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We stand there, in angry silence, for a long moment. Until I break it to put the gin away and he offers his hand.

When I take he, he leads me to the bedroom.

He pulls something silver from his dresser.

A pair of handcuffs.

“You’re welcome to stay,” he says. “But only in these.”

I swallow hard. I should say yes. It’s the smart play. But I try to talk him out of it anyway. “You really have gotten kinkier.”

He smirks sure, we’ll go with that.

And not the actual scenario:

He thinks I’ll kill him in his sleep.

This is an olive branch.

Trust me and I’ll trust you. It’s smart. But only if I can handle it.

Can I?

Chapter

Thirteen

JAMIE

For a long time, I hold Matteo’s gaze.

I try to find intention in his dark eyes, but all I see is the dare.

Put your hands behind your back so I can restrain you and fuck you senseless.

My core tightens.

My stomach drops.

It’s sexy and terrifying at the same time. And dammit, I want to be under him.

God, how I want to be under him.

But I can’t give up control. Not yet.

I swallow the frustration that rises in my throat. I should leave before I give something away.

I don’t.

I move closer. I run my fingers over his jaw. “How about, instead, I don’t stay…” How about I have my way with you and leave. I let need drop into my voice. “How about you give me a proper goodbye and then I go.”

“And if I say I’ll only fuck you if you’re tied up?” he asks.

“You won’t.” I keep my voice matter of fact. Because we both know the truth.

He won’t fuck me either way.

Not yet.