Page 18 of Lost Petal

“You are not in the position to make any deals with me,” I repeat. “You will do what I tell you. No ifs, ands, or buts. No questions asked.”

The expression on her face darkens as deep creases appear between her eyebrows. “No.”

Okay, that’s it.

A frightened mewl echoes through the room when I grab her, my fingers closing around her upper arm with such ferocity that I wouldn’t be surprised if it left a bruise on her immaculate skin. She grimaces in pain, squirming as she tries to break out of my grip without success.

It’s beautiful to watch, but not as beautiful as seeing her back on her knees will be.

But once again, Petal finds a way to interfere with my plans.

“So, what now,” she hisses, glaring at me through flickering green eyes. “Is that all you have? Violence? You can beat me all you want. I won’t—”

“Yes, you will,” I cut her off, pulling her closer. Her lithe body is pressed against mine with nothing but the thin fabric of her see-through gown protecting her from my hungry gaze.

She’s killing me. It’s one thing to see her like this, to take in that hauntingly beautiful body topped with that divine expression of strength and determination. It’s mesmerizing, taunting me like no other. But feeling her pressed against me, struggling as I keep her in place, with her soft breasts spilling out at the top of her gown and knowing that her naked sex is only inches away, within reach if I let myself do it...

It’s impossible to tolerate.

She’s right; I can beat her all I want. And I’m sure it wouldn’t get me anywhere, not like this, not now. She’s stronger than I thought, feistier and more stubborn than I could’ve ever imagined.

And it plays havoc with my mind.

But I’m in control. I can do whatever I want with her. I can beat her, choke her, torture her. She’s mine to play with, mine to train, mine to break, and mine to rebuild.

I can take from her whatever I want.

And so I will.

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