"I have never stood in your way - I have been your way."

"Branigan stood at the edge of the training field, his keen eyes observing the scattered figures practicing their deadly arts. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were alert and flickered with something vile and insidious. He revelled in the whispers that followed him, the hushed voices that spoke of his unmatched skill and cunning. He knew he was the best, and he made sure everyone else knew it too."

"From his vantage point, Branigan saw bunddles emerging from one of the training buildings. He smirked, a twisted sense of amusement curling his lips. He relished the distraction that bunddles presented, an entertaining adversary in the cutthroat world of the academy."

"Branigan moved silently, a shadow among shadows, until he was directly in bunddles’s path." “Late-night training, bunddles?” "he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery." “Trying to catch up?”

"Branigan arched a mocking eyebrow as Colette glared at him, unimpressed by her attempt at intimidation." "Now now, is that any way to greet a friend?" he drawled. As she shouldered past him roughly, he chuckled darkly.

"Temper as fiery as that red cloak, I see. You know such hostility will get you nowhere in this line of work, Colette." He fell into step beside her, leaning in to whisper tauntingly, "Unless... that's just your way of flirting. In which case, I apologize for not recognizing the signs sooner."

Branigan smirked as she stiffened at his words. Getting under her skin gave him immense satisfaction. Unlike the others, she never bowed to his intimidation tactics. It was almost... refreshing.

He circled around to block her path once more, gazing down at her defiant face with a look of false concern. "But in all seriousness... that stunt you pulled in last week's exercise? Risky. Foolish. You'll have to do better if you want to last here. If you ever need... private lessons..." His voice dropped to a silky murmur. "I'd be happy to help... for a price."

"Branigan threw his head back and barked out a laugh as Colette whirled on him with her daggers drawn, not even bothering to move from where he stood. He knew full well she wouldn't actually attack him - not here, where the teachers could intervene. It was just her way of lashing out, like a cornered animal unleashing its claws."

"Temper, Betreaux!" he called after her retreating form, his voice ringing with mocking amusement. "You know such hostility will only leave you...frustrated." He licked his lips slowly, raking his eyes over her rigid posture and balled fists, relishing the effects of his taunts.

No one sparked his competitive spirit like Colette. There was something deeply satisfying about seeing her icy composure crack, even for a moment. She tried so hard to keep everyone at arm's length, but he saw straight through her indifferent mask. He knew exactly which buttons to push to elicit a reaction.

As she stalked away, he smiled privately to himself. Her fire only fueled his desire to break down those last walls and reduce her to a trembling, wanting mess. And he would succeed, eventually. He always got what he wanted in the end.

For now, he had more... enjoyable ways to pass the evening than pleasuring himself. Colette would keep. And the game they played would only grow more fun.

"Branigan watched Colette's retreating form with a mixture of amusement and smug satisfaction. He took a moment to stretch out his limbs, savoring the feeling of power in his well-trained body."

He moved fluidly towards the nearest training dummy, unsheathing a gleaming dagger from its sheath. As he mimicked Colette's movements, each slash and thrust of his weapon punctuated by sharp exhales, his thoughts kept drifting back to her.

It was strange, how much he enjoyed provoking her. Every response, every surge of anger only heightened the attraction he felt. But he couldn't let her know that. Oh no, he had to play it cool, make it seem like he was in control. And he always had been...until Colette.

As he continued his workout, Branigan realized with some irritation that his mind wasn't focused on his movements anymore. It was filled with images of Colette, her lithe form moving with deadly precision, her eyes blazing with fury.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. This game they played was fun, but it couldn't lead anywhere. They were mortal enemies, after all. But even as he tried to push the thoughts away, he knew deep down that he didn't want to. He wanted more than just a rivalry with her.

Branigan chuckled darkly to himself. Well, nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. It kept things interesting, afterall. And who knew? Maybe someday... he and Colette could become more than just rivals.

"Branigan leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips as he listened to the whispers of the two students behind him. Their vulgar talk about Colette only made him want her more. It was infuriating, really, how she managed to keep everyone at arm's length, but he couldn't help the attraction he felt towards her."

