need. I can’t stop the shudder that rolls through my body. The ache, the need, the slow delivery of his pleasure all coil in my center, promising to detonate into the greatest pleasure my body and mind have ever known. His whispered words trail off as he draws my nipple into his mouth, sucking the tender flesh hard. My abdomen tightens, and my legs quiver as I begin to writhe like the needy mess I am. His satisfied smile wraps around my nipple, and his teeth gently nip at my flesh. I don’t acknowledge his smug pride, but my fingers push into his thick brown hair, drawing his mouth deeper onto my breast. My actions spur him to suck harder, and his hand moves down. He again parts my folds and rubs gently on my clit. It isn’t enough. It’s a whisper of a touch, and I need more. I push my hips up to get some pressure from his hand. He uses it to push me back down on the couch.

  I groan in frustration.

  “Knox, you’re killing me here.”

  He chuckles as he moves a finger to my entrance.

  “Patience Raven.” He whispers, his words tumbling upon my flesh as a promise of what he plans to give me. Slowly, he pushes in, and I want to scream with glee. My body heats from within, a supernova set to detonate. He maneuvers his finger in and out of me agonizingly slow, before he withdraws it completely.

  “Your smell is fucking killing me, Little Bird.”

  Before I register what’s happening, he grabs my hips and lifts them from the couch. His hands slide to cup under my ass, and he lifts my pussy to his mouth. I wrap my legs around his head, and he devours me. The sensations wracking my body all center on the place where my flesh meets his lips.

  “Oh, God!”

  That’s all I manage to rush out before his side to side motion tips me over the edge. He doesn’t stop. He eats me through my orgasm, never allowing me to come down from the first before his filthy mouth drives me into my second a few moments later.

  He lowers my ass back down onto the couch, and he licks my orgasm from his lips.

  Damn, he is pure, sexual sin.

  Eyes trained on me, he watches with pride as my chest heaves from the two orgasms he just pulled from my body.

  Knox rises and pushes off his pants, his large cock standing at attention.

  “Roll over on all fours, baby.”

  Desperate for his next move, I swiftly comply with his command.

  The couch dips behind me as he settles between my legs. The smooth, hard head of his cock rubs up and down my seam.

  “You ready for me little girl?”

  In a blink, he pushes his thickness in as far as he can. My breath rushes from my lungs at the force of his entry as he stretches me. I can’t help but rock back onto him, my head falling forward.

  He leans forward, his hot breath against my ear. “Oh, fuck,
you feel good.”

  He latches on to my hips and grinds himself into me. I grind along with him. He sets a slow pace, pushing my body forward then pulling me back by my hips, impaling me on his cock. His movements quicken, and my heart pounds out to his rhythm.

  He reaches one arm around my waist, and the other bands over my chest to grab my breast. His hot breath fans my ear. His pants and low grunts hurtle me closer to another orgasm. My arms burn from supporting our weight, and a rivulet of sweat streams between my breasts.

  “Little Bird,” he whispers into my ear.

  His breath on my neck causes me to break out into goose bumps again, and I release a strangled moan.

  “You belong to me.”

  I whimper at his words as he pounds into me. My legs quiver like jelly, as my wetness drips from between my thighs.

  Oh fuck, I can’t take much more.

  As if he can read my thoughts, he pinches my nipple, hard. My head flies up, I spread my thighs wider, and I sink to the hilt. I bite back a moan as I begin to meet him thrust for thrust.

  “Raven, just like that. Jesus Christ, just like that.”

  Goose bumps spread across my chest, arms, and legs as I push myself up and down his thick, long length. My pussy spasms around his cock, and I know another orgasm is on its way. I want to hold off as long as I can. I want to come with him.

  “Give it to me. Please, give it to me, Knox.” I beg for his release, a lust filled plea from my lips. His body slams into me. His hard-muscled thighs rub against the back of mine, and his pelvis, a beautiful, biting pain as it roughly slams into the flesh of my ass. I weave my fingers with his and we knead my breast together.

  “So, god damned beautiful.” He whispers the words near my ear moments before he nips my neck. I groan and it’s filled with everything I no longer have the breath to say.

  Please don’t stop.

  It feels so good.

  You help ease the pain of all the bad things.

  “You like my mouth on you, Little Bird?”

  God yes! So much!

  My world tilts, then rights as I come, and Knox follows right behind me.

  I wake later in Knox’s bed. He must have brought me here after we fell asleep on the couch. The comfort he provides allows me to rest and feel safe. Two things I haven’t been able to do since Scarlett disappeared. I still can’t process the fact that she was sold.

  How could this have happened?

  Knox pulls on my hip, rolling me toward him.

  “Sleep, Raven. Let me do the worrying now.”

  My head on his chest, he rakes his fingers through my hair, and once again, I’m soothed to sleep.

  I wake the next morning to an empty bed as the sunlight peeks through a crack in the plush curtains. I wander around the suite, but Knox is nowhere to be found.

  This is the first time I’ve really been able to explore his space. There aren’t any photos or anything personal, for that matter. It only reminds me of what’s glaringly obvious. I don’t know anything about this man.

  A knock on the door ends my exploration.

  Should I answer it?

  I head toward the door, and as I turn the knob, the door is forced open.

  Lazzarro stands on the other side.

  He scans me up and down, making my skin crawl. “Hello, Raven. Lovely to see you.”

  I’m feeling exposed in only Knox’s button-down shirt.

  “Where’s Bane?” he asks as his eyes trace my form from head to toe again.

  “He isn’t here. Come back later.” I try to shut the door, but his hand comes up to grip the edge, holding it open.

