Page 14 of Hate Mates

My head tells me this is all part of the fantasy, and it’s just a regular guy on the other end of this conversation. But my racing heart isn’t listening.

There’s something so literal about his demand…

So daring and seductive.

“This is ridiculous.” I shake my hands in front of me, trying to get rid of the icy dread clinging to my skin. “You were just complaining about getting shot down over wanting to try something new, and here’s a guy roleplaying the Devil. Just go with it. Stop being so…Izzy.”

It’s that last part that has my fingers back on the keyboard.

My soul is a steep price.

Within a few seconds, his response appears, as if he had it ready and waiting.

My time is valuable, love. If you accept, I’ll deliver pleasure beyond your wildest imagination. I’ll corrupt and ruin you. When I’m done, the thought of my tongue in your pussy will be your only source of release.

“Holy shit…” My heart slams against my ribcage, the filthy words on the screen dampening my panties. No one has ever talked to me like this. I don’t know whether I’m enthralled or appalled.

Maybe both.

You don’t mince words.

I prefer a direct approach. Does vulgarity bother you, Izzy?

Yes.No. Crap, I don’t know. This is all so new and different.

No. I’m just not used to it. My ex was more of a mainstream type of guy.

I take it vanilla was his favorite flavor.

I snort. Even vanilla might be too spicy for him. I can’t think of a time I didn’t have to bring myself to completion in the bathroom after he fell asleep.

Yeah, something like that.

I bite my non-existent nails while waiting for a response, my knees bouncing.

I detest vanilla. It’s the most basic of flavors. My palate craves the rich and decadent. It’s the complex flavors that keep you coming back for more.

I grin at the screen while shaking my head. I’ll hand it to him. He’s going all in with the whole “dark overlord” schtick.

My soul is a lot to bargain on a promise no one has yet to deliver.

I draw my fingers back like they touched fire, my pulse racing at the direct challenge.

What am I doing?

Shrewd counter. Too many are quick to sink their teeth into that apple without asking what’s inside. How about I give you a taste of what lies in store for you? No strings attached. Then, you can decide if more is worth giving me what I want.

I swallow hard, my heart pounding.

Say no. Just say no.

Okay.

I bite my lip, nearly coming out of my skin with anticipation as the dots appear.

Take off your panties.

My heavy eyes spring open.What the fuck?I sit up and crane my head over each shoulder, finding nothing but silenceand empty space. Leaving the laptop sitting there, I tiptoe to the kitchen, sticking close to the wall as I quietly peer around the door frame. No one’s there. Lennox Carver either took his twenty-thousand-dollar bourbon upstairs or vacated the estate all-together.

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