Page 42 of Resist

“Thanks for the clarification, but it really doesn’t change my answer.” I step out of his space to gain some air free of his presence. “It’s my body. It’s my say. And I say no.”

“If it’s your body, do you mind explaining to me what exactly happened the other night? Why you spooked worse than a virgin on her wedding night? Because I sure as hell know for a fact your body wanted mine.”

I don’t know why his sudden mention of the other night hits me so soundly when he definitely has every right to bring it up . . . but it does.

“Don’t be an asshole,” I mutter.

“It seems to be par for the course . . . especially for a woman who had no problem telling me how inadequate I was.” His expression is stone faced, but there’s an edge to his voice. “What happened the other night?”

“It’s none of your business.”

“It is my business when I paid for it and especially after you turned the blame on me when I did nothing wrong.”

“Just like a man to defer the blame.”

“Nice try, but your bullshit won’t work this time around.”

“I don’t have time for this. I’ve got to get back to work.” When I try to skirt past him, his hand is on my arm and my body is against his. Our lips inches apart once again.

“One woman. My choice. That was the promise you made me. And you’re the one woman I choose.”

“Fine. Yeah. I’ll be her,” I say with a sarcastic laugh, finally knowing exactly how to beat him at this game. “But I won’t sleep with you. Money was paid up front for companionship and nothing else. You said so yourself the other night.”

That muscle tics again in his jaw as he grits his teeth and shakes his head ever so slightly in a way that tells me I’m wrong. I will sleep with him.

“This isn’t a game, Vaughn.”

“Weren’t you the one who said everything is a game?” I fire back.

Someone tries to open the door, and we both jump at the sound as the outside world begins to seep back into our conversation. The door that’s never locked but now is may draw some attention.

And just as the thought passes through my mind, a fist pounds on it with a muffled “Is everything okay in there?”

“Yes. Yeah. I’ll be right there,” I shout to the person and then look toward Ryker. “I’ve got to get to work. This discussion is over. I’ll have your refund deposited in your account by tomorrow morning. I’m sorry Wicked Ways let you down.”

I attempt to yank my arm from his grasp, but he holds firm. “Refund the money and I’m calling Lola to let her know that her boss replaced her with a client. Tell me no, I’m calling Lola.” The arrogance in his voice makes me want to knee him in the balls. “I expect to hear from you within forty-eight hours on whether I’m calling Lola or I’m planning my next meeting with you.” Ryker steps back, and his smile is a lethal combination of arrogance, sex appeal, and threat. “It’s up to you.”

And without another word, he lets go of my arm, unlocks the door, and walks out of the locker room without looking back.

I stare after the door he went through and wonder how this conversation vaguely mirrors the one I had the other night with the senator—threats and ultimatums and claims over my body—and yet my reaction is so very different. While Carter Preston makes my blood run cold, Ryker Lockhart makes every part of me run hot.

Both men are powerful. Both men can destroy this world I’ve created for myself. But there’s only one man who has been in my thoughts way more than he should be.

“Earth to Vaughn.” Melissa’s voice shocks me back to the present as she lifts her eyebrows, eyes wide, lips in a shocked smile.

“What?”

“Oh, don’t give me the I’m-so-innocent crap. Please tell me you were in here getting it on with hot suit guy!”

“Not hardly,” I say with a shake of my head before walking from the locker room to go do my job.

Ryker’s threat is heavy on my mind.

The taste of anger and desire on his kiss still creates an ache between my thighs.

How is it possible to hate someone and want them all at the same time?

Bastard.