Page 16 of Suspicion

“But what?”

His boots stopped in the dirt, the sudden stillness forcing him to acknowledge her temptation. She smelled fantastic, like the sorts of expensive soap he’d only ever encountered at fancy hotels.

“But I didn’t want to upset you again.”

There. His lips twitched. She’d admitted that his spanking had provoked the desired effect. Ella was prepared to think twice before she rocked Tucker’s boat again. That was good.

That was exceptionally good.

The girl could be trained. It meant their time together would be all the more palatable. For him, at least.

“Ask me nicely.”

She never saw the way his smile widened nor how his eyes closed as she replied. It might have been the sweetest sound he’d ever heard.

“Please, Tucker.” Her body tensed over his shoulder. “I really do need to go.”

‘Please, Tucker.’ Her plaintive plea echoed in his mind. ‘Please, Tucker. Please.’

“Okay.” How could he say no to such a hot, breathy entreaty? “But make it quick.”

Lowering her to her feet, he noticed her reddened face as her gaze flitted away.

“Will you free my feet, please?” The blush on her cheeks deepened as she asked.

“Absolutely not.” Was she fucking joking?

“But I’ll need to squat.” Desperation flickered in her attractive eyes. “I can’t do that like this.” She motioned to her bound ankles.

“Hmmm.” He hadn’t thought of that. A woman’s needs were so different from that of a man.

“Please.” She heaved in a breath as though the act of begging was painful. Perhaps for a girl from the right side of the tracks, it was?

“I don’t trust you.” He met her stare, ensuring his bored into hers as he went on. “And if you run, you’re really going to piss me off.”

“I won’t run.” Her fettered wrists rose to her chest as though she was imploring him.

“And I’m supposed to believe you because…” His hands rose to his hips. “You say so?”

“No.” She pressed her thighs together as though she was working hard not to wet herself. “Because it’s the truth. I get it, Tucker. There’s no point in running. You’re faster than me, and you know these woods.” She looked above her at the canopy of trees. “I won’t win.”

His brow rose at her admission. Where had this abrupt supplication come from? Surely, this good girl was too good to be true.

“That’s right.” He stepped toward her. “You won’t and don’t forget it.”

“I won’t.” She sounded weary as she met his gaze before glancing away at the ground. “So, will you untie me?”

“No.” Reaching for his belt, his fingers grazed over the implement he wanted. “But I’ll cut you a deal.”

Grabbing the handle, he slid his blade from its sheath and lowered it between them.

“Oh God!” She stumbled backward, her eyes so glued to the weapon that she lost her footing and fell.

Time seemed to stop as she plummeted. Dropping the knife, he swooped, catching her arm and yanking her back against him. In a flash, their bodies were pressed together, her breaths coming faster as her eyes widened.

“Careful,” he warned, secretly relishing the physical contact. It pained him to move away, but he needed to reclaim his blade, and searching the ground, he noticed its metal gleam.

“But I thought...” Her breaths were labored as his fingers grasped the handle of the knife again.

---