Page 125 of Unexpected Hero

His commanding voice pours over me. “Stop it this instant, Violet. You’re not fucking going in that pool.”

Wanna bet?

Chapter 24

Bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off

LETTIE

Iwiggle my hand, trying to break my wrist free while levying him with a fierce glare from over my shoulder. “I can do what I want. And right now, I wanna skinny dip.”

Bucking my hips backward, I brush him off and lunge forward. The motion catches him off guard enough for me to break his hold. In those precious few seconds of freedom, I finish unzipping my skirt.

Right as the waistband clears my hips, his hands are there. With one rigid palm on each hip, he holds my skirt up while pressing himself flush against my backside. There’s a bite to his touch as his anger and desire sear into my flesh.

And yet, I’ve never felt more powerful. It’s madness.

Burrowing his face into the curve of my neck, he inhales deeply. My skin pebbles as he trails his lips over my sensitive skin.

His warm breath fans across my neck as he utters a threat against my flesh. “If you take off that skirt, you’ll end up with an imprint of my palm on both your ass cheeks.”

I’ve never heard him use that voice.

So rich, deep, and smooth.

My core tightens, and my breasts heave with my choppy breaths. His breathing is equally frenzied, and the sound echoes around the pool deck, making it sound illicit.

I have no clue why I do it, but I press my ass backward, thrusting it against him. This time, it isn’t to buck him off, but to tease him. The thin fabric of my barely-hanging-on skirt does nothing to block the thick bulge in the front of his jeans.

Allowing myself to revel in the feel of him this close, I slam my eyes closed and trap the air in my lungs. When he doesn’t stop me from rubbing against him, I add another pass, curving my hips in the opposite direction.

An honest to goodness growl leaves him. This man is a caged animal, fighting against his restraints and ready to attack.

Knowing the power I hold over him is intoxicating. And I want more.

Testing him further, I cross one of my hands across my chest to tug down one strap of my bra. “And what will happen if I take off my bra?”

“You sure you want to play this game?” he challenges, still firmly holding me in place by my hips.

“I’m not sure about anything where you’re concerned. Except how desperately I want you and how furious you’ve made me.”

Strangely, my confession surprises me. By now, I should be used to whatever thoughts are in my head flying out of my mouth around him.

His only response is a low rumble followed by a vigorous inhale. I can’t hold back the defiant grin that splays over my face.

With his hands still fastened onto my hips, I have him in a predicament. He can’t physically stop me from removing my bra and hold up my skirt at the same time. If he lets go with one hand, I’ll overpower him and yank down my skirt.

The excitement of defying him consumes me, mingling with the reckless euphoria pulsating through my veins.

I’m playing with fire. But I don’t want to stop. I need to see this through. To prove something.

To me? To him?

It doesn’t matter.

Before I make my move to force his hand, I swirl my hips, dragging my ass against his dick again. Tingles set off low in my belly, making my clit throb and a shudder traverse my entire body.

He holds my hips tighter, halting my movements. But he doesn’t push me away. He keeps me tucked against his erection. Hard.

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