Page 61 of Hunting Pretty

Soon.

She was almost asleep.

I couldn’t help but imagine how pretty her pale skin would look when it was restrained and reddened from my rope.

Her breathing has steadied, her lashes closed.

But I forced myself to count out ten minutes.

Ten torturous minutes.

Then I pushed out from the closet, the surge in anticipation and excitement threatening to take over.

For a moment I stood over her, watching her sleep.

She looked so peaceful that I considered leaving her.

But then I remembered how she defied me so blatantly, continuing to poke around Liath’s room after I left her there.

She needed something more than a warning.

She needed to be taught a lesson.

She needed to be scared,reallyscared.

And tonight, her adopted mother and her pesky bodyguards were out of the mansion, leaving her all alone.

Leaving her all mine.

This was my opportunity.

My fingers formed a double overhand knot with a loopin the rope. I kneeled over her hips, holding her down on the bed.

She was already stirring at the shift of weight on the mattress and my weight on her.

But I moved faster.

I wrapped the rope around Ava’s wrists, securing them firmly. With a swift motion, I tied the other end to the headboard, pulling the knot tight. The rope held fast, ensuring she couldn’t easily escape.

Her voice was a mumble. “What the…?”

I wrapped my hand around her throat. Firmly but not enough to hurt.

That got her attention.

Her eyes flicked open and locked with mine. “You! Get off me.”

She yanked at her hands but the knot held firmly. Just like I knew it would.

She scowled at me. “Let me go.”

I almost laughed.

Only she would face me with defiance rather than fear.

Although I did see fear hidden behind her narrowed eyes and chased by the goosebumps scattering across her skin.

She began to fight me, tugging at her wrists and trying to knee me in the back.

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