Page 78 of The Unplanned Wedding

He looks at me with a weird look on his face. "That’s what you think."

I half laugh. "What do you mean?"

"Based on our encounters, you’re already aware I have certain proclivities."

Heat flushes my cheeks, then I nod. "Not that I’ve been a part of any kink-related activity before you, uh…introduced me to primal play."

His gaze widens when I say that word, and his pupils dilate. Every muscle in his body goes on alert, and it’s as if he’s summoned that predatory part of himself to the fore in an instant.

"That encounter piqued my interest."

He inclines his head. "Did it now?" he asks in a low, dark voice.

My hindbrain sends out a warning signal, but I ignore it. I’m here and married to him. He chose me, not Priscilla. Not anyone else.Me.It gives me the courage to lean in closer, to fix my gaze on his mouth and say in a breathy tone, "Enough for me to read up on it."

He watches me with interest. "And what did you think?"

I swallow. "I admit, I was turned on by what I came across."

The pulse at the base of his neck kicks up, but there’s no other change in expression. He closes the distance until his breath sears my cheek. My nipples tighten. Liquid heat pools between my thighs. My belly squeezes in on itself, and oh god, I’m so aroused, if he touches me anywhere on my body I’ll probably combust. He rakes his gaze down my features, and I’m sure he’s going to kiss me. Kiss me. He lowers his mouth close to mine, then he snaps his teeth.

I jump.

He chuckles.

Asshole.

He nods as if he’s read my thoughts. "Don’t try to entice The Beast, little July; you might bite off more than you can chew."

My neck heats.I’m so damn embarrassed. And I thought he was empathetic?Clearly, it was all an act. He pretended to confide in me, only to lull me into a false sense of safety. And then, he insulted me. Again.

I sidle away from him until I’m all but plastered against my door. "You’re a jerk."

"And don’t forget that."

The car pulls into the driveway and comes to a stop.

He pushes his door open and steps out.

I fumble around, trying to open mine, but he’s there. He pulls my door open and holds out his hand. I ignore it, swing my feet out onto the ground, then stand up. He takes my arm and tugs me close, so I’m tuckedinto his side. Then, he guides me toward the door of the townhouse. As soon as we come to a stop, I try to pull away, but he tightens his hold. Not enough to hurt me, but just enough so I have no choice but to stand still, fuming.

"You’d better be on your best behavior, wife."

Like he has to remind me?I’m aware of how important this meeting with Arthur is to him. Also, the fact that he called me wife sends a thrill up my spine.Dammit.I shove it aside, focusing, instead, on how much I underestimated my new husband. How he could turn on the charm to get me to do what he wanted when really, he's nothing but a mean, surly, jerkosauraus at heart. And because I’m not going to let him think I’m yielding to his dominance… I set my jaw and tip up my chin. "And if I'm not?"

His gaze narrows, then he bends his knees and peers into my eyes. "I’m going to spank your arse so hard, you won’t be able to sit without remembering the touch of my palm on your backside."

My knees turn to jelly, and it's a good thing he's holding me up.

32

Knox

Her lips part; her breath hitches. I know she’s aroused by my words.Good.I’d rather she be turned on, than upset. And I know she was distressed by my earlier words. I push aside the regret that coils in my chest. There was a moment in the car earlier when I almost kissed her. And if I had, I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from pulling her across my lap and spanking her, then taking her right there in the car… And then… I'd be lost.

I needed to pull back. I needed to remind myself of all the reasons why I shouldn’t consummate my marriage with my wife.My. Wife. Fuck.Every time I think of her in that vein, I want to thump my chest and declare to the word that she’s mine. Then, I want to show her how I’ll use her as the object of all my depraved fantasies when I fuck her every hole. How I’ll tie her down and take her again and again, until she's so full of endorphins, that every time the high wears off, she’ll want more.

And I’ll give it to her. I’ll soothe her fevered skin, and take care of her bruised behind, and ensure she's well rested before I fuck her again. I’lltreat her like the princess she is. I’ll ensure she never wants for anything. I’ll…lose my heart to her. That’s what'll happen. I’ll make myself vulnerable to her. And somehow, that doesn’t bother me anymore. The thought makes me reel.

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