Page 63 of For a Price

…why does it sound like there’s more to come?

“But?” I offer feebly.

“But, devochka,” he continues, “being sorry does not undo what you did. You went against what you’ve been told. You misbehaved and you know what happens when you misbehave.”

“N-no, actually, I… I don’t.”

He unfolds his arms, a hint of a smirk on his chiseled face. His blue eyes gleam more than ever, truly like sapphires caught in the light. Slowly, he begins circling me. “Well, kitty cat, you are about to find out. I’ve given you warning. I’ve told you to behave. Now I must teach you a lesson.”

I try to watch him as he circles me. My body turns along with his, trying to keep him within my line of sight. It feels like I’m trapped on some carnival ride I had no business getting on. Any second I’ll spew sick everywhere.

“What lesson? What do I have to?—”

I’m cut off by Roman coming in front of me and collaring his massive hand around my throat. He yanks me toward him and smashes his lips to mine in a hard, borderline feral kiss.

It’s a kiss that immediately makes me dizzy. It makes me feel like I’m falling down a deep, dark hole I never intended to.

Raw hunger comes on so strongly, I’m left breathless from the first second our lips touch.

Roman had proven he’s a good kisser earlier when we showered together; his lips were surprisingly soft and supple and he’d kissed like a mantryingto be civilized.

In this moment, as he claims my mouth and squeezes at the base of my throat, civility has left the building.

He claims my mouth, parting my lips and kissing me deep. I have no choice but to let him as a shiver whispers through me and he sucks on my tongue. His other hand reaches around and finds my ass to grope a handful.

I’m pressed up against this hard, brick wall of man without the least bit of control. He’s a savage taking what he wants as his breathing deepens and his need swirls around us.

My own need sparks to life.

A tiny little heartbeat that throbs from between my thighs.

Roman finally draws back, though his hand remains at the base of my throat. He pierces me with a fierce look that tells me any softness has left. Any gentleness he’s treated me with has gone.

“It’s time you learn the hard way, kitty. Take off your clothes.”

My skin runs ice cold. “What…? But Roman?—”

“Now, or I will rip them off. This is punishment. Not negotiation.”

I’m speechless, gaping up at him with rounded eyes. My fingers fumble reaching for the loose-fitted sweater I’m wearing and then the pair of leggings molded to my thighs. Each move slow, each second I’m in wait for him to stop me and sayjust kidding.

But Roman was serious when he said this was no negotiation.

This is about punishment.

I strip my clothes off ’til I’m in nothing but my panties. My arm bands across my chest to cover my breasts, but he quickly scolds me for hiding.

“No covering yourself, kitty cat. I want to see all of you. Arms down at your sides.”

My ribcage aches as I shudder out a shallow breath. I’m standing in front of him, almost completely nude, forced to endure his wandering gaze.

While it’s nothing he hasn’t seen before—we did shower together earlier—it still feels alarming.

His gaze rakes over various parts of my body, lingering as if in study. Every second that ticks by feels unbearable. My cheeks burn from the humiliation of it all while the tiny heartbeat between my thighs betrays me.

It beats on… and on… and on…

Roman’s blue eyes have darkened with unmistakable lust. His jaw’s clenched as he stands before me, the size of a mountain. He licks his lips when he reaches my panties, and I almost let out a whine when he gives a nod.

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