He glanced up at her from the back of the class, noting the way she sat with lazy confidence at the front. She always seemed so... untouchable, like nothing could phase her. But he knew better than that. He had seen the way she reacted when provoked, and it was deliciously satisfying.

As the professor continued his lecture on poisons, Branigan's mind wandered. He wasn't particularly interested in the subject matter - he preferred the more hands-on aspects of assassination - but he found himself captivated by Colette's intense focus. There was something alluring about a woman who took her craft so seriously.

But he couldn't let her know that. Not yet. He needed to bide his time, wait for the perfect opportunity to make his move. Until then, he would content himself with these stolen glances, these whispered fantasies, these little moments where he could imagine what it would be like to have her beneath him, moaning his name.

*Branigan shifted in his seat slightly, trying to ignore the growing ache between his legs. Focus, he reminded himself sternly. There would be plenty oftime for that later. For now, he needed to pay attention to the professor's lecture - or at least pretend to - and keep up appearances.

But as the class continued, Branigan found himself growing more and more restless. He couldn't shake the thoughts of Colette from his mind, the way her body moved, the way her eyes flashed with anger. He wanted to push her buttons, see how far he could take their game. And maybe, just maybe, he could get her to let down those walls she had built so high.

"Branigan leaned back in his chair again, a slow smile spreading across his face as he plotted his next move. This was going to be fun."

"Branigan followed Colette out of the classroom, staying a few steps behind her as they navigated through the bustling halls. He watched as she made her way to the courtyard, sitting on the edge of the fountain with a serene expression. It was almost comical, how different she seemed from the fierce warrior he knew her to be."

He approached her slowly, his eyes raking over her form appreciatively. She looked so vulnerable like this, and yet he knew better than to underestimate her. There was a fire in her that burned bright.

"Colette," he drawled, sauntering over to her side. "Taking a moment to clear your head?" His voice was light, teasing, but there was an undercurrent of something darker there too.

He leaned against the fountain next to her, their shoulders brushing slightly. "You know," he continued, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "I've been meaning to ask you... why is it that you always seem so distant? So aloof?"

"Branigan turned to look at Colette fully, his blue eyes intense. He didn't wait for her to respond before continuing." "It's like you don't want anyone to get close to you. Like you're afraid of something." His words were carefully chosen, meant to provoke a reaction from her.

"But what are you so afraid of, Colette? Afraid of letting someone in? Of getting hurt?" Branigan's lips curved into a sly grin, watching her closely for any signs of a reaction. "Or maybe... afraid of what might happen if you actually let yourself feel something?"

He didn't move away from her, his shoulder still brushing against hers. He felt the tension radiating off of her, but he couldn't help but be drawn to it. To her. There was something magnetic about Colette, something that made him want to unravel all of her secrets and get to know her on a deeper level.

"Branigan's eyes flickered down to her hand in the fountain, watching as her fingers played with the cool water. He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest of moments. It was a small gesture, but one that he hoped would convey everything he was feeling."

"You don't have to be so closed off, Colette," he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "I'm right here, if you ever need someone to talk to. Someone to..." he leaned in even closer, his lips hovering near her ear, "...to take care of you."

"Branigan's lips curled into a smile at Colette's words, sensing the lie in them. He knew that beneath her tough exterior, there was a vulnerability he could exploit. And he would, eventually."

"Oh, Colette," he murmured, his voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "I think you're protesting a bit too much. It's almost like you're trying to convince yourself that I mean nothing to you."

He leaned in even closer, his breath hot against her ear. "But we both know that's not true, don't we? I can see it in your eyes, feel it in the way you react to me." His fingers brushed against hers again, his touch lingering for just a moment longer. "Admit it, Colette. You're drawn to me, just like I'm drawn to you."

"Branigan sat back then, his eyes never leaving Colette's face. He could see the anger simmering in her, but he also saw something else there - something that told him she wasn't entirely immune to his charms."

