Page 59 of The Merciless King

My favorite—okay, second favorite—part of his body is his thick arms and biceps. Such power. He’s all man and right now he’s mine.

At least for a little while.

He’s just walked out of the second meeting with my father and is still breathing. That is a good sign.

Braxton steadies me on the tiles and presses his body against mine.

“You’re getting wet.” I grin up at him, enjoying the feel of his arms around me.

“Worth it,” he mumbles as his mouth takes mine. “This red bikini looks stunning on you.”

God, I could kiss him all day, every day, forever.

Oh.

My thoughts catch me unaware. I’ve never felt that way about a man before. I’m not saying I love him, just that I really, really like being with him.

He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

“So?” I ask, rubbing my fingers along his whiskers, wondering how inappropriate it would be to do the same with my cheek. “How did it go?”

“I need to make some calls. It could take a few hours.” He replies in a husky voice that has me squirming. “I will be back after lunch.”

He grabs my face when I go to pout and smirks. His dimples make an appearance and I melt.

“Enough. You are about to get your way, princess. I may be staying in the country.” Braxton laughs.

I smile. “Really? My father is helping you?”

“We are discussing options.” He drops his hand, running his fingers down my neck and across my shoulder. “I will still need to leave at some point.”

When I nod, those deep-thinking blue eyes of his study me, roaming over my face as if trying to get inside my mind.

“I know.” I nod.

“You are fine with that?” he asks.

“Yes. I don’t expect you to actually be in love with me after one night, Braxton.” I press into him.

Though being loved by a man like him would have to be amazing. He’s powerful, strong mentally and physically, and I know already by the way he is with me that he would be very protective and possessive.

I wonder if he would be loyal.

If he was, truly, he would be my dream man.

What woman wouldn’t want to be owned by a man like Braxton? If I had to be owned by a man—and I will be—then why not him?

Even knowing it could never be him.

Still, I do love that he chose me because he desired me. Not because he wanted anything more than just me. I offered it. That is an aphrodisiac all on its own.

“Hmm, well, remember what I said. That pussy is mine. For now.” The growl in the back of his throat sends arousal shooting through my veins.

He kisses me firmly again, and then cups my face, staring fiercely at me. Then walks away.

Lord have mercy.

When Braxton walks back into the house, I stare into space for a long moment—I mean, don’t judge, the fact I’m still standing is a damn miracle—and only snap out of it when my mother appears.

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