Page 41 of King of Wrath

“So, Daddy? What’s it going to be?”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Nia

It’s notlike I didn’t know he was pumping me for information. But, as much as I’ve given up in terms of knowledge, I’ve gotten some things out of him too.

His gaze holds mine, his gray eyes wary and alert. Cold. And I already know, he’s not choosing me.

I get it. We’ve known each other a few days. But that means I can’t let what we did this morning lull me into this false sense that he’s my hero.

He isn’t.

I’ve got to save myself here. Does he even want me at all? The idea that what we did this morning is all part of his plan makes my chest ache.

I don’t know why I let it hurt. I’m just a tool to Toni. Something to be used and discarded. Why would it be any different here?

But the idea that I’m just something Jake is using makes me stiff with anger.

Tossing the covers back, I’m still in my towel as I scoot past him, grab my coffee, and head to the bathroom.

Might as well blow out my hair.

Because I’m in a war and if I’m going to fight him, I’m going to look good doing it. But that makes me pause.

Maybe I’ll work out first…

I pull open a drawer and pull out a sports bra and shorts, setting them on his bed. Then…I drop the towel.

I hear him growl behind me, but I don’t look back. Instead, I grab a pair of bikini briefs from another drawer and bend over to slide them on.

He growls again. Louder.

The sound pulses through me and I swear, my clit gives an aching throb.

I doubt I’ll win at a game of seduction, but it’s the only play I’ve got until I can think of another.

And like I said, I’ve learned some useful information. This is a chess match of revenge and Toni is the target.

Does he suspect that Toni is behind his father’s disappearance? Lifting my arms over my head, I pull on the bra and then the shorts.

Grabbing socks from the drawer and sneakers from the closet, I leave the room without a word and cross the hall into the makeshift gym.

I’ve been in here a few times to grab books, but this time, I head to the treadmill in the corner and sit down to pull on my socks and tie my shoes.

Jake appears as I stand, workout shorts slung low on his hips.

He comes over and stands next to me and the machine, pushing the power button and then two more to make the treadmill start under my feet.

I nearly slip and fall but his hand shoots out to grasp my hip as my feet catch up to the belt. The heat of him nearly sears me as my cheeks fill with color. I grip the handles and start moving, intentionally staring forward, not meeting his gaze.

“You didn’t wait for my answer,” he quietly says as I start walking.

“I didn’t need to. I already know,” I answer pushing the up arrow to make the machine go faster.

His arms cross over his chest, making his biceps bunch up in the sexiest way. “Nia.”

“Jake.”

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