Page 27 of The Penalty

“Irritated,” I corrected. “I’m irritated. One night hasn’t erased that. Your apology tour won’t end until I say it does.”

“How many nights will it take?”

“Until you bring me to every balcony in Manhattan.”

For someone as skilled as I am in media relations, I have the worst track record with failing to keep my inside thoughts on the actual inside around him.

His bemused expression morphed into something more wicked.

“Is that what you want?” Each word came out slow and deliberate. “My so-called apology tour to be me fucking you on every open air terrace in the city?”

The intended effect was immediate. Nothing else existed in this space except for unspoken promises, electricity, and anticipation.

When my eyelids fluttered, the rest of the world fell away except for him. The alleged balance I attempted to achieve flung itself out the window. How can I maintain any balance around this guy?

“Are you taking suggestions?” What am I saying?

“I’m listening.”

I felt myself flush with anticipation. The sly grin on his face grew wider and more crooked when he saw it. Good to see our game of cause and effect was alive and well.

Okay, fine. I did have suggestions. While he slept like royalty in my bed last night, I laid there wide awake letting my fantasies run wild. The darker ones.

But now wasn’t the time to indulge in fantasies.

“Tori.” His eyes glinted with the soft glow of danger. “Tell me.”

This stare could have melted the polar ice caps.

Okay, let’s play.

“The first one is pretty tame. I want us to go away for a few days. Somewhere that has weak cell phone service. I really want us to disconnect from the outside world.”

“Sounds doable. What else?”

I shook my head. “Maybe this isn’t the right—”

“Tell. Me.” The forbidden, dark edge to his tone sizzled through my veins.

I missed this tone. Judging by the look on his face, he did too.

The rarely used practical side of me emerged and waved a tiny caution flag. Slow down. Keep your head on straight.

“I want you to lose yourself with me,” I blurted.

Nice one, Chase. Very practical.

Confusion clouded his features.

“More than you already do,” I amended, trailing my fingers down his chest. “I want to see you really come undone. Lose control. Be rougher with me. Don’t stop yourself when—”

His hand clamped around my throat. I gasped in surprise, panicking for only a second.

“Rougher. Like this?” His soft, rumbled warning vibrated through my body.

Words failed me. All I could do was stare at him and feel his possessive grip.

“Yes?” His fingers tightened slightly. “Or no?”

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