Chapter 84. The Chase

Vanessa’s POV

“I want you to feel safe here. Like you belong. Because you do.”

I leaned into his touch.

When he kissed me again, it was slow—reverent.

But then I pushed him away and darted out of the lavender room, heart hammering as I rushed toward the next.

Behind me, his footsteps echoed—measured, calm. Too calm.

He was hunting me.

I spun around just as he filled the doorway, one hand braced against the frame, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Running again?” His voice was pure velvet. Dangerous.

I swallowed, stepping back toward the bed. “Maybe. I just didn’t want to make it too easy for you.”

He prowled forward, slow and deliberate, like a predator toying with his prey. His eyes darkened, a storm gathering in their depths.

“You think you can outrun me in my own house?”

I grinned, backing up until the bed pressed against the backs of my knees. “I can try.”

He arched a brow, completely unhu