What she doesn’t realize is that playing games with me right now isn’t safe.
“Last night, you said you couldn’t wait to be alone with me,” I bluff, letting the words drip slowly as I move in closer, my body sending a very clear signal of possession.
Her cheeks flush deep red when she looks up at me—but she still doesn’t give in. “Let’s dance,” she mutters, pulling me toward the dance floor.
My arousal spikes at her temper coming to the surface. “You’re not going to get away from me, baby.”
“Get away from you? How dare you?” she hisses as we walk to where the other couples are dancing. “You can’t just show up and drag me out of here like I can’t think for myself.”
She’s mad as hell, and I get the feeling that if my hand weren’t holding hers tightly, guiding her toward the orchestra, she’d be running for the nearest exit.
“The sooner we leave, the sooner we can talk.”
“You think you can treat me like I’m nothing and then come back and pick up where we left off?”
As we move, I spot the guy I know is Theodoro Argyros. He flashes Lilly a knowing smile and a wink—which seems to infuriate her even more.
“I think I changed my mind,” she says, trying to subtly pull her fingers from mine. “I don’t want to dance anymore.”
“No.”
The single word makes her shiver—but I know her too well by now to mistake it for fear. Lilly is turned on.
“I’ll tell you exactly what we’re going to do,” I continue calmly. “We’re going to that damn dance floor to satisfy the curiosity of all these parasites watching us like lab rats. And then, you’re coming with me.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere—”
“I’m hanging by a thread, Lilly. You really don’t want to keep pushing right now.” The raw emotion in my voice seems to steal her breath—and she softens against me, letting me pull her in as we move to the music.
My fingers rest on her bare back, and I go crazy when I see the goosebumps on her arms and her nipples hardening against the thin fabric.
She shivers and presses her body to mine. I tighten my hold, letting her feel just how hard I am for her.
Lilly snuggles into my arms, resting her head against my chest. It’s the first moment of peace I’ve had in days—because she’s safe, protected, and in my arms.
Just when I think everything might finally be okay between us, she lifts her head, her posture going rigid again.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, almost repeating her mother’s question.
Instead of answering, I pull her even closer—letting her know that no matter how long this standoff lasts, it’s going to end with both of us naked—because that’s what we both want.
She parts her lips, and the raw desire I see in her eyes makes me want to drag her out of this party right now.
“I’m not going to pretend I don’t want you, Amos,” she says. “But I’m not giving you free rein to play with my body and my head whenever it’s convenient for you.”
Chapter 49
I only came here to get her. To take her away from this toxic family.
A simple task—with no detours. But apparently, Lilly has other ideas.
As much as I’m annoyed that we’re staying here longer than I’d like, her change in attitude turns me on like crazy.
But here’s the thing: my Lilly has no idea what she’s messing with. Every time she tries to pull away, she only feeds my need to dominate her. I’m fucking desperate for her. The longing I felt for her, the hunger for her body...It’s clouding my logic.
“I came for you,” I finally reply.
“What does that mean?” She looks ready to fight. “I don’t need a babysitter or protection from anyone. I can take care of myself.”