"You know what they say," he drawled, his voice low and seductive. "The line between love and hate is razor-thin. And I have a feeling that with us, it's blurred beyond recognition." He smirked at her then, his eyes alight with dark amusement. "But hey, maybe you're right. Maybe I am playing a game with you. But let meask you this, Colette," he leaned in again, his lips just inches from hers. "Would it be so bad if I won?"

"Branigan didn't wait for her response, instead standing up and stretching languidly. He could feel the tension between them thickening, almost palpable in the air. This was good. This was what he wanted - a challenge, someone to push him to his limits."

"I'll see you around, Colette," he said casually, shooting her a last smirk before turning on his heel and walking away. The game had begun, and he couldn't wait to see how it ended.

"Branigan turned at the sound of his name, a slow smile spreading across his face as he saw Colette approaching him with her daggers drawn. This was it - the moment he had been waiting for."

He could feel the tension between them crackling in the air, like a storm about to break. His heart was racing, his body thrumming with energy. This was what he lived for - the thrill of the fight.

"Well, well," he drawled, turning fully to face her. "What do we have here?" He raised an eyebrow as he watched her approach, admiring the way she held her daggers with lethal grace. "Are you looking for trouble, Colette?"

Branigan stepped closer to her then, his own body poised for action. "Because if you are, I'm more than happy to oblige." His voice was low and seductive, a challenge in every syllable.

"Branigan watched as Colette's eyes flickered with something wild and dangerous. He knew that look well - he had seen it before in his own reflection. It was a hunger for power, for victory, for something more. Something primal."

"So come on, Colette," he murmured, his fingers itching for his own weapons. "Let's see what you're made of."

"Branigan met Colette's attack with a fierce grin, his own daggers flashing in the light as they clashed against hers. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the thrill of the fight making him feel more alive than ever before."

Their movements were fluid, a deadly dance that spoke of years of practice and experience. Every strike and parry was calculated, meant to disarm or injure. But there was something else there too - a raw, unbridled passion that fueled their movements.

Branigan watched as Colette circled him, her eyes sharp and focused on every move he made. He could see the hunger in her eyes, the way she wanted nothing more than to take him down. And yet, he could also sense something else there - a deeper, darker desire that pulsed beneath the surface.

He grinned then, lunging forward with a fierce swipe of his dagger. Colette blocked it effortlessly, their blades sparking against each other in a shower of sparks.

"Come on, Colette," he taunted, his voice low and seductive. "Is this really all you've got?"

But even as he spoke, Branigan knew better. He knew that Colette was one of the most dangerous students at the academy, and that any moment she could turn the tables on him. And when she did, he would be ready.

Their fight continued, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. It was like a symphony of violence, eachnote carefully choreographed and executed with precision. But as their battle wore on, Branigan could sense the tide beginning to turn. Colette was getting closer and closer to defeating him, her movements growing more aggressive and deadly by the moment.

"Branigan felt a jolt of excitement course through him at the thought of losing to Colette. It would be a blow to his pride, certainly, but there was something undeniably thrilling about being bested by such a fierce opponent."

He grinned again, taking a step back and allowing Colette to make the next move. "Come on," he murmured, his voice a challenge. "Finish it."

And with that, Colette lunged forward, her daggers flashing in the air like twin flames. Their blades met with a resounding clang, and for a moment, everything seemed frozen in time.

But then, slowly, Branigan began to realize that he had lost. Colette's movements were too quick, too precise - he simply couldn't keep up. With one last, ferocious strike, she sent him crashing to the ground.

"Branigan lay there, panting and bruised, but grinning from ear to ear. He had lost to Colette, yes, but he had also won something much more valuable - her respect. And maybe, just maybe, something more."

"Branigan lay there, pinned beneath Colette's weight, his heart racing with a heady mix of fear and desire. He could feel the sharp tip of her dagger pressing against his skin, could see the fierce intensity in her eyes."

But then something shifted, and Branigan sensed the hesitation in her. He saw the emotions flickering across her face - fear, anger, desire - and he knew that he had her right where he wanted her.

He reached up then, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulled her down to him. Their lips met in a fierce, desperate kiss, their bodies pressed together as the world around them faded away.

