Page 35 of Tempt Me

Jase chuckles. “That’s alright, love.” He saunters over and takes them from me. He’s pulled on a T-shirt, something worn and black that pours over his muscles. “You ever used these before?”

“No,” I say quickly. “I’ve never been in trouble with the police.”

He smirks. “That’s not the kind of trouble I’m talking about.”

Jase gently presses them over my wrists, and I’m surprised to find the metal easily swing through. “I thought they would feel different,” I say. “But these are easy to—”

There’s a click, and suddenly I realize he’s locked them tight.

“See?” Jase’s voice is low and throaty. “Now I’ve got total control.”

He lifts the chain between them—and my hands follow, until my arms are lifted up over my head. I feel exposed, my breasts jutting out and my heart beating fast.

Jase smiles down at me. “You really don’t remember last night, do you?”

I stare back at him, frozen. Then he touches one rough fingertip to my lips, and it all comes flooding back to me.

His thumb in my mouth. His cock pressing hard against me. My body aching for him, so wet I could have come on the spot with just one touch.

“Oh my God.” My voice comes out a strangled whisper.

Jase grins, triumphant. “That’s right, darlin’. I’m not so easy to forget.”

I gulp. Standing here, taut and aching, it’s like we’re back in the parking garage again. Except this time, I’m not tipsy and uninhibited. No, this moment is crystal clear. My brain is fully conscious of every breath he takes, watching me. The powerful, hungry look in his eyes.

I see it all. I feel it all.

And I want him, more than ever before.

“I... I really need to go.” I swallow a desperate breath, on the edge of doing something very, very bad. “I’m late for work.”

“It’s Saturday.”

“It is? Oh, then I’m late to meet Amanda. My friend, she works the farmer’s market, and I’m supposed to help out. She’s probably already texting me, I just haven’t seen my phone.”

I’m babbling, I know, but I can’t stop. All I know is that if I look at Jase, into those wicked blue eyes, I’m going to cross a line I can’t ever take back.

Jase lowers my wrists and produces a small key. He unlocks the cuffs, and I quickly slide my hands out and back away, my heart still pounding. “Thanks again,” I say quickly, grabbing my purse from the chair.

“It’s nothing.” Jase shrugs, and gives me a wink. “I’m always happy to take a beautiful woman to bed.”

There he is again, brushing it off like he’s just a player, and even though I should already be gone, I can’t let that one slip by again.

“That’s not true,” I tell him. “You’re a good man, Jase Banner. You like to pretend you’re just another asshole, but you’re not. You do the right thing, and that means something.”

Jase’s expression changes. He stares at me, almost stunned, and I wonder if anyone’s ever told him those words, or let him know that they see more than he lets them—more than maybe he even sees in himself. For a moment, he seems stripped down, like I can see past his cocky attitude, to that other man beneath.

Then he breaks out another one of those charming, flashy smiles, and the moment is gone.

“Don’t be so sure, sweetheart. I’m exactly who you think I am. And one of these days soon, I’m going to show you. Up close, personal, and all night long.”

I smile and shake my head. “You know I’m getting married.”

“And you know that’s bullshit.”

Jase’s harsh tone makes me blink. He strides closer, like a predator circling his prey.

“You don’t love that Mainwaring asshole, and you sure as hell don’t want him. Not the way you want me,” Jase continues, his gaze locked on mine. “So when you’re done lying to yourself, give me a call. Because you damn well know the minute that ring is off your finger, I’m going to fuck you so deep, and so raw, you’ll come screaming for more.”

---