Page 20 of Crave

“Landon? Come on,” Max urged, opening the cab door. “Let’s eat.”

I shook my head. “Sorry, I have an early call for the tv show tomorrow. Love you—have fun!” I blew them kisses, stumbling away, waving down my own cab while their disappointed groaned echoed in the air. Then the door slammed and they drove away.

Adam had disappeared. Cursing him under my breath for leaving me alone, I finally hailed a cab. I was about to get in when a firm hand encircled my wrist. I gasped and looked up. Adam’s face was carved in granite, hard and unyielding, his eyes boring into mine with a burning intensity.

I swallowed hard. He pushed me in the back seat and gave the driver his address.

As I was whisked away into the night, Adam leaned down and put his mouth to my ear. Slowly, he nipped by lobe, causing shivers to skate down my spine, then spoke in a rough voice.

“Get ready for your punishment, princess. It’s going to be a long night.”

My belly dropped and one though spun over and over.

Maybe I’d made a terrible mistake.

Chapter Ten

Adam

Listen to Freaky Deaky

by Tyga and Doja Cat

Was it wrong that Landon’s obvious discomfort over my promise made me achingly hard? My dick practically pushed through the seam of my jeans in an effort to be freed and pleasured in all the ways I imagined. Her body literally shook under my grip as I left the cab and escorted her inside my apartment. The contradiction of nerves and arousal was absolutely perfect and everything I dreamed of in a woman.

How was Landon able to give me so much of herself, yet still retain that sassy spite I fucking adored? All I could think of what a waste she was on Max. Max, who had no originality in the bedroom or anywhere else. Max, the perfect specimen to look at and want, but he was one-note, too full of himself to break open and give his partner everything she craved.

Landon owned me. I’d drop to my knees and worship her any way she wanted or needed. But I also knew my princess didn’t really want what she said. No, she needed a man to challenge her on every level and break open those dark corners of her soul, to hammer hard enough and allow the light into the cracks.

She wouldn’t break because I’d be there to put every gorgeous, fragile, strong piece back together.

But right now, she needed my full attention. And her punishment.

“If you lay one hand on me, I’ll give you a black eye,” she said sweetly.

I tamped down the humor and delight at her mouthiness. I regarded her with a stony expression, folding my hands in front of my chest and savoring her reaction. No matter what she said, her body told me the truth. She swayed slightly, nibbling on that sweet lower lip, gaze narrowed in pure rebellion.

Her nipples were hard and pushed against her thin shirt. I could literally scent her musky arousal, and guaranteed her panties were wet.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

“I’d seriously think about the next thing you want to say to me.” My tone was mild but controlled. “If you want to save yourself some discomfort, strip out of your clothes and get on your knees in front of me.”

Her laugh was half hysterical. Her pupils dilated with lust. “In your dreams, music man.”

“No, it will be right here. It’s just a matter of do you want to do this the easy way, or the hard?”

Her gaze dropped to my straining erection. “I guess hard wins.”

Damn her. It was taking me everything not to laugh out loud. “Your choice.”

I strode across the room toward her. Her eyes popped open wide and she threw her hands out, backing away. “Wait! Wait—tell me first what you’re going to do.”

“Whatever I want,” I said softly.

Oh, yeah. She was trembling and needy but didn’t want to say it aloud. I saw it all, but I also needed to make sure the rules were still in play. I’d die before I really hurt or scared her.

“Landon,” I snapped out.

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