Page 262 of Tangled up in You

I was trapped with the fire behind me and Rafe in front of me. The storm continued to rage on outside of the window, covering everything in white for as far as the eye could see. Marcel had come to his feet and Jude was sitting on the edge of his seat, ready to pounce.

As the realization of my dire situation sunk in, a chill crept up my spine, colder than the biting snow outside. That desire that had been blooming erupted into a full blaze. If the brothers wanted to play with their prey, who was I to disappoint them?

Reaching up, I began to unbutton my coat. The men watched me with rapt attention, ever moving closer, encircling me like the beasts I knew them to be, their intentions were crystal clear. However, their motives remained hazy. My heart hammered against my chest. I had no choice but to own up to the debts my aunt had incurred, even if I didn't know the cost. At the very least, that’s what I would tell myself after I let these man have their way with me.

"What sort of arrangement did you have in mind?" I whispered, my voice low and sensuous over the crackling of the fire.

Rafe smiled, a chilling sight that sent shivers down my spine and caused my nipples to harden in anticipation. "We're glad you see it our way, Luna," he purred. "You see, we're a... creative lot… In regards to repayment." His hand grazed my hip, sending goosebumps dancing on my exposed arms.

I swallowed the spike of arousal, not quite willing to give my hand away. "Name it," I demanded, wanting to hear the words, to know we were on the same page.

Marcel grinned, and my stomach twisted in fear, or was it anticipation? He moved in close, his breath minty against my ear. "We want... everything, Luna."

Jude finally spoke, his voice like gravel. "And we'll take it… Slow and sweet, hard and fast, one blessed step at a time."

If ever there had been a time to panic, this had to be it. I was trapped in this isolated mansion, with three psychopaths who were likely going to do illicit and raunchy things with my body. This was the turning point. I was at the mercy of the Eliasson brothers, and I knew my life would never be the same. My body betrayed me once more, color staining my cheekbones.

"You..." I said, voice unsteady as I tried to process. “You aren’t going to hurt me, are you?”

Rafe raised an eyebrow in surprise. His voice was cold and calculating when he demanded, “Who has hurt you? I want names.”

I shook my head. “No, I didn’t mean…”

He moved in, taking my chin in his grasp so that all I could see was his dark eyes, demanding my obedience. My body was trembling, it knew its master far sooner than I had been willing to concede. I nearly melted into him.

“Who?” he demanded once again.

“I was a foster kid, before my aunt,” I managed to utter between terror and need. “It was a long time ago and far from here. But yeah, there had been some shitty placements. I just don’t like being somebody’s punching bag.”

Rafe’s arm wrapped around my waist and he hauled me up against his muscled chest. He was hard where I was soft, warm where I was cold. His eyes hadn’t left mine even for a moment.

“You will write these names down for me and I will take care of it. No one will ever hurt you again, Luna. Do you hear me?”

I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Desire flared in his eyes and he drew in a sharp breath causing his nostrils to flare. “You are a good girl, Luna. Your days of working long hours just to make long ends meet are over.”

My brow furrowed. Smashed up against his chest, I was having a hard time thinking about anything other than getting him naked and riding him off into the sunset. “I don’t understand.” My whispered confession hung there between us while I searched this dangerous man’s gaze. There were so many emotions there I wasn’t sure what to think.

"We can discuss that later,” Marcel interjected. “First things first—Strip."

Rafe nodded his agreement and released his hold on me.

Oh, Aunt Ruby, if you could see me now, you would be so angry with me.I thought, as I stared at the three most terrifyingly gorgeous men I'd ever laid eyes on, my heart pounding in my chest.

With shaking hands, I reached for the buttons of my sweater, my coat having been tossed away earlier with my mittens. I likely had that deer caught in the headlights look. I was unsure whether I wanted to fight or flee, but in the end...

I chose to follow my heart and let the fire rage inside of me. If I burned the whole damn forest down, so be it. If I were going to submit to these men, it would be on my terms. I'd tease and torment them just as much as they clearly had planned for me. The fire in my gaze matched the flames in the hearth, daring them to remain impassive as I bared myself to them. Would they accept my challenge?

The brothers watched, transfixed, as my clothes fell to the floor, revealing creamy skin and curves made for sin. Their collective breaths hitched, desire crackling in the air as much as the fire's flames. This game of cat and mouse had just begun, andthe Eliasson brothers were about to learn that I was no docile prey.

From the slight look of surprise, I knew they hadn’t expected me to comply. Already, I had the upper hand. Their eyes on me were like fists, but I refused to flinch. If they wanted a show, I'd give them one they'd never forget. I'd manipulate them as if they were my personal puppets, and I’d live out my wildest fantasies while I was at it.

"Well, what are you waiting for? A golden invitation?" I purred, baiting them, slowly revealing an inch of thigh at a time.

Their eyes glinted with lust, and I knew I had them hook, line, and sinker. A wicked smirk curved my lips as I gave them a slow, sensual spin, revealing all that was mine to flaunt.

"Come on, boys," I said. "I'm sure Aunt Ruby didn't stipulate this end of the bargain... did she?"

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