Page 64 of Under Control

I shiver with excitement. It’s a sickness, I’m aware of that, but I love it when he tells me that I’m his.

Because he sounds like he loves it.

That’s the addicting part. He wants to own me because it’s like an impulse he can’t deny. Valentin can’t help himself around me, and I like that I have a power over him.

It’s unhealthy and weird, but the man’s obsessed with me.

And I like it.

“You’re going to have to come to terms with the fact that I’m my own person.” He opens his mouth to say something very controlling and cave-man-ish, and I talk over him. “But I understand what you’re saying, and I realize I’m putting myself in needless danger by coming here. I get it.”

My admission of guilt deflates him very slightly. “Good. I’m glad you understand. Now it’s time to go.”

“Sit with me and have a drink first.”

He bristles. “Karine?—”

“Sit down, you asshole. I want to have a drink with my husband in my favorite bar. One drink, and then you can take me into the back and do whatever you want with me.”

His eyes flash pure needy fire as he leans close. “You won’t like it,” he whispers. “Are you sure you want to make this trade?”

I shiver with the promise of something vicious and delightful. “Let’s find out.”

Valentin sits down in Merrick’s seat and asks for a vodka over ice. Ashley meekly refills my wine and brings over Valentin’s drink, and we toast our marriage.

“I don’t like this,” Valentin complains.

“You don’t like sitting with your wife at a bar like a normal man?”

“No, I don’t like that there are men here who can stare at you while you place your mouth on that glass.”

“God, you’re insane. That’s calleddrinking,you psychopath.”

“Only I should get the pleasure of your lips.”

“Something, I swear to god, I think you’re being crazy just to piss me off.”

He leans in close and his voice drops. “Do you like it? Do you like how much I want you to be only mine?”

I push him away, a thrill running into my stomach. “Be normal for a few minutes. Tell me about your day instead.”

Valentin’s a ball of sexual energy and heat, but he does as requested and talks about meeting with the various heads of the associated families. He talks about building contacts in Baltimore, about putting together a force of soldiers in the city, and about strengthening their defenses at home. I finish my wine and almost wish I hadn’t asked.

“How are you okay with all this?” I ask him, honestly surprised with how easily it seems to come to him. “All this war stuff, it doesn’t seem to upset you at all.”

“This is my world.” He swirls his vodka before throwing it back. “These are my people. I understand that strength is the only way to peace. If I want to avoid further bloodshed, I need to prove that the price of fucking with me is much too high.”

“Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

His eyebrows raise. “Something like that.”

I push my glass away and stand. “Pay the girl,” I tell him. “And tip her well.”

Valentin produces $300 from his wallet and tosses it down. Then he catches my hand and pulls me into him and buries my mouth with a possessive, greedy kiss.

I melt into him. God, this is stupid, but I can’t help myself. His little display of control and dominance kills me and makes me want him all that much more.

“There’s a breakroom,” I whisper. “It’ll be empty.”

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