For a moment, everything was perfect - the kiss was hot and intense, their bodies humming with electricity. But then reality crashed down on them, reminding them of the danger of their situation.

"Branigan broke the kiss then, gasping for breath as he stared up at Colette with a fierce hunger in his eyes. "Don't be afraid," he whispered, his voice low and seductive. "We're both cut from the same cloth, you and I. We're meant to be together.""

And with that, he lunged forward, his lips finding hers once more. They both knew the risks they were taking, but they didn't care. All that mattered was the passion between them, the raw, unbridled desire that threatened to consume them both.

"Branigan watched with dark amusement as Colette fled from the scene, her cheeks flushed and her movements frantic. He could still taste her lips on his, feel the ghost of her body pressed against his own. It was intoxicating."

Slowly, he stood up and dusted himself off, ignoring the shocked whispers and murmurs that broke out around him. His eyes scanned the dispersing crowd until they fell upon a familiar face - one of his lackeys, waiting for further instruction.

He beckoned the man over with a crook of his finger. "Follow her," he murmured, his voice low and commanding. "But do not approach. I want to know where she goes, what she does. Report back to me with all the details."

The man nodded obediently and took off after Colette without a word. Then Branigan turned and made his way casually through the crowd, the thrill of the fight and kiss still buzzing through his veins.

A slow smile spread across his face as he imagined Colette's next moves - would she hide away in shame? Seek solace with another? His smile turned feral at the thought. No, Colette was far too proud for that. She would retreat to lick her wounds, to regain control. And then...

Well, then the real games could begin. Branigan couldn't wait to see what move Colette would make next. Their dance was just getting started, and he intended to savor every step.

"Branigan slipped silently through the shadows of the academy, making his way unseen toward Colette's room. His man had told him where she was hiding, and he was eager to confront her once more. This game between them was just getting started, and he had no intention of letting it end yet."

As he approached her door, he paused, listening for any signs of movement within. All was quiet. Slowly, carefully, he tried the handle and found it unlocked. Perfect.

Pushing the door open silently, Branigan's eyes immediately fell upon Colette sitting by the open window, bathed in moonlight. The sight of her stole his breath - she looked so soft, so vulnerable dressed in her night clothes. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the darkness.

"Colette," he murmured, locking the door behind him and advancing into the room. His movements were noiseless as a shadow, predatory in their grace. "Do you really think hiding away solves anything?"

He came to a stop directly behind her, so close he could feel the heat radiating from her skin. Leaning down, he brushed aside her long golden hair and pressed his lips to the curve of her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent.

"You can't run from what's between us," he whispered against her flesh. His hands came to rest gently on her shoulders, fingers caressing her collarbone through the thin fabric of her camisole. "The dance has only just begun."

"Once?" Branigan chuckled softly, his breath hot against the delicate skin of her neck. "My sweet Colette, you don't honestly believe that just once could ever satisfy what's between us, do you?"

As she relaxed back against him, his hands began to roam, tracing lazy patterns across her collarbone, down to encircle her slender waist. He pressed a kiss behind her ear, nibbling lightly at the lobe, his every touch meant to unravel her composure piece by piece.

"One taste and you'll be craving more, I promise you that," he murmured. His fingers drifted lower, teasing the soft skin of her inner thighs, inching higher under the fabric of her shorts. "By the time I'm done with you, 'once' will be the last thing on your mind."

At the same time, his other hand slid up to close gently over hers where it gripped his thigh. Interlacing their fingers, he held her fast, wanting - needing - to feel her surrender to the passion that blazed between them.

"Say you want me, Colette," he breathed, his lips finding that sensitive spot below her ear. "I want to hear you admit it." His caresses grew bolder, more insistent, intent on driving her past the point of no return. "Say it..."

Branigan couldn't help but smile at Colette's flimsy attempts to deny the truth. Her body was betraying her with every heated shudder and sigh, telling a far different story than her words.

"Need and want are not so different, my dear," he said softly, trailing open-mouthed kisses along her jaw. "And you need me specifically, don't you? My touch, my kiss, my taste..."

