Page 66 of Royal Flush

As he dominated the intimate moment, he shifted one hand between us, deftly untying the sash. I tingled all over as he rolled his hands over my shoulders, taking the thick material with him.

I shuddered when the robe hit the floor, his touch exactly what I wanted to feel every single morning. The naughty girl side breaching the surface, I fought with his belt buckle, my hunger more intense than the night before.

But he was having none of it, his need to be in control at all times taking over. He whisked me into his arms, the fire in his smile igniting mine.

“I have time for a little breakfast,” he growled as he headed to the bedroom portion of the suite.

Sighing, I rubbed my eyes, still glaring at the woman in the mirror. I’d wanted my morning to go exactly that way.

But it was like everything else in my life.

Sheer fantasy.

What had really occurred had put this plan in motion. I knew the man wanted answers. I thoroughly understood he was risking his own life to protect me.

But to act like I was the enemy after the night before or that I was helpless had sparked something deep inside of me.

Maybe a will for independence or to live.

By myself.

I’d believed for a split second there was something special between us but his gruffness this morning, his harsh commands had made me realize once and for all, this entire situation was more personal for him.

And that had nothing to do with me.

Now I was stuck in a lobby bathroom, waiting it out until the three goons finally determined I’d left the building.

Then I would.

The ugliness on his face had hurt me more than it should have but I’d almost allowed myself to fall into his trap.

“We need to talk,” Braxton said the moment I walked from the room.

“Didn’t we do that last night?” I moved closer, pressing my hands against his chest. He did everything but push me away as if I was trash.

“Yes, but some things aren’t adding up.” He kept his distance even though I’d glared at him.

Sadly, I’d felt hurt as the first emotion, which was unlike me.

The smell of coffee lured me to the Keurig machine provided to the room. “Fine. What?” We’d had a lovely late-night dinner thanks to room service, the food surprisingly good. Maybe I’d had a little too much wine, but I’d believed it deserved after the horrible experience. Maybe refusing to answer his questions hadn’t been the best thing to do but I’d been grilled and pushed more than I usually accepted. But after that, it was as if we were so close. He was at ease, answering my questions.

And the hot sex had been out of this world. My bottom still ached from the savage ass fucking. But I’d loved every minute of it.

“What things aren’t adding up? Why would three ugly men want to kidnap me?”

He waited as I prepared a cup of coffee, but I sensed his harsh gaze was locked onto me.

“There are easy to understand reasons why you could be used against your father. That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Then what?”

The man was oppressive when he wore certain expressions. This morning, he made me feel as if I was a criminal all over again for more reasons than cheating at cards.

“Why did you pick my island?” His question was clearly accusatory.

“We went through this before.”

“Not exactly. You mentioned a friend recommended it. The girl you went to college with?”

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