Page 26 of The Warlord

“No.” Grayson’s firm hand landed on my ass, slapping me into silence. My skin had warmed from his touch, and it had nothing to do with pain but fucking lust. I knew I was attracted to this man—my captor—but to be turned on with a single spank on the ass? Jesus, I was in more trouble than I thought.

I told him, “My ass is flashing to every man in here.”

I felt more than heard his growl of disapproval. His warm palm came to cover my rear as he took me back upstairs, where we were alone. Lowering me onto the velvet cushion, he stared at me from only a few inches away.

“You’re a fucking Neanderthal,” I hissed.

He only stared at me as he took a seat opposite, crossing his leg at the ankle.

Exhaling loudly, I folded my arms under my breasts, making his eyes dart down. His mouth tightened. “That was the wrong thing to do, lass.”

His voice was so deliciously dark.

“It was the right thing for me.”

He sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “And what were you going to do, huh? Run for help? Weownthis city. Nobody would’ve helped you, or if they did, they would’ve returned you to Finnan.”

Not letting him see my frustration, I said, “I would’ve called my mom.”

“You have her number, do you?”

Fuck.“No, but there are other ways to get information.”

He shook his head. “You don’t get it, do you? You belong to the Mac Tíre clan now. Your life is not your own. It’s Finnan’s, and everything you do, every action you take, reflects on him.” He crooked his finger at me, urging me closer.

Licking my lips, I did. God, help me, I did.

“The next time you run? I will personally punish you for the infraction.”

NINE

GRAYSON

I didn’t knowwhy I’d threatened her with punishment.

But as the words sat heavily between us, I could tell she was turned on by the idea. Maybe it was the firm slap I’d given her perfect ass. Was it still burning her skin? Still pebbling her nipples—hard and inviting—against the panel of her dress?

Fuck, that dress.Just as I’d assumed, men’s tongues had rolled out of their mouths when she’d strolled into the club. She had no idea how close I was to pulling out my Glock and sharing around the bullets.

I was wound so tight, I was likely to fuck up the next man who even had a stray thought about her. My dick was as hard as a railway spike in my slacks. Did she know that I’d been hiding my hard-as-fuck erection from her all night?

I had to get a fucking grip. I’d become obsessed with her, and that obsession was starting to peek through.

“I need to go to the restroom,” she announced, standing quickly.

Like hell I was going to let her attempt another escape. I grabbed her wrist before she could take more than two steps.

Her gaze swung back to me, her cheeks high with color. “You can’t stop me from using the restroom.”

“No, I can’t, but given your proclivity to Shawshank it, I’m coming with you this time.”

“You mean you don’t have any of your men around here watching things like you did in the restaurant?”

I shook my head. Keeping tabs on her in a place like this was nearly impossible. I’d known that before deciding to bring her. “There’s a ladies’ room on this level,” I told her, stepping clear of the table. “I’ll show you.”

With my hand cupping her elbow, I directed her down a short hallway that had been hidden by dark drapes. The lights were low in the confined space, barely illuminating the two doors near the end. Directing her into the first, I pushed open the door and followed her in.

Realizing what was happening, she spun around to face me. “What the hell?”

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