“Are you saying you didn’t enjoy yourself?” I challenge.

“I fucking loved every second of your bratty attitude today.” His pupils flare wide with desire, one hand reaching down toadjust himself. “But I’m going to like what comes next even better.”

“And what, exactly, comes next?”

“You’re going to walk your bratty ass upstairs, take off your clothes, and bend over my bed. I want you on display for me.” His words spear straight through me, a rippling heat making me clench my thighs together. My clit aches with a low, steady throb.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so turned on in my life.

“Now, Maddie.”

I arch an eyebrow. “I don’t think I will.”

The corners of his lips twitch.

His eyes light up as I bolt towards the front door. My adrenaline surges as I push my legs forward, my arms reaching for the handle. He calls my name, and the sound of feet thudding on the wooden porch reaches my ears just as he pounces. Two strong arms spin me around, the ground dropping out from underneath me as I’m hoisted up over broad shoulders.

I squeal, my fingers bunching over the fabric of the hoodie as I hang over his back, half-heartedly squirming against his hold. In all honesty, I’m right where I want to be: snug in his trap.

His palm comes down over my ass, the pleasure-pain of the sting making me moan. The responding chuckle is throaty, amused as he practically runs up the stairs. “You shouldn’t have run, baby. It’s like you’re just begging me not to show any mercy.”

The hallway is a blur as he approaches the bedroom, my view changing to plush, light-brown carpet as I’m carried through the doorway.

“Jax!” I squeak as my body goes flying through the air, my back connecting with a soft mattress before bouncing back up. Then his body is pressing into mine, his hips pushing me down. He wastes no time in crushing his mouth against my lips ina possessive, controlling kiss. His tongue flicks at the seams of my lips, and I open for him. My head is cradled in a firm hold, moving me where he wants me while kissing me with that bruising force.

It sets something off inside me, making me desperate formore.

I wrap my legs around his waist, my fingers tugging on his shirt as I fight to pull him impossibly closer. He tugs my bottom lip once before pulling away and pressing his forehead to mine. His panting breaths fan across my cheeks.

“Your safe word is red.”

I blink.

I’ve never needed a safe word before—never done anything remotely kinky.

His hand wraps around my chin, forcing it up. I stare at him.

“Red will make everything stop. Use it anytime, for any reason, and know that it will never be held against you.” The pads of his fingers stroke along my cheek, the gentle caress a heady contrast compared to the rough kiss just a moment ago. He shakes his head, a quick flash of trepidation crossing his features. “Your safety is the most important thing to me. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I hurt you. Do you understand?”

I nod shakily.

“I need the words,” he says firmly.

“I’ll use my safe word if I need it, but I won’t need it because I trust you not to hurt me.”

He smiles softly before giving me a gentle kiss. “That’s right, baby. I would never hurt you. But we’re still going to have a safe word in case you ever feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.” Another soft press of his lips to mine, his fingers trailing down the slope of my jaw. “What’s your safe word?”

“Red.”

“Good girl.” The praise is a reverent whisper against my lips, making me shiver.

He gives me one last gentle kiss before pulling away with that wicked glint returning to his eyes. It’s the only warning I have before he’s flipping me over onto my belly. Then his hands are yanking at my clothes. Buttons fly across the room as his big fingers tear at them, his waning patience making him clumsy. In the meanwhile, he’s running his hands over my skin. They squeeze my breasts, run down my sides, pull my ass cheeks apart.

Before long, I’m completely naked underneath him.

Even when he’s being rough, there is a purposefully controlled and deliberate air about him. Firm, but never crossing the line into pain. I soak up the feeling of his hands running along my body, my limbs turning to putty for him to mold and use however he sees fit. I gasp when he drags me by the hips to the edge of the bed. When my feet hit the soft carpet with my ass hanging off the mattress, his hands push between my shoulder blades to keep me laying down.

“Thought it was okay to tease me, did you?” His low rumble and gruff tone go straight to my aching clit.