Page 14 of Ruined

“Kill me. Get it over with.”

“I’m not gonna kill you.”

Dominic’s lips curved as he circled the chair. Every step he took made the air feel thick. He stopped behind me, his breath ghosting my neck.

“What did you think would happen tonight?” he whispered.

His touch skimmed my neck. He played with my hair, and my cheeks burned. I fought to keep still. I wouldn’t give the fucker a reaction.

“I thought I’d get rid of an annoying problem,” I ground out.

“I live to annoy you another day. Too bad.”

Dominic’s hand lingered too long at the back of my neck, his fingers trailing to my shoulder. My skin crawled.

“Get off me!”

“Relax, Luca. I’m making sure you’re comfortable.”

“The restraints could be tighter.”

“Noted.” He prowled to the front of the chair. “You’re blushing.”

I stared at the floor. “Just pissed.”

Dominic tapped the gun on my thigh. “Oh, I know you’re angry. All torn up inside. You want to hurt me. You want to hurt yourself. You just want someone to make it all make sense, don’t you, sweetheart?”

The world spun. I jerked my hands, but I couldn’t escape the handcuffs or his voice.

Or the playful tease that revealed too goddamned much.

“Stop calling me that.”

“Which pet name would you prefer?”

I raised my head, scowling. “None.”

Dominic’s hand shifted to my arm, his thumb brushing the inside of my elbow.

I clenched my teeth. “Why are you touching me?”

“Because I can,” he purred. “And because it’s bothering you.”

“I-I’m not bothered.”

Dominic paused. “You can’t even look at me.”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“Then why are you shaking?”

Fuck. Iwastrembling. I inhaled deeply. Dominic’s hand trailed my jaw, so light it felt like a caress. A shiver ran down my body.

Why was I reacting this way?

Maria touched me. Often. Even when I didn’t want her to. Wasn’t bad, but it didn’t mean anything. A warm hand was a warm hand, but she was too soft. Too gentle. Didn’t mind the rough hand with calloused fingers. Felt far morerightthan the tap of her manicured nails.

He tilted his head, his gaze dropping to my burning neck. “When you snuck in here like a wannabe hitman, were you hoping to catch me off-guard, or was there something else you needed?”

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