Page 80 of Psycho Alphas: Part One

It was true. I could have—wantedto, even, but something changed my mind every time. As if it might shift something between us that I wasn’t ready to let go of.

It also, I think, contributed to her fascination with me, which was just endlessly hot.

“Maybe I’m saving it for something special,” I told her. “Are you disappointed?”

“No.”

I didn’t call her on the blatant lie.

“So, beingstrong, as you put it,” I said, instead. “What would that gain me that I don’t already have? Respect, perhaps?” I asked. “Because I’m quite aware you don’t keep pushing my boundaries because you believe you cantoleratemy punishment, you keep pushing my boundaries because youwantthem.”

“I wanthim.”

“And me, and my attention.”

“I don’t.”

But it was a lie.

Shewasfalling for me.

Sheshouldn’tbe—even I believed it should be impossible despite the games I was playing, and yet, I knew it was the truth.

Possibly, I was delusional, but if I was, she had to suffer me, anyway.

“That’s the part you’re missing, Little Doll.” It was so inevitable, our collision. I don’t think it even cost me to spell it out. “Every time you push and I respond, you fall for me harder. That’s the punishment, and I don’t believe you’re capable of stopping.”

She cocked her head, attention more intense as she processed what I’d said.

But she didn’t understand yet. Not truly.

“Let me make it clear,” I said, curling my fist around the chain and tugging her a step closer, inhaling her cool scent of frosted moonflower that seemed to lose the edge of anger the closer she got to me. It was pure instinct now, an addiction, the cool metal in my palm, the chain that connected us. “Your punishment today, for going where you weren’t allowed is this: I will cuddle you tonight, but only if you ask.”

She had last night in a daze. Well, in a manner of speaking—she’d given mepermissionto stay. But now I would make her beg for it.

“You think you’re the only Alpha who’s withdrawn touch as a threat?” she challenged, a sneer curling her lips.

“When Ace refused, was it because youdidn’task?” At my words, her eyes dropped, jaw clenched. I wasn’t below twisting that knife, because I wanted every contrast to Ace I could get. “Did you ask him, orbeghim, even?”

Her arm shifted slightly as she hugged Bunny close, eyes fixed on the floor.

“He was your mate, and he wouldn’t touch you.Iam not, but here’s the new deal: I will give you everything—ifyou ask.”

“Everything?” I think the frustrated word slipped out before she meant it to, but she was frowning like it didn’t make sense.

“If you tell me you want me.”

“And then…” Her voice broke. “Then you’ll tell him what I said.”

I smiled, releasing the chain and leaning back in my chair. “And there it is, my sweet little doll. You understand at last. Now, if you don’t intend to ask quite yet, you can go.”

She stood stock still for a long second, lips pursed as she considered me. Then she turned and made for the door.

I spoke before she could leave though, and she glanced back. “Now you know the nature of it, Doll, you should also consider there are still lines you should not cross, and punishments youwillregret.”

The hateful look in her eyes before she slammed the door, told me she didn’t care one bit.

TWENTY

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