Page 35 of Devious Madness

“No.” He pushes away from the counter, his muscles rippling as he does so.

I need him to put a shirt on. This would be easier if there wasn’t so much of him showing. Every moment is a testament to the abilities of the anatomy, and it’s getting distracting.

He steps around the island until he’s only a few strides from where I stand.

“I’m not going to ignore you. I tried that. It’s not working.” He grabs hold of the buckle of his belt with his right hand, fisting it as he yanks. The leather rips free of his jeans in one fluid motion.

My ass clenches. I shouldn’t have provoked him. I should have let him ignore me.

I’m certain the attention I’m about to get isn’t what I wanted.

Or is it?

Heavy fog rolls in, confusing my thoughts.

“I said I was sorry. Can’t we put it behind us?” I retreat a small step, unsure of where to even go