As he spoke, his caresses grew bolder, drifting lower to caress the soft skin of her inner thighs once more. His thumb circled deliberately, eliciting a tremor that had nothing to do with fear or revulsion.

"Admit that you crave this," he urged against her neck. "That your body aches for my hands on you, in you. That you dream of my taste when you touch yourself at night." His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Admit that you want me, Colette."

He gripped her hips then and lifted, turning her lithe body to face him fully as his mouth descended hungrily upon hers once more. All tenderness fled as pure passion overtook them both, a wildfire that could only be quenched with complete surrender.

Branigan groaned deeply into the savage kiss, overcome by the passion that consumed them both. Colette clutched at him desperately, her legs parting to take him in as fully as possible, and he relished the feel of her body yielding completely beneath him.

Breaking the kiss at last, he gazed down at her with eyes gone dark with lust, drinking in the sight of her swollen lips, flushed cheeks, and heaving breasts. Never had she looked more beautiful - or more his.

"Say it," he demanded once more, grinding against her in slow, maddening circles. His restrained grip on their joined hands tightened until she whimpered, caught between pain and pleasure. "Tell me you want this."

Leaning down, he sucked hard on the supple skin below her ear until a bruise began to form. "Say that you're mine, Colette. Mine to take, mine to claim, mine alone." His free hand roamed mercilessly, learning every secret place that made her cry out.

"Tell me," he hissed, "or I swear I'll leave you aching and unsatisfied. The choice is yours." His kiss-bitten lips curved in a ruthless smile. "What will it be, my darling?"

Branigan's smile vanished, his eyes darkening dangerously at Colette's continued defiance. Very well - she'd left him no choice.

"As you wish," he bit out, releasing her hands and pulling away. He climbed off the bed in one fluid motion, every line of his body taut with frustrated desire. For a long moment he said nothing, simply drinking in the sight of her sprawled beneath him, chest heaving with arousal and need.

"Enjoy your aching emptiness, then," he said softly. Too softly. His voice held a promise of retribution that made her shiver despite herself.

Without another word, Branigan turned on his heel and strode from the room, closing the door silently behind him. But not before casting one last scorching look over his shoulder that left no doubt - this was far from over between them.

Colette had refused to surrender, to acknowledge the burning truth in her heart. Very well. Now it was his turn to savor the anticipation, to let her hunger grow until she crawled back to him on hands and knees, begging for the release only he could give.

Their dance was far from over. The game had only just begun.

"Branigan prowled silently through the dense forest, senses alert for any sign of prey. His body moved with liquid grace between the trees, a phantom leaving no trace of its passing. Five days in these woods had honed his instincts to a razor's edge."

"As he crept along, the faintest rustling reached his ears up ahead - the barest disturbance of leaves and twigs that betrayed another's approach. With a thrill of anticipation, Branigan melted deeper into the shadows to observe, ready to spring at the first opportunity."

"Slender and silent as the moonlight itself, a lone figure emerged onto the path. Golden hair spilled over shoulders draped in a crimson cloak, and Branigan's breath caught at the familiar visage. Colette walked alone, keen eyes scanning her surroundings, and some primitive instinct must have warned her then - her head turned, meeting his gaze through the gloom."

"For a long moment they simply stared at one another, tension singing through the air between them. Then, very slowly, Branigan eased out of the cover of trees, coming to a halt barely three paces away. His expression gave nothing away as he spoke one word into the quiet."

"Colette."

Branigan tilted his head slightly, studying her every move with eyes like flint. So she still didn't fully trust him - wise girl. But he had to admire her practicality as well.

"Together, then," he agreed, falling into stride beside her as they continued down the path. For now, their uneasy truce held.

They walked in silence for some time, ever alert for threats amid the dense wood. Branigan's mind, however, was wholly occupied with the enigma that was Colette. Five long days and nights had given him ample time to contemplate the fire that burned between them, untamed as these wild woods.

