Page 95 of Seizing Control: Part One

It stalks me, day and night.

Threatens me with another heartbreak.

“Slash,” I venture slowly.

“Call me Carter when I’m explainin’ how much I love you or I’ll spank that arse.”

His threat has a curious impact on me.

Rather than feel intimidated or scared, I almost welcome his promise of punishment.

At least, then, I wouldn’t be responsible for the carnage incited by our love.

Zeke is a professional at toeing the line between domination and control.

Does Slash have the same tendencies?

One of my favourite things in my relationship with Zeke is his indomitable command over my psyche. He can feel, almost on a visceral level, when I need to have the iron-clad control I exert over myself taken away. He knows when to bend me, knows how to push me to breaking point. Sometimes, as Alex’s voice gets too loud in my head, and the damage I carry with me becomes too heavy, Zeke takes the choice out of my hands.

Not having choice can be bliss.

Especially when I feel like I’ll shatter if I have to make another decision.

While I’m mulling over my reaction to his threat of a spanking, Slash captures my mouth with his. He kisses me deep, pushing his tongue past my lips, swallowing my cries as he tips the recliner all the way backward. His touch is harsh as he forces me to wrap my legs around his waist.

I feel his hardness.

He grinds against my pulsing heat.

Pulling my arms around his neck, my husband slides an arm around my lower back, pinning me to him.

Eyes locked on mine, Slash declares, “I love you. I’m in love with you. I want to be married to you. I wanna build a perfect life with you. The circumstances mightn’t be optimal, but there ain’t an ounce of doubt or regret in me about that. And I promise that I’ll never ask you to forsake Venom for me... because I’m damn certain that you’ll see how right we are for each other and make that choice on your own.” When he pauses to kiss me, I return his fervour. It’s an instinctual response. Born of hunger. Powered by fear. “Alls I’m askin’ is for you to return the time and patience I give you in kind. If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong... but we’ll never know if you keep fightin’ me on it.”

Tears well in my eyes.

I bite down on my bottom lip to stop it from trembling.

“Now, tell me what else you’re scared of?”

“Nothing else.”

He meets my verbal denial and head shake with a terse, “Bullshit.”

The hand at my back is moved to the centre of my clavicle. Slash dances his fingertips along the column of my throat, the promise of his hand collar clear in his teasing action. Heat settles in my cheeks as I welcome his domination. I look away when the passion in his gaze becomes too real to ignore.

“Tell me, duchess. What are you afraid of?”

When I remain silent, his fingers curl around my neck.

I swallow as he restricts my breathing.

My body wilts.

Emptied of fight and fear.

The truth trips off my tongue. “The ritual.”

“Because it’s public?” Sounding offended at my lack of faith in him, Slash vows, “You must know that I can hide your body from view. I can make it quick.”

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