Page 23 of Devil's Bride

“Fifty million dollars.”

“Fifty million?” I couldn’t have heard him correctly.

“That will go a long way in ensuring your family has an amazing life.”

I had no idea that he’d thought me so damn stupid. Or maybe he was actually cunning enough to think I’d throw out a number, which would provide him with a more accurate glance at what the business was actually worth.

Which was at least ten times what he’d tossed on the table like trash.

“Yes, it would.” I was able to keep a smile on my face and even found the chutzpa to take another sip of my drink without launching into him as I wanted. I carefully placed the glass on one of the tables and squared my shoulders when I faced him. “I realize you’re not used to dealing with smart, successful woman given your Neanderthal status, Jago. I can understand and even somewhat appreciate the fact you have no couth because you were simply never taught any manners, so I’ll make this as easy for you as possible. I’m not interested in your pittance or your pity. I am my father’s daughter, which means I’m a merciless businesswoman who will have no issue wiping the floor with you if necessary. Now, if you’ll excuse me, this meeting is over. Thank you for the opportunity and for the whiskey. Delicious. As for the company? I’m afraid I can’t say the same.”

With that, I headed for the door.

Just before I walked outside, I heard his throaty laugh, the sound creating a flutter in my stomach.

“Make no mistake, Genevieve. You’ve crossed me. Not a good thing for you to do and I assure you that your punishment will be harsh. And very, very personal.”

CHAPTER 7

Jago

Hell wasn’t nearly as sticky and sizzling hot as the woman attempting to walk away from me.

No one did that.

Genevieve was a spitfire through and through. She was the kind of woman with curves in all the right places and long legs meant for wrapping around my hips as I fucked her long and hard.

In truth, her cavalier attitude and dismissal of me flared my anger while my cock was fully aroused. I’d also never had a woman outsmart me. I’d expected her to take the bait, naïve enough to shout out what the property was worth, so I knew how best to handle the business venture. I’d underestimated her and that irritated the hell out of me.

Unfortunately, when I was enraged or pushed by anyone, I usually reacted without thinking. Tonight wasn’t going to be any different.

Besides, I wanted… no, I needed her to know that not only would her reckless behavior not be acceptable, but that she’d never win in the game of power and fury.

She’d stared at me with the most sensual pair of blue eyes, her defiance nothing but a turn-on. At that moment, I knew I couldn’t let her walk out that door.

I slammed my drink on the table, taking two long strides in her direction. When I snapped my fingers around her wrist, she yelped from shock. I spun her around, not expecting her quick reaction.

She punched me in the face with enough force my head was snapped back.

My training as an MMA fighter kicked in and I had my hand wrapped around her throat in seconds, forcefully pushing her against the wall.

But she wasn’t finished, able to get off a hard thrust of her knee, hitting me just above my groin. The pain was significant, but I kept my hold, driving her against the wall. Her breath stuttered into a gasp, the light in her eyes even more fiery than before.

Before she had a chance to call for her men, I did something I knew I’d likely regret. I captured her mouth, pinning her with the full weight of my body.

While she squirmed and moaned into the kiss, I managed to jerk one arm over her head. The feel of having her in my arms was the same as it had been from the night before, only the electricity was even more powerful.

She truly thought she could overpower me with her keen wit and obvious intelligence, but she had no clue of the kind of man I’d become.

Or the fact that when I saw something I wanted, I took it.

I thrust my tongue inside, almost daring her to bite it. As if reading my mind, she did and the instant taste of blood in my mouth wasn’t a deterrent, but an intense aphrodisiac. The rush of vibrations kept my dick at full attention, eager to have her luscious mouth wrapped around it sucking like a good little girl.

She continued fighting me, driving her fist into my side several times. The woman had been trained, although she certainly had no idea about the skills her opponent had. While she was furious, hatred running through her veins, there was no denying the explosive heat between us.

With another brutal jab of her hand, I was forced to break the kiss, but didn’t stop there, pushing my thumb under her chin and lifting her head as we both gasped for air.

“Do you like it rough, Genevieve? Do you crave what only I can give you? Did you think about me last night?”

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