At last he spoke, his tone casual yet probing. "Did you enjoy your...solitude this past week, Colette? I imagine the nights were...frustrating." His lips quirked in a private smile, well remembering the passion that had raged between them before she drove him away with her pride.

Slowly, deliberately, his hand came to rest at the small of her back in a gesture both protective and proprietary. His fingertips tingled at the contact with her supple skin, the barest of intimacies after so long apart.

"Tell me, darling - have you missed me, even a little?" He turned then, lowering his voice to a husky murmur meant for her ears alone. "Admit the truth - you're as hungry for me as I am for you."

Branigan's eyes flashed at her denial, though he gave no other outward sign of anger. Oh, Colette - still so stubborn, even when they both knew the truth.

"Is that so?" he purred, watching her with a calculating gaze. "And yet here you walk alone. Strange that your...new companion did not see fit to keep you safe on this little expedition."

He took a measured step toward her, crowding into her space with predatory intent. Lowering his voice, he went in for the kill. "Or perhaps they tired of your icy aloofness already. You can't fool me, darling - I know you've had no one but your hand for comfort since that night."

Reaching out, he curled a lock of golden hair around his finger, giving it a gentle tug. "Deny it all you want, but I can see my mark on your skin even now. You're mine, Colette, whether you admit it or not. And soon..."

His eyes dropped to her lips, desire darkening his gaze once more. "Soon you'll be begging for my taste again."

Without waiting for reply, he turned smoothly and continued down the path, certain she had no choice now but to follow.

"Branigan kept his eyes forward but remained hyperaware of Colette's every movement behind him. Her racing pulse was as obvious to him as if it beat within his own veins, and it stirred his blood in turn."

"As they traveled, he took note of any herbs or plants that might prove useful, tucking them away for later. Always preparing, always planning - it was instinct by now. After some time, they came upon a swift-flowing stream, and Branigan paused to refill their waterskins."

"Rising, he turned to find Colette scanning the forest intently, eyes bright and alert despite their long trek. Admiration and desire warred within him as he watched her, this wild creature who refused to be caged or claimed."

"We'll make better time if we follow the water," he said finally, breaking the taut silence between them. His voice, soft and low, carried only to her ears. "And perhaps find a place to rest - unless you'd rather keep running, my darling?"

"One corner of his mouth quirked up in a subtle challenge, echoing the heat simmering beneath their words."

"Branigan watched her profile keenly as she refilled her waterskin, studying every subtle nuance in her expression and movements. Something in her had softened, if only briefly, at the water's gentle touch."

"Quietly he came to crouch beside her, close but not quite intruding on her space. For a long moment they simply gazed out at the glistening stream together, two souls alone amid the wilds."

""Remember our lessons by the river?" he murmured finally, a mere wisp of memory upon the breeze. Their youth seemed so very long ago - before ambition and rivalry had driven a wedge between them. When they had been companions, if never quite friends."

"Reaching out tentative fingers, he trailed them through the current, sending ripples flowing towards her hand. An invitation, an opening, a glimpse of the bond they once shared. The choice, as always, was hers."

"Branigan held her gaze steadily, lost for a moment in memories of sunlit afternoons long past."

"No," he murmured. "I didn't."

"It seemed a lifetime ago - two scrawny street rats plunged without warning into the deep end, sink or swim the only choice. She had sputtered and flailed, and he...he had simply reacted."

"In the present once more, Branigan dared to skim his fingers along the inside of her wrist, tracing veins that still pulsed with vitality because of him. His touch was lighter than a breath, yet it set every nerve alight."

"We've come a long way since then, you and I," he said softly. "But some things have not changed."

"His meaning was clear - their bond, forged in fire on the riverbank, had only deepened in the years since, for all their rivalry and denial. Two sides of the same coin, bound by more than chance or duty alone could ever explain."

"The choice, as ever, was hers. But he hoped, this time...she would choose him."

"Branigan watched the play of emotions across her face - doubt, longing, fear. He remembered it all too well."

"I said..." He paused, closing his eyes briefly as the memory washed over him. A younger Branigan standing defiant before their instructors, soaked to the skin but unrepentant.

