Page 156 of Awakened by Sin

She nodded, and he tensed.

“What?” he bit out.

“You were bloody magnificent tonight.”

The hard glitter faded from his eyes and was replaced by something much softer and the slightest bit arrogant. “Really?”

She nodded emphatically. “Best hate fuck ever.”

He frowned. “I don’t like that term.”

“Fine. Best purge fuck ever.”

“I still don’t like it, but it’s better.”

She kissed him. “How about you’re the best purge a girl could ask for?”

“Better,” he murmured. “I’m glad you came to me.”

“Me too.”

She wasn’t sure how long they stayed wrapped in each other, but when he carried her out, she moaned in protest.

“You’re falling asleep on me.”

She shivered as he moved through the penthouse. Once again, he stepped into the shower with her and washed away the chlorine and all traces of the purge. He shampooed her hair while she floated in the throes of her high. He wrapped her in a warm, comfy robe and placed her in a bed. He slid in beside her and pulled the heavy duvet over them. He buried his face in her hair as he wrapped her close from behind.

“I ripped your dress,” he said.

“I think we both did,” she mumbled.

“You need clothes,” he said.

She wasn’t worried about it. She was warm, calm, safe. Nothing else mattered.

22

Carmen openedher eyes and found herself alone in bed. She sat up and bit back a moan. She felt battered but deliciously so. The room was empty, curtains drawn. She slipped out of bed and sucked in a breath. Her ass and pussy throbbed (no surprise), and her back and legs felt as if she had been beaten with a cane. She hobbled into the bathroom and turned on the light. Despite the pain, she was smiling. Apparently, her purge carried her through to the next day. It was a fucking miracle. She turned her back to the mirror, but there were no bruises, not even one blemish despite their rough play last night. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before she noticed the clothes waiting for her. Jeans and a familiar sleeveless turtleneck and even her bra from Marcus’s house. She didn’t question. She slipped into the clothes and slicked her hair into a bun. She was still decked out in diamonds. It never occurred to her what she must have looked like, fisting him with diamond rings on every finger. It must have been fucking hot. Despite the fact she wore no makeup, she thought she looked damn presentable.

She slipped into her diamond stilettos and winced as the new position tilted her hips, making her calves ache. Holy fuck, next time she would make sure he fucked her on a carpet at least. She walked out of the bedroom and down a short hallway that led into the main part of the penthouse suite, which was now filled with sunlight.

Marcus stood with his back to her, looking out at The Strip as he talked on the phone. He was dressed in a different suit than the one he wore last night. Today’s ensemble was a pale blue number tailored to perfection. She paused to admire the long lines of his body as he set up a meeting for this afternoon and hung up. He turned, showing that he wore a white and blue pinstriped shirt opened at the collar, no tie. He looked amazing.

“You’re awake,” he said as he strode toward her.

“How did you get my clothes?”

“I went home and got them for you.”

“I thought you sent Mickey or Frederick.”

Marcus frowned. “I wouldn’t want another man pawing through your underwear drawer.”

He cupped the side of her face as he kissed her. He tasted sweet and tropical. She slid her tongue into his mouth, seeking more. He gripped her hip and pulled away.

“What did you eat?” she asked.

“Papaya.”

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