Page 78 of Beautifully Reckless

Chuckling, I close the distance, noticing how she doesn’t back away. She doesn’t stiffen. She even angles herself towards me, like she’s welcoming me into her space.

Fuck. I wish she’d retreat. I wish she’d give me a reason to stay away.

“I’ve missed your curiosity, Angel. Don’t hold back with me.”

What the hell am I saying?

Sheneedsto hold back, because I’m not sure I’ve got enough strength left to be the decent one.

For a long drawn out beat, she simply stares up at me.

And then, a slight frown puckers her brows.

“What’s that for?” I reach up, smoothing it with my thumb.

“I…” she murmurs, then shakes her head, dropping her gaze to the carpet between us.

Submissive.

Shit.

I shouldn’t crave the thing that’s made her such a victim for so long. But I fucking do. I’m so tempted to tell her to kneel, just to see if she’ll do it.

But I won’t take that from her.

If she wants it, then she has to be the one to decide it.

“You need me to demand it, Angel?” I growl instead, my voice rough with want.

My pulse is thundering, waiting to see if she’ll say yes, but like always, Abbey surprises me.

Clearing her throat as she shakes her head, her big doe eyes lock with mine.

“I don’t think I should stay here. Your sister wasn’t wrong. I could bring danger to their doorstep.”

Okay, so I don’t hate her speaking up. Not one bit. I’d like not to spend my time trying to figure out what’s going on inside that head of hers, so her honesty is welcome.

“Would it make you feel better if I said, youdon’thave a choice?” I ask. “I’ve stolen you again, Angel. You can stay willingly, or as my little captive. Your call.”

Her eyes burn with anger, but underneath it, there’s a flicker of something else.

Desire, maybe?

Hunger?

“Wow. So many options to choose from,” she quips, full of sass, and fuck me if it doesn’t drag a growl from my chest.

In one swift move, I grip her arms and shove her down onto my bed.

She gasps, wide eyed, but I don’t know if it’s from the force or the surprise.

“I think we’ll go with you beingmy little captive,” I growl, wedging my knees between hers, forcing her thighs to part as I cage her in.

“Why?” she breathes, biting her lower lip, drawing my attention there.

Fuck, I want to kiss her again. Bite down on that lip too, and draw blood.

“Because I like it when you submit to me.” I lean closer, my voice raspy as fuck. “And I think youcravebeing controlled, even if you don’t understand why.”

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