His voice was low and rough as he recited the words. "I said you were mine to protect. That no one, not even them, could take you from me. And I'd kill any man who tried."

"Opening his eyes once more, he tilted her chin up to meet his gaze directly. Intense and solemn, letting her see the truth that still lived within him after all this time."

"I meant it then, Colette. And I mean it still - you are "mine." Say the word, and I will destroy any threat that comes against you, as I always have. Some things...do not change."

"With that raw confession laid bare between them, he could only wait and see if she was finally ready to accept what had always been true."

"Branigan's eyes flashed with an answering spark of anger at her words." "Made you look weak?" he scoffed bitterly. "Do not delude yourself, Colette - I have only ever tried to make you stronger. Everything I did, every challenge, every battle of wills between us, it was to push you to heights even you did not believe you could reach."

"Leaning in until their faces were mere inches apart, he dropped his voice to a fierce rasp." "While the others coddled and patronized you, I showed you no mercy. I forced you to fight, to adapt, to survive against any enemy, "including me." Do you think I let any other get so close to besting me, hm? Only you."

""So do not speak to me of making you weak," he snarled. "It is only because of me that you are the unstoppable force you are today. Without me to hone your skills, to be your greatest opponent - where would you be, Colette? Still that scrawny street rat they plucked from the gutter with no name and less ambition?""

"He searched her eyes, willing her to understand. "I have never stood in your way - I have_ been_ your way. Now tell me again that you did not need me.""

"A muscle ticked in Branigan's jaw as he rose to meet her challenge head-on, their faces mere breaths apart."

"Maybe you're right," he conceded in a low, dangerous rasp. "Maybe I did seek you out here, Colette, because the thought of you facing these woods alone, facing our enemies, facing "me...""

"His eyes blazed with something dark and feral." "It "terrifies" me," he growled. "The idea that I might lose you, that you could be taken from me - it would destroy me. So yes, maybe I needed to see with my own eyes that you were still mine to protect."

"Reaching up, he carded his fingers roughly through her hair to grip the back of her neck, holding her locked in his magnetic stare."

"But let's not pretend you don't still need me too, darling. Out here in the wild, with death at every turn, you'd be a fool to turn away the one man who knows you better than anyone. Who will stop at nothing to ensure you make it back alive."

"His lips curved into a razor smirk." "Admit it, Colette. You want me. You "need" me. And I will spend every moment proving it to you until you beg for all that I can give."

"A shuddering groan escaped Branigan's lips at her words, the brush of her hands against his chest and the heat of her body so exquisitely close."

"Then I will make it my life's work to bring you to your knees, Colette," he vowed roughly, mouth only a hair's breadth from hers.

"I will chase you to the ends of the earth, into every hell and heaven, for as long as it takes to break through that defiance and consume your every thought, as you have consumed mine."

"His grip tightened in her hair to hold her in place as he finally, slowly closed the infinitesimal distance to brush his lips against hers - the barest echo of a kiss, a bare promise of what was to come if she would only surrender to the wild storm raging between them after all this time."

"Begging will be only the start, my love. I will have your complete and utter surrender before I am through."

A primal growl rumbled up from Branigan's chest at her sultry invitation, his control hanging by a thread.

"As my lady commands," he rasped, wrapping an arm around her waist to yank her firmly against him as his other hand tangled deeper into her hair.

Then his mouth was crashing down upon hers in a bruising, punishing kiss that left no room for denial or doubt - only the overwhelming lust and possession that had consumed them both for far too long. He devoured her lips hungrily, branding her as undeniably, irrevocably "his."

When they finally broke apart, panting, he nipped roughly along her jaw. "Let this be your first lesson, Colette," he hissed in her ear. "You belong to me, now and always. Fight it all you want - your body knows the truth."

Without warning he spun her around, pressing her chest-first against the nearest tree with a vicious snarl. "Now let's see just how long you can hold out, my stubborn girl, before you break and beg for mercy like we both know you desperately want..."

"Oh, Colette," Branigan growled against her ear, grinding his hips hard into hers. "Your words say one thing, but your body says another. You can try to fight it all you want, but we both know the truth."

