Page 45 of Red

“What’s done is done.” Ian inclined his head, conceding the round to his older brother. “It was a joke. In bad taste.” He nodded toward Melinda. “Welcome to the family. Dysfunctional but loyal.”

Erik gave her a little push toward the stairs. “See you two at home,” he said and followed her down the steps.

Erik caught her hand when they reached the first floor and kept her tucked into his side as they moved through the crowd. He didn’t shuffle side to side and wiggle through everyone; he had her firm and led her straight through the huddled patrons.

This wasn’t a man of great compromise. He wanted what he wanted, and he would simply take it if necessary. She had already come to know that about him.

But when they arrived at the car, and he opened the door for her, his stare sent a white-hot electric current down her body. He wasn’t simply looking at her with desire.

He was the predator.

And she was his prey.

Chapter 16

The drive home from the restaurant passed in silence. Melinda replayed the evening, the carefree chatter, the almost sweet looks from Erik. How long would it last before he made demands she wouldn’t or couldn’t fulfill? Theirs wasn’t a marriage rooted in love or even common interests.

“I’d like my attorney to review the documents Margaret sent you.” Erik broke the quiet once they were in the house. He took her coat and hung it in the front closet.

“That’s probably a good idea,” she said. “Although I’m sure it’s just standard stuff.”

Erik raised his eyebrows. “And what’s standard stuff?”

She paused, thinking through what she knew. It was a quick thought process. “I guess I don’t know.”

He picked up her hand. “Then my attorney will definitely read anything she sends over.”

Melinda examined his expression. The tense set of his jaw loosened. Meanwhile, her stomach continued to practice acrobatics. Her gaze drifted to the staircase. It was late.

He brushed her hair away from her face, the light touch of his fingers contrasting with the roughness of his voice. “We should go upstairs.”

The fire of his piercing stare spread through her. He could be so powerful, so intimidating with a simple gesture or look. She wondered if he even had control over it.

“I suppose.” She nodded, but her feet remained plastered to the carpeting.

He slid his hand down her arm, igniting a firestorm as he went, down, down, down to her hand. She spread her fingers wide, letting him lace them with his.

“Let’s go.”

Erik led her up the staircase to their bedroom, her nerves set on edge with each step. The click of the bedroom door closing behind them echoed through her mind.

“You’re nervous,” he remarked with a hint of amusement.

“No, not really,” she lied through her shaking teeth.

He released her hand and walked around her. “You are the worst liar.” He chucked her chin with his knuckles. “Are you a virgin?” His head tilted, as though he hadn’t thought of it before.

“No.” She laughed. Her nerves were out of control.

He narrowed his eyes, inspecting her. Technically, she wasn’t. She’d had a boyfriend in college who had wormed his way into her bed. It had been a disaster, but at least it had been quick. He broke up with her a few days later, saying they’d make better friends than lovers.

“Take your clothes off,” he ordered quietly.

Her fingers wiggled at her sides.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” His warning was soft and clear.

Her heart took a nose dive into her stomach to join the conga party. His bright-blue eyes devoured her. Any resolve she may have pretended to possess shattered beneath his stare. He wasn’t just a commander ready to charge up the hill, he wanted to own it, to claim and conquer.

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