Page 64 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

I expect to see the anger pulsing in his temple.

But it’s not there.

And that makes me question everything I’ve decided about him.

“Please place your hands on the bench.”

The girl in the dungeon had been draped over it, so this seems much safer.

“I…” I worry my lower lip. “I can end this if I want?”

“Yellow for slow. Crypto to stop at any time.”

“No matter what?”

“No matter what,” he affirms.

That said, I place my hands flat, and then I immediately freak out and stand again.

My men fold their arms and wait, saying nothing.

I think it would be easier if they were assholes. I could, would, bail in an instant. But this…giving me a choice.

And damn them, I want to hear the purr of approval in Lucian’s voice.

Momentarily squeezing my eyes shut, I get back into position.

They remain where they are, doing nothing, saying nothing.

Pretending I’m at a yoga class that I took in college, I breathe and wait.

“That’s it. One step at a time.”

I inhale. So far, this isn’t bad. But I know there’s more coming. If I can face it.

“Stick your pretty ass out for us.”

The instruction sends a wave of humiliation crashing over me, making my cheeks burn hot.

“Don’t fight it,” Caleb counsels. “Just stay in the moment.”

Easy for him to say as it’s not his ass going on display.

Digging my nails into the dark blue vinyl, I push my hips back, making the short dress ride higher on my thighs.

The position makes me feel obscene, even though my clothes are still covering me completely.

Caleb settles his palm on my lower back, pressing lightly to deepen my arch, and the touch makes my breath catch.

I am appalled by the vulnerability, by the way this simple act in a private room at their club makes me feel so utterly possessed. Yet my body isn’t protesting the way my mind is.

Lucian moves in more closely, smoothing his hand over the curve of my ass, the caress slow and sensuous through the silk of my dress.

The fabric whispers against my skin with each pass of his palm, building friction that makes my thighs tremble.

“Such a beautiful view.” His voice is low and appreciative.

His praise sinks into me like warm honey, despite my earlier anger.