He released her arm and began trailing kisses down the side of her neck, biting and sucking at the skin until she was gasping with pleasure. His hand slipped under her leather armor, caressing the soft flesh of her stomach as he teased his fingers dangerously low.

"Do you feel this, my love?" he breathed hotly against her skin. "This is what you do to me. Every moment we're together, I'm consumed with the need to claim you - to make you mine in every possible way."

He nipped sharply at the shell of her ear, whispering darkly. "And I'll keep doing it, until you finally give in and admit that you're just as desperate for me as I am for you."

"Every damn moment," Branigan gritted out, his control slipping further with each passing second. His hand tightened against her stomach possessively as he leaned in to capture her mouth in a deep, all-consuming kiss.

His tongue teased hers relentlessly, his body pressed hard against hers as he claimed her mouth and body with brutal abandon. The taste of her on his lips was intoxicating, driving him wild with need and lust.

When they finally broke apart, panting, he met her gaze with smoldering intensity. "You have no idea how long I've dreamed of this, Colette," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "The feel of your body against mine, the taste of your lips...I've wanted you for so long, it hurts."

He trailed kisses along her jawline, nipping at her earlobe. "But now that you're here, in my arms, there's no turning back. You're mine, Colette. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you by my side."

Branigan groaned low in his throat at the feel of her, hot and wet against his fingers. He withdrew his hand for just a moment to fumble with the buckle of his own pants, desperate to feel her completely without any barriers between them.

As soon as he was free, he pressed himself hard against her from behind, both hands sliding beneath her leather armor to stroke and caress her bare skin. He slid two fingers back inside her, pumping and circling with slow, deliberate strokes that had her hips bucking wildly in response.

"Gods, Colette," he murmured hoarsely against her ear. "You feel so damn good."

His mouth claimed hers again as he plunged deeper, pushing her closer and closer to the edge with each passing second. His own desire was bordering on painful, but he refused to let go until she was shuddering and gasping beneath him, completely surrendered to the pleasure he could give her.

Finally, with a cry of release, she shattered around him, her body clenching and convulsing uncontrollably as she came undone in his arms. He held her close through it all, reveling in the feel of her trembling against him as he murmured words of love and possession into her ear.

When they finally quieted, spent and shaking, he drew back slightly to meet her gaze with a mixture of tenderness and possessiveness in his eyes.

Branigan nodded in silent agreement, his eyes locked onto hers as he lifted her up to press her back against the tree. With one hand firmly anchored around her waist, he took hold of his own cock with the other, guiding himself slowly into her waiting warmth.

He groaned aloud at the feel of her, slick and tight around him, and started moving slowly and steadily, his hips grinding deep with each thrust. He never broke eye contact with her, his gaze burning with a fierce intensity that matched the passion between them.

"I won't look away," he breathed hoarsely, his forehead pressed against hers. "You're mine, Colette. No one else can ever have you like this."

He picked up the pace, faster and harder now, plunging deeper than before as they both spiraled toward the edge once again. He could feel her clenching around him, her nails digging into his shoulders as she cried out his name in ecstasy.

With one final, explosive burst, they came together in a mutual explosion of desire and release, their bodies shuddering and trembling together in the aftermath. Branigan pulled her close, kissing her deeply as they both tried to catch their breath.

"Gods, I love you," he murmured against her lips, the words coming easily now that their guard was down. "I'll do anything for you, Colette. Anything."

Branigan's heart felt like it was about to burst with emotion as she asked him to repeat the words. He gazed at her tenderly, his blue eyes shining with sincerity and love.

"I do," he said softly, "I love you more than anything in this world, Colette."

He leaned in to capture her lips in a searing kiss, pouring all of the passion and longing that he had been holding back for so long into it. He didn't know what would come next for them - what challenges they would face or how hard they would have to fight to stay together - but he knew one thing for sure: he loved her with everything he had.

As they parted, he murmured against her lips, "And I'll keep saying it every day for the rest of my life, if that's what it takes to make you believe me."