I swore under my breath and turned off the shower, water still dripping from my hair as I scrambled for a towel. Wrapping it around my waist, I hurried into the living room just in time tosee Matt standing there like he owned the place—my door lying in splinters on the floor.
“What are you doing here? You just broke down my fucking door!” I snapped, anger flaring hot in my chest.
Matt’s eyes languidly roamed over me, and I suddenly felt incredibly conscious of my state of undress. His gaze seemed to linger on every exposed inch of damp skin, stoking an unwanted heat low in my belly. Damn it, why did he have to look at me like that?
“Relax, sweetheart,” he drawled, rich amusement coloring his tone. “I’ll have Eddie replace the door. No need to get your panties in a twist.”
I shot him a glare that could melt steel. “This Eddie better replace that goddamn door,” I growl through gritted teeth, “or else.”
“Or else what?” he rumbled, slowly stalking closer.
My breath caught in my throat as he closed the distance between us. I wanted to back away, but something kept me rooted in place, drawn inexplicably to the raw, primal energy radiating from him in waves.
“If you don’t leave right now,” I snapped, ignoring the way my body responded to his presence, “I’ll call the police.”
Matt laughed—a deep, rumbling sound that sent shivers down my spine despite myself. “And what will you tell them? That you’re hiding from your sugar daddy?”
Anger flared hot and bright inside me. Before I could retort, Matt grabbed my arm.
“What are you doing?” I demanded as he started toward what was left of my door.
“I don’t like being disobeyed,” Matt said calmly. “And since you seem to think running away is an option, I’m taking drastic measures.”
My heart pounded as his words sank in. He meant business this time—no more playing nice.
I stumbled after him, my arm practically yanked out of its socket as he dragged me through the remnants of my apartment door. I tried to wrench free from his grip but found it impossible against his iron hold. The man was built like a brick shithouse—all solid muscle and unyielding strength. Struggling against him was about as effective as a fly batting at a windshield.
“Let me go, you Neanderthal!” I growled, digging my heels into the floor. It did precisely jack squat to slow Matt’s determined stride.
My towel, barely clinging to my hips, decided to make a break for it. It slipped, and I scrambled to catch it before giving the whole damn building an eyeful of the full Donovan package.
“Hey, at least let me get some clothes on first!” I snapped, clutching the towel with one hand while Matt continued dragging me with the other.
Matt barreled ahead single-mindedly as he said, “No time for that, sweetheart. You can air out the goods in the car.”
I sputtered indignantly, heat flooding my face. The nerve of this guy!
By the time we reached the sidewalk, I was a flustered, towel-clad mess. A hulking man held the door open of a sleek black sedan like some kind of silent invitation—or a trapdoor. Matt didn’t slow down. He all but tossed me inside like a sack of potatoes.
I landed in an ungraceful heap on the leather seat, the towel riding up dangerously high. Scrambling to cover myself, I ended up in the corner with the terrycloth barely preserving my modesty—front covered but bare backside planted right on the upholstery.
Fantastic. Just fantastic.
Matt slid in next to me, his presence filling the small space with an oppressive heat. His eyes, dark and smoldering, roamed over me with undisguised interest. His gaze felt like a physical caress, setting my nerves alight in a mix of indignation and something much more unsettling.
“See something you like?” I quipped, arching a brow. Two could play at this game. “Or are you just enjoying the view?”
A low chuckle rumbled from Matt’s chest. “Both.”
My face burned hotter, but I refused to look away from his stare. “If you wanted eye candy, you should’ve stopped at a strip club instead of kidnapping me.”
Matt’s lips curved into a smug smile, his eyes glinting with undisguised amusement. “Now where’s the fun in that?” He leaned in closer, invading my personal space in a way that should have me recoiling, but instead had my pulse kicking up a notch. “Why go to a strip club when I can have a private show?” His eyes roamed over me again, igniting a fire of anger deep within. “I prefer my entertainment a little more… interactive.”
His words hung heavy between us, laden with blatant innuendo. Heat crept up the back of my neck as I fought the urge to squirm under his intense scrutiny. “Keep staring and you might go blind,” I snapped, shifting uncomfortably on the leather seat.
Matt’s gaze didn’t waver, boldly raking over every exposed inch of skin. “I’ll take my chances.”
Indignation flared hot in my chest. “Would you quit undressing me with your eyes? It’s getting really freaking old.”
