Page 68 of Consume Me

“Strip,” he commanded.

“What?”I gasped.

“Oh, little one.Do.Not.Make.Me.Repeat.Myself.If you think the rules have changed just because we’re on your turf, you’re sadly mistaken.”

“Strip,” Dylan instructed.

Together, they squared their shoulders and clasped their hands behind their backs.Power, anger, and Dominance surged off their bodies.They wore their command like custom-tailored suits.

Every cell in my body melted like spun sugar.

I’d been a fool to think I could survive without this…withoutthem.

I didn’t know why they’d gone way out of their way to find me.All I knew was if they walked out the door now, I’d lose my mind.

The sun beamed through the wide window, casting a halo around their rugged bodies.They looked like angels but their expressions were born of the devil.Their jaws ticked in tandem as their stares flayed me open.

My fingers trembled as I began to unbutton my blouse.Movement at the window drew my attention.My heart slammed against my ribs as my neighbor passed by.Thankfully, he didn’t glance at the big, plate glass window, but another neighbor might.

“Can I please close the drapes, Sirs?”I asked in a timid voice.

“No.It’s now or never, kitten.Decide what you want.”

Dylan’s harsh and unfamiliar tone scared me.It also confirmed I’d been way off-base thinking they might be relieved I’d removed the burden of training me off their shoulders.There wasn’t a happy bone in their bodies.

As I resumed working on the buttons, anxiety from being seen stripping in my living room warred with the unyielding need to make Dylan and Nick proud.As my clothing fell away, the barriers I’d build after leaving the barn crumbled at my feet.The same calm serenity I’d felt surrendering to their Dominance filled me once more.

They were bringing me back to life.

When I stepped out of my jeans, I inhaled a deep breath.Casting my eyes toward the floor, I lowered to my knees beside the kitchen table.An audible sigh poured from Dylan’s lips.I yearned to raise my eyes and read their expressions to know if I had pleased them.Instead, I remained in the submissive pose as unnerving silence dragged on and on.

Sweat broke out over my upper lip, and a tremor skittered through my body.

Please don’t leave.Please don’t leave.Please don’t leave.

I sensed retreating movement.

Fear and panic gripped my heart in a tight fist.

Tears filled my eyes as silent sobs shook my body.

Clearly, I’d failed their test.

As hope began dying inside me, I heard air escaping the cushions of my leather couch.

They hadn’t left.They’d merely sat down.

My fading embers of hope reignited.Still, I knew thereal test was yet to come.

Fighting the urge to peer up at their faces, submission won over want.Though fear and uncertainty whirred, the beacon of hope continued growing.Self-preservation and pride flew out the window.Pissed or not, they completed me in ways I couldn’t fathom.I’d endure all the heartache on the planet to spend one more day beneath their command…their control.

Tears streamed down my face.

“Raise your head, little one,” Nick demanded in a low, controlled tone.

I inhaled a deep breath then slowly lifted my chin.With matching hunger glistening in their eyes, they sat on the couch, legs spread, and elbows resting on their knees.I swallowed tightly.After several long, interminable seconds, Nick sat up and pointed a finger toward his shoes.

“Crawl to us, girl.”

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