“And blocked.” He winks and I shove at his chest.
“You can’t just do that!” I screech. “That’s my phone, my property?—"
“And,” he cuts off, “I’ve sent my phone his number. I’ll be paying him a visit later on.” He pinches my chin, pulling me close. “To remind him who you fuckingbelongto.”
“I don’tbelongto you,” I deny, even though my insides melt. I’ve always wanted to belong to someone. I’ve fantasized about Hayes, having him claim me.
But, boundaries!
“Oh, but youdo.” He shrugs, so indifferent, as if we’re discussing the weather. I see red, stepping close to—to dosomething.
Quick as lightning, he grabs my throat, hauling me forward and his nails dig into my pulse point. I fucking whimper at the pain and pleasure warring inside my core.
“Remember what I said? No one touches you.” He spins us so the back of my knees hit my bed and his smirk edges into dangerous territory. “If you wanted to take the edge off the night, you should’ve asked me.”
I remain silent. How does he know?
He gasps, mocking me. “Collins, please. I know everything about you. Isn’t that clear by now?” He tosses me on the bed and my body bounces, my dress criminally high on my thighs. “I saw the way you drooled over the bloodshed. How you practically flooded the whole bar when I beat the shit out of some guy. Violence gets you off.”
I don’t answer—I can’t. No one should know this. No one does know this!
How didhefigure it out?
Clearing my throat, I squeak, “But this isn’t real. You shouldn’t know this about me. You shouldn’t be offering…” I trail off. Offering everything I need. Badly.
He lifts the glinting ring between us, studying it intently. Lights catch the sharp angles, highlighting the cobalt stone andthe surrounding diamonds. It’s as blue as the ocean and as ominous in its promise.
“Offering my fiancée what she needs?” He tsks. “I don’t know Collins. This is my ring on your finger. Seems prettyfuckingrealto me.”
Stripping his shirt from his body, his gaze doesn’t leave my frame. A dark cloud covers us, settling around us as if to promise retribution.
“Strip.”
“Excuse me?” I scoff. He’s kidding—he has to be.
“I didn’t stutter.” Pulling me on to my feet, he pulls the zipper half way down my back. Then he steps away, pushing me back to the bed. I’m being manhandled like some kind of doll.
I should hate it. But I don’t.
“You’re hurting Collins.” He pulls my desk chair closer. Sitting down, he’s as large as a bear and just as menacing. Rubbing his bottom lip, he jerks his head. “I have a proposition for you.”
Tugging my dress higher, I fail at reaching the zipper. “Oh, I can’t wait to hear this.”
“You need release.” He smiles wide and welcoming. “I’m willing to help with that.”
I snort. “I’m not sleeping with you.”
“We won’t be sleeping.”
My cheeks burn brighter. “Hayes!”
Ignoring me, he jerks his chin toward the side table. Exactly where I keep my toy. “Take it out.”
“Have you gone through my room?”
He sighs like I’m the one acting weird. “Do as I say. You might like it.”
Logic be damned, I’m intrigued. Iamhurting, my body coiled deeply with need and agony. It’s never been this bad, butthe fight, Hayes’ skill and his prowess have added to the effect. His presence is drowning me and I hate it.
