He prowls around the bed. My heart beats faster at the intention I read in his eyes. First, he plucks the book out of my hands.
“Did you really buy your own copy?” I ask.
He nods. “I broke into your bedroom and marked down your favorite scenes.”
What?
He lets the book fall open and shows me the page number—269.
I read a few sentences and remember the scene. “When he dicks her down six times? I asked my online friend Mina, and she said that it’s impossible. No man can do it.”
He sets the book on my bedside table, holding my eye the entire time. “Challenge accepted.”
17
Bella
* * *
He takes my ankle and pulls me down so I’m lying flat on the bed. I squeak.
Inside, I’m screaming in delight. HERE WE GOOOOOO!
I expect him to rip off my clothes—that’s why I didn’t strip like he told me to—but he simply rests his hand on my front. Not on my breasts, but higher, at my collarbone. His hand spans almost from shoulder to shoulder, and I relax.
He slides his hand up, collaring my neck with a thumb and forefinger. He pauses there, and I shiver. It’s crazy to be so intimate with someone like this. To have them so close to you. Knowing soon they’ll be inside you. A thousand books don’t do it justice.
He looks thoughtful, too, as if he’s deciding what to do with me. I would tell him to hurry up, but… I’m already in trouble. I need to know what I’m in for. All the submissive blogs tell you not to “write checks your ass can’t cash.”
Kaiser sets his thumb at my mouth and rubs my lower lip. He’s staring at my mouth. Does he want to kiss me?
I stare up at him, an ache building between my legs. I feel a pull to him, a yearning, like I’m one half of a magnet drawn to him. I need to move to him, and I won’t rest until we fit together.
He’s still toying with my mouth. I keep expecting him to thrust his fingers between my lips, silencing me, but he seems fascinated by the shape of my lips. Their softness. He’s lost in thought, mesmerized.
I told him no kissing. Now all I can think of is how I’ll feel when he breaks that rule.
When he pulls me up by the back of my neck, I feel relief. I love how he manhandles me and tells me what to do. I don’t have to think anymore. I don’t have to think about the harsh way my father spoke to me. How he’ll always judge me.
How awful that makes me feel.
When Kaiser tilts my head and runs his lips down the side of my neck, I’m Delilah, swooning in her lover’s arms. I’m as beautiful as a Valkyrie or Luna, the werewolf queen. Tonight I want to lose myself. Be someone desirable and strong, untouched by my raging feelings. Someone worthy of love and attention.
He grips the back of my neck, holding me like a naughty kitten. His hand massages the tense muscles, and it feels amazing. He knows just how to touch me. How does he always know?
He kisses from shoulder to ear, sucking on my skin hard enough to leave a mark. He didn’t shave this morning, and the golden bristles on his jaw chafe me in the most delicious way. I’m trembling now, my nipples aching where they press against the bodice of this dress. Emotions move through me, a tidal wave ready to sweep me away. Scary and wonderful. I’ve always felt things too strongly, but with Kaiser holding me tight, I’ll be safe. I can feel everything, and he’ll hold me together—or pick up the pieces if I shatter.
His teeth graze my shoulder, and I cry out. He hums deep in his throat, a rumbling growl, and I shudder.
“This is what happens when you tease me,” he murmurs against my skin.
“You need to be ready to face the consequences.”
You never think of the consequences— I banish my father’s voice.
“Okay, Daddy,” I say, to test it.
Instantly, Kaiser jerks his head up. “No,” he says.
