Page 43 of Devil's Bride

“You’re wet, sweet Genevieve. I think you crave what you refuse to accept.”

“I only crave killing you.”

“Perhaps you’ll get your chance. But not tonight.” He lifted his head, his eyes filled with lust.

With three more hard strikes, I moaned, sensing the first round of my nightmare was over.

Yet I knew it was only the beginning.

CHAPTER 13

Jago

For perhaps the first time in my life, the desire I felt wasn’t based solely on fulfilling my needs, accepting whatever pretty face suited me for the night. Did I long to fuck the sensual woman? There was no doubt about that, but my hunger had breached typical physical needs.

I found myself wanting to savor every moment, every breath and every touch of her fingertips against my already heated skin. That wasn’t like me at all. I’d been characterized as a rogue, a man lacking passion. No one would ever confuse me for some tireless romantic. I’d come to accept that because caring about anyone’s feelings was the greatest weakness of all.

Especially given the possible loss I’d face at any given moment.

Then why was it I felt this way about a woman who hated my guts? Maybe that was partly the reason. Even after being forced to surrender to harsh punishment, her resolve remained rock solid.

Her hatred for me as well.

While she’d also been embarrassed, she’d held her own and I had to give her credit for that as well.

I found all her personal attributes just as enticing as her stunning looks. What disturbed me was that she’d somehow made me feel things I hadn’t felt before, or at least in a very long time. I should hate her for that as she did me.

But I couldn’t.

I simply wanted to peel away her layers of complexity.

Every part of me itched to pull her close, but it wasn’t the right time. Not yet. But soon.

Genevieve’s body was still trembling and she remained where she was. Her long strands of hair cascaded over her shoulders, which allowed me a better view of the marks crisscrossing her bottom. They would fade within a day. I’d gone easy on her on purpose. Her skin was too delicate to destroy and doing so hadn’t been my intent.

She was too…

Even in my ruthlessness, I’d never been the kind of man to enjoy hurting a woman. Another reason I’d kept them at arm’s length.

“Release Marco. Now!” She’d suddenly found her voice, turning toward me, venom in her sapphire eyes.

“You are in no position to demand anything.”

“We had a deal. Honor it.” Whatever shame she’d felt before had vanished. She was doing her best to become comfortable in her nakedness.

Meanwhile, I was anything but comfortable. My cock had remained fully aroused the entire time I’d disciplined her. My balls were still aching. “First, you call off your men.”

She kept her glare for a full ten seconds before rolling her eyes and laughing. “You’re like a little boy fearful of the big, bad she-wolf.”

“Fascinating analogy, but I think it’s you who feel the fear.” I took long strides toward the table where I’d placed her purse, yanking it into my hand. I’d already taken her weapon, which I wasn’t surprised she’d been carrying, but I’d left her phone inside. By now, her commander and his team were likely headed in our direction.

While I didn’t mind urban warfare, tonight I had no interest in losing time with aspects of business when I could savor so many rounds of pleasure.

She remained where she was as I walked toward her.

“Call your man. Tell him to back down.”

Fortunately, she didn’t bother asking what would happen if she didn’t. She’d gotten the message loud and clear. “And what else should I tell him?”

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