Free The Hunger (Book 3): Ravaged by Jason Brant

People will start to think you’re the man in this relationship.”
    “Har har.”
    “And where are you taking me? Is there something specific you have in mind?” Her gaze narrowed as she cupped his cheek.
    “I thought we would have a bible study.” He stepped into the bathroom and kicked the door closed behind them.
    He didn’t bother taking their clothes off as he climbed into the shower, still holding her in his arms.
    She reached down and turned the water on with one hand as her other explored his chest.
    Lance focused on the moment, letting his fears and concerns slide away.

Chapter 10
    ––––––––
    “T hat was unexpected.” Cass pulled a fresh tank top over her head. She’d taken a red marker to it, drawing odd designs across the white cloth. When Lance had asked what she was doing, she’d shrugged and said it needed Cassified.
    “Yeah, well, you looked like you needed a good sexing.”
    “You’re such a romantic.”
    “I do what I can.”
    He attached the clip of his gun holster to a clean pair of jeans. Yanking them on, he found his belt. The pressure of the looming night had already consumed their sexual afterglow.
    Cass sat in front of a mirror, styling her hair. She paused when she saw him grinning at her. “What is it?”
    “Why do you continue worrying about making a fashion statement?”
    “Because I like it. I couldn’t give a damn about making a fashion statement.”
    “Aren’t you the one who said that kind of shit didn’t matter anymore... while you were taking a knife to your hair?”
    “I wouldn’t have a mohawk if I was worried about guys wanting to fuck me. I already have you on lockdown, so I’m trying different stuff. Sue me. Why are you acting like this is some kind of big concern, all of a sudden? Are you worried about tonight?”
    Lance ejected the magazine from his pistol and checked the ammo. Full. “Aren’t you? The Vladdies have come at us with a different plan of attack two nights in a row. They’re getting smart and changing tactics. We’re sitting here and hoping the lights will continue to keep them away.”
    “Yeah, I’m scared too.”
    “Really? You look like you just took a valium. I’m so nervous that I’m going to have to check my underwear as soon as you leave the room.”
    “I’m not about to shit myself like you are, but yeah, I’m worried. Our smarts, and daylight, give us an edge. What if we don’t have that advantage next month? Hell, next week?”
    “And that’s why I’m scared.”
    “But that doesn’t do us any good. Moping around isn’t helping the situation. We need to go out there and face them head on. If they step into the field, we blow the motherfuckers away.”
    Lance ran a hand through his hair. He hadn’t cut it since everything had fallen apart. “You’re so eloquent. You should have been an author.”
    “Says the guy who just said he needed to check his underwear.” She walked over to him and looked up into his face. “I’ll protect you, Lance York.” She gave him a soft kiss before going over to the corner and grabbing the holster for her axe from the floor.
    It hadn’t seen much use since they’d settled into the compound. She’d stuck with carrying a gun around for the most part. The axe, more than any firearm, scared the locals.
    They treated it like a snake that could bite at any moment.
    The crowd in the field had dissipated, spreading to the far edges, standing by the trees. The doubled guard duty from the night before had quadrupled. Most of those living in the compound now stood, or sat, at the edge of the clearing, watching the forest with wide, fear-stricken eyes.
    “Looks like Brown is putting everyone to work.” Lance pulled his boots on. They were a hardy pair of Wolverines that he’d scavenged from the Westmoreland mall. “Did I miss anything about the military guys? Shouldn’t they have been here by now?”
    The heat of the summer made his feet sweat profusely when he wore the