  “Now Raven, is that any way to treat a guest?” Lazz flashes a dark smile, pushing the door open further, forcing it from my grip. I take a couple of steps backward, trying to put some space between us. He sees this as an invitation and steps further inside.

  I can’t be alone with this man. Not again.

  14

  Raven

  (First Hunt)

  Opening the door, one of the manor staff hands me a white box tied with a black ribbon. I accept it, and he nods before turning to leave. The door clicks shut.

  What is it?

  For such a large box, it’s surprisingly light.

  I untie the bow and pull back the black tissue paper to reveal a white flowing dress with a fitted bodice. I pull it out, and it drapes to the floor around my feet.

  I’ve been chosen. Jesus Christ! I’m not ready for this! I just got here!

  Lea comes in, and her face falls when she sees me holding the dress.

  “You’ve been chosen for the Hunt.”

  It’s not a question.

  “It’ll be okay, Raven. I know this seems early, but it will be okay. I’ll help you prepare.”

  Lea told me she was here for three months before she was chosen. I’ve barely gotten to ask around about my sister. Most of the time I just listen to the other girls talk and ask them about Scarlett in a manner that doesn’t draw attention to myself and my true mission here. I try to stay as invisible as possible, getting away as fast as I can if I think a man is trying to approach me.

  A lot of good trying to stay hidden did me.

  My hands tremble as I pull the dress on. It feels like a noose around my neck.

  “Breathe girl, breathe. You’ll manage. I was afraid my first time, too.” Lea zips the dress for me and it’s tight, suffocating me. I can’t respond. She’s talking, trying to distract me from my nerves, but honestly, I don’t hear a word she says. My own thoughts consume me as I sink into a nearby chair.

  Soon, I’ll be having sex with a complete stranger after they hunt me through the woods like I’m a fucking deer. Who will win me? Will I be attracted to him? Will I enjoy it? Oh God, what if I enjoy it? What does that say about me? What if I hate it? I can’t say no. I can’t blow my cover. Jesus, why did I come here?

  The million questions plaguing my mind are momentarily stopped by a knock on the door.

  “They’re here for you,” Lea says, and she helps me up from the chair that I’m clinging to for dear life.

  I pad in my bare feet toward the door and slowly turn the knob. The same man who brought me the dress stands before me.

  “Miss Wyatt, we are ready for you.” He raises his hand for mine, and when I accept it, he pulls me from the suite.

  I glance back at Lea, and she offers a small smile as I leave the room and head toward my first Hunt.

  My legs shake with every step down the hall. My escort stops at the door to the gardens and turns to me.

  “You may begin whenever you are ready, Miss. The gentlemen are awaiting your entrance. As soon as you walk through that door, The Hunt begins.”

  He slightly bows in my direction then turns and stands with his back against the wall as he waits for me to exit.

  My heart pounds in my chest. My breaths come short and fast. My palms dampen.

  Is this what a panic attack feels like?

  I have to do this. If I don’t go through it, I’ll be escorted from the premises. I’ll lose any chance I may have of finding Scarlett.

  With strength I truly don’t possess, I push open the door, and the wind blows through my hair.

  I take a deep breath, and I run.

  I flee over the grounds, searching for a place to hide. Blood throbs through my veins, and my heart thuds. I’ve never been so fucking afraid in my entire life. What will happen when I’m captured? Tears stain my cheeks as I scan from side to side. Why did I come here? Oh God, why did I think I could do this?

  I didn’t even know this place existed until that day in the diner. I have no idea why or if Scarlett would come here, but we’ve tried everything else to find her. Maybe it was about money. Our family isn’t the wealthiest, but our parents would have helped her. I would have helped her. She has always had this secretive side, though. She’s been closed-off and distant from us lately. I should have listened to my instincts that something was off with her. If I had, I w
ouldn’t be in this mess.

  I gulp for air, and my breathing grows labored. The Hunter who captures me has me for up to twenty-four hours and can use me as he sees fit. The money buys our agreement. I don’t give a shit about the money. They can keep it. As soon as I can find Scarlett, we are out of here. But until then, I have to play along.

  I run as fast as this ridiculous dress will allow. It’s so large and cumbersome, it hinders my progress with every step, and the snow-white color leaves me nowhere to hide, even in the dead of night. The bodice constricts my breath, and my sweat slicks the fabric in the heat of the August night. My tears fall harder now as I hear footsteps gaining on me. Oh, God, I can’t do this! I can’t!

  My feet tangle in the bottom of my dress, and I fall to the ground. I slam onto my knees, and the palms of my hands catch me and keep me from falling on my face.

  I gasp as two hands grab me under my arms and haul me up.

  Oh, God, he’s caught me!

  My body trembles as the Hunter turns me to face him. Not him, anyone but him.

  “Hello, gorgeous. This should be fun.” The Hunter laughs at his slightly slurred words. He leers at me, moving his hands up and down my arms. I cringe and try to push from his touch. His grip tightens painfully on my arms, and he tugs me into his chest. The smell of alcohol pours from him as if he’s bathed in liquor. I turn my head to the side to take a breath of fresh air.

  How much has he drank?

  “Where you think you’re going, darlin’?”

  I cry out as his too firm grip bruises my flesh. He pushes his mouth against mine in a painful kiss.

  “Time to play, bitch.”

  He turns me in the direction of the cabins and drags me along with him. My nerves form a lump in my throat, and a sob lodges there. I search all around for a sign of anyone who can help me. He is wasted. Surely, no one would be expected to go through this with him in this condition. He stumbles, further proving how trashed he is. Fear twists a knot in my stomach as I stumble along with him, caught in his grasp.

  “Please let my arm go. You’re hurting me.”