I cried?
My spine snaps straight. "I didn't cry."
"You did."
I look away.
He pulls my chin toward him so I can't escape his stare. "You kind of terrified me. And not in your usual badass way."
My stomach flips. I try to remember but can't.
He exhales hard, dragging a hand through his hair. "Just don't scare me like that again."
My chest tightens painfully. I look away and state, "I need water."
He offers, "I got it."
"I can do it myself," I declare, throwing the covers off and swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I glare at him over my shoulder. "Stay put."
He grabs me and tugs me back into bed. "I have a glass here." He doesn't release me and hands me water.
"Are you going to keep me chained to the bed?" I mutter, then drink the water.
He retorts, "That's an idea. Should I buy some? You'd look hot in them."
I smirk. "Funny."
His lips curve, slow and wicked, and something molten slices down my spine. "I wasn't joking." He drags his fingertips over my breast.
"Brax…" I warn.
"Yeah?" he murmurs in my ear.
"You're crowding."
"I'm husbanding. There's a big difference."
I scoff. "What does that even mean?"
He nibbles on my ear, then lowers his mouth to my collarbone. Through kisses, he answers, "It means I'm going to revive you."
My breath stutters. "Revive me?"
His fingers trail down my thigh, deliberate and slow, like he's testing how fast he can melt my bones. "Minx, you scared ten years off my life last night. You weren't okay. So I'm starting husband duties now." He flicks his tongue, then sucks on my nipple.
I inhale sharply.
His voice drops lower. "You vowed to obey me. So you don't get to leave this bed until I say."
Heat sizzles between my legs. I declare, "I'm leaving now." I push his chest.
He presses my palm to his skin, locks his eyes on my mouth, and dares, "Try again to push me away."
My voice cracks. "You're taking obey the wrong way."
"Am I?" he asks, sliding his hand between my thighs. He continues, "I'm pretty sure you want to obey me right now."
My objection comes out weak. "No." I should get up, but I don't move.
