Page 263 of Hate Mates

Chapter Seven

RACHEL

He returns his hand to my face, and it’s warm, a stark contrast to the cool, hard gaze he’s pinning me with. I’m painfully aware of every millimeter that separates us, every breath we share. It’s an uncomfortable intimacy, one that leaves me feeling exposed and somehow more alone than I was before. Yet I feel more alive than I’ve felt in a long time too.

A frightening contradiction.

“I heard you,” he says, eyeing my lips as he licks his own. “But remember, sweetheart. You chose this.”

Those words sting more than I care to admit. Because he’s right. Ididchoose this.

I chose a night with him over the repayment of my debt. Over letting him trash my bakery more than he already has.

With a shuddering breath, I close the distance between us and press my lips against his roughly.

He breaks the kiss quickly. “I think you’re forgetting who’s in charge here.”

A spike of fear jolts through me. But it’s nothing compared to the heat between my legs.

I hate him. I hate him so damned much.

So why is my body betraying me?

Sure, he’s pleasing to the eye. Corded muscles, gorgeous eyes, a sculpted jawline. And taller than I am. At five-ten, I don’t always get to look up at a man.

“Take off your clothes,” he says.

I shudder as I move toward my bedroom.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”

“To the bedroom.”

He glances around my small living area. At the couch, the coffee table strewn with baking magazines, the small electric fireplace, the TV in the corner. “I didn’t say anything about a bedroom.”

Anger flares within me, but I don’t let it show. Instead, I square my shoulders and turn to him. “Then where would you like me?”

He looks around for a moment before pointing to the plush rug in front of the fireplace. “There.”

I don’t move immediately. I have my pride, after all.

Then I walk over to the fireplace and flick on the switch. The flames erupt with a whoosh.

I peel off the apron, and then I pull my T-shirt over my head.

His gaze never wavers from mine as I unclasp my bra and let my breasts fall gently against my chest. His nearly inaudible groan makes me tingle.

I draw in a breath and remove my shoes, socks, jeans, and lastly, my cotton panties.

“Happy now?” I ask, crossing my arms to try to retain at least a tiny bit of modesty.

His eyes darken. “Very.”

I gulp.

“We’ll start here.” He gestures toward my rug. “I’ll take you hard and fast right in front of the fire, like fucking cave people. I’m going to fuck you in every inch of this place, Rachel. Andwhen I leave, you’ll be so used, so satiated, that all you’ll be able to do is dream of me.”

Chapter Eight

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