Page 68 of Cage of Thorns and Blood

“We're not the ones who almost lost control of our business, so that's rich. Do you think you can call him anyway and ask him to speak with me? There's a threat that could impact him as well.”

“Look, we aren’t really competitors when the business facts alone are looked at. We have very distinct lines of interest, and if these new guys are treading all over the board, they could end up knocking both of our pieces off.”

“I'm not calling my brother for you. I won't do a damn thing for you.” She hands the champagne bottle to Clifford. “I’m empty. Refill please.”

I can't help my smile at his expression as he does exactly as she asks. She sits back and sips at the champagne. The car glides through the night, and I compute all the ways that this has turned to a shitshow.

When we get back, I need her brother on board, but more than that I need her in my bed. Her attitude in this car, her bravery toward Clifford who most people cower in front of, has me as hard as I’ve ever been.

It takes all my willpower not to grab her hand and place it over my dick. I want her to touch me, right now, and I almost don’t care that my cousin is here. Almost, but not quite.

When we get home, though, I’m taking her, and no one is stopping me, not even her. She can fight like a tiger, and she won’t sway me. I’ve never wanted anyone or anything as much as I want her right now.

“When we get in, you will ring your brother,” I say. “Then we are going to bed.”

“Are you done?” she asks.

Am I done? Oh wow, she’s really done it now. The imperiousness she puts in her tone. I don’t think I’ll be done all night. I’ll fuck her until she can’t walk. Until I can’t walk.

“Your incessant droning on is ruining my champagne.”

Clifford bursts out laughing.

“Oh, cuz, I don’t think you have any idea what you’re playing with here. She’s a live one.”

“Does he normally prefer them dead?” Renata asks. “Do you like them without a backbone, Matty? Compliant? Easy?”

“I’ve never liked easy,” I say.

“Could have fooled me. You married a DeLuca.”

“And you married a man who preferred anyone in his bed but you,” I snap.

The slap of her hand across my cheek is sudden and unexpected.

I stare at her for a moment, and then I grab her champagne and calmly hand it to Clifford before I grab her and haul her across my lap. I bring my hand down on her ass, and she screams. The car swerves slightly, and I glare at the driver. “Eyes on the road, idiot,” I order.

Then I go to town on Renata’s ass. “You will fucking learn to show some respect,” I say.

“I’ll kill you for this,” she growls. “I swear it. I don’t care if it takes me a decade. I’ll find a way.”

“Strike a match and stir his coffee with it every morning,” Clifford says.

Not the damn match thing again. He’s obsessed with that urban legend.

“It’s not even a thing,” I say as I continue spanking her. My slaps are lighter now, little love taps rather than a genuine punishment.

She must be able to feel my hard dick. She lets out a moaned exhale, and I laugh softly.

Lifting her head, she looks at me through thick lashes, her blue eyes blazing as if lit from within. Her cheeks are flushed, and her mouth is parted.

I smooth my hand over the silk covering her ass. “You’ve never looked more beautiful,” I say.

“I hate you,” she says.

“No, you don’t. Do you know why?” I gently reach out and brush her hair back.

“I’m sure you’re going to tell me, oh-wise-one.”

---