His eyebrow rose, intrigued and eager. His eyes slowly filled with lust as I crossed the small space and stood on my tiptoes before him. His chin came down, lips parted, but he didn’t cross the final distance.
He waited for me.
He waited to accept a kiss I swore I’d never give him—no matter how much they tried to break me.
Incredulously, I felt as if I cheated on Jethro.
I’m sorry.
Holding my breath, taming my roiling stomach, I pressed my mouth against his. He was warm and tasted slightly salty, but he didn’t force me to deepen or stick his tongue down my throat.
It all hinged on me.
I have to make him believe.
Otherwise, it would’ve been for nothing.
Repulsion worked my gag reflex. I wanted to pull away. But I pressed my mouth harder against his, squeezing my eyes to annul the truth of who I kissed.
I’m stronger than this.
Finding my last remaining strength, I licked Daniel’s bottom lip.
He groaned as I slipped my tongue into his mouth. I wasn’t tentative or hesitant. I’d learned how to kiss thanks to Jethro’s majesty at drawing desire from me.
If Daniel wanted me to make him believe, I’d make him bloody believe.
His chest rose and fell, brushing my nipples, reminding me of what Jethro had done to me. The anger inside him seemed to pause, lulled by whatever magic I held over him.
My throat closed; I ran out of breath.
I reached my limit.
Pulling away, I spat on the rug by his feet. “You believed me. You can’t deny it.”
Breath was hard to catch as I stared triumphantly at his trousers. “There’s evidence that you can’t hide, Buzzard.” I cocked my head at the tented material. “You can’t touch him. I did what you asked.”
The softness of him taking what I gave vanished. Lashing out, he grabbed my hair. He shook me, rage darkening his face. “Just wait till we make you repay the Third Debt, whore. You’ll regret that.”
Vaughn grunted again, but no one paid him any attention.
Bonnie remained quiet, letting her youngest grandson do what he wanted.
Letting me go, Daniel plucked the dice from the floor. Shaking it, he tossed it down again.
Red.
Pain.
I swallowed hard, doing my best not to show fear.
Vaughn didn’t do such a good job. He fought and squirmed, earning a punch to his gut—even after I’d kissed Daniel to prevent it.
“Don’t! I paid the damn requirement!”
Cut clucked his tongue. “Marquise. She’s right. Don’t hurt him unless she refuses.”
Vaughn doubled over, his legs buckling in Marquise’s hold.
