Page 31 of Sin Bin Bully

Besides the fact that it pisses me off, I know that I have nothing to hide when it comes to the drug test. Dragging my hand through my hair, I grit out, "I'll be there in twenty."

I hang up before he can respond, resisting the urge to hurl my phone against the wall. My chest heaves as I struggle to control my breathing. This can't be happening. Not now. Not when I'm so close to having everything I want.

I glance back toward the room where Kim sits, probably still mulling over my mother's pathetic bribe attempt. Goddamnit. I need to be here, need to make her understand that we belong together. Instead, I've got to deal with this bullshit.

My fist connects with the wall before I realize what I'm doing. Pain lances through my knuckles, but I barely notice. All I can think about is getting my hands on whoever did this, making them pay for this.

But first, I've got to clear my name. Can't let anyone or anything jeopardize what I've built. What I'm still building with Kim.

I take a deep breath, forcing the rage down. I need to think clearly. Handle this quickly and get back here before Kim gets any ideas about leaving.

As I stride toward the front door, I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror. My eyes are wild, dangerous. Good. Let them see that look when I walk in for their fucking test. Let them know they're messing with the wrong guy.

I pause at the door, glancing back toward where I left Kim. "I'll be back soon, little dancer," I mutter under my breath. "Don't go anywhere."

I sit on the ottoman,not daring to say a word. This is all about control, showing Kim who is in control here. She's trying to fight for it, but she doesn't want it, not really. She wants to bend to me, wants to please me.

I'm just having to coax that out of her.

Her chest rises and falls rapidly, those full lips parted slightly. I can see the war raging behind those beautiful brown eyes. Pride versus desire. Defiance versus need.

"Fuck you," she breathes, but there's no real venom in it.

I grin, slow and predatory. "That's the idea, little dancer."

For a moment, I think she might actually make me follow through on my threat. Part of me hopes she does. But then, something shifts in her eyes. A decision made.

With trembling hands, she reaches for the hem of her shirt. Pulls it over her head in one fluid motion.

Pride and satisfaction surge through me. "There's hope for you yet," I murmur.

Her pants follow, then her bra. Each piece of clothing discarded is a victory. A step closer to her realizing what we both know: she's mine.

When she's down to nothing but a scrap of lace, she pauses. Her eyes meet mine, challenging once more.

I raise an eyebrow. "All of it, Kim."

She hooks her thumbs in the waistband, hesitates. Then, in one swift motion, she's bare before me.

My breath catches in my throat. She's perfection. All smooth skin and gentle curves. A goddess made flesh.

"Beautiful," I breathe.

For a moment, vulnerability flashes across her face. Then the mask of defiance slams back into place.

"Happy now?" she snaps.

I cross the distance between us in two long strides. My hand cups her face, thumb tracing her cheekbone. She tries to jerk away, but I hold her firm.

"Ecstatic," I murmur.

And then I turn and leave the room. It’s not time for me to touch her yet. Like I told her, I can be a patient man.

And she'll learn to bend to me before I finally give her what she needs.

14

KIM

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