Page 74 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

When he finds me still frozen in place like a deer in the headlights, he grips both my wrists with one hand, twirls me so I’m facing the kitchen island, then bends me over.

“What are you doing?” I sly a glance over my shoulder just as he pulls down my pants to my thighs. My nipples pebble against the cold surface of the marble. I make to break free, but he cages me with his body.

“Mary Jane is going to walk through that door any minute now.” I say urgently.

“What do you care?” He presses his body to my sore butt cheeks. “I thought there wasn’t anything new I could do to humiliate you.”

His sweatpants are the only thing separating me from his steely erection. Is he really going to spank me again? In the freaking kitchen of all places?

“You’re a monster,” I say through gritted teeth.

“That’s right.” He places his palm on my back, pushing me into the marble and forcing me onto my tiptoes, which only serves to yank my ass higher into the air and his face.

In the next breath, I feel a cold drip on my ass. “What is that?”

“Aloe Vera,” he says as he smooths the gel all over my skin. “It’ll help with the soreness.”

I melt.

“Your moods are giving me whiplash,” I pout, reveling in how perfect his hands feel on me.

When he finishes, he bends down and picks up my pants. Before he covers my ass again, he plants a soft kiss on my tailbone. “I have to go into the office today.” He grabs another piece of apple, pops it into his mouth, then ambles to the refrigerator as if he didn’t just have me half naked, bent over the counter.

Like I said. Whiplash.

“Okay.” I look to him in confusion.

“Do you think you can handle yourself all alone in the house?” He peeks around the fridge door to look at me.

“I’m not running away if that’s what you’re thinking.” I roll my eyes.

“Good.” He grabs one of his protein shakes and shuts the door. “I can’t even begin to imagine what would happen to you and your little hinny if you did try to escape. I can promise you though, you won’t like it. I will see you for dinner.”

“Bite me.” I glare at him.

“If you’re a very good girl tonight, I will.” He dips his head and leaves.

I’m still reeling from my interaction with Archer when Mary Jane returns. “I’m sorry,” she says. “The girls are running a bit late this morning. Would you mind waiting a few more minutes before returning to your bedroom? They’re still finishing up the bathroom.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll eat my apple in the dining room.” I smile. “I’ll let you do the prepping in peace.”

“Mr. Archer won’t be using his study this morning, if you’d like to sit by the fire. It’s extremely cold today.” She runs the water and starts washing potatoes.

“That sounds lovely.” I smile at her. “I’ll do that.”

I don’t go straight to the study; instead, I roam around the main hall and living room. This whole section of the house has been renovated to keep with the original style of the house. It’s beautiful, modern with an old-world flare that reminds me so much of Archer.

I’m still going about the house like a ghost when Archer comes downstairs, dressed in a three-piece suit that fits him to perfection. He descends the grand staircase with confidence, and an air of arrogance that only someone who truly understands his power can muster.

“Stop looking at me like that. Or I’ll never leave.” He meets me just outside his study.

“How am I looking at you?” I shrug.

“Hmm.” He cups my face, and his mouth collides with mine.

I melt into him. When my hands land on his chest, he grabs my wrists and places them behind me. His body molds around mine as he deepens the kiss. I’m a puddle of want at his feet by the time he pulls away.

“Have a good day, Little Dove.” He smirks then strides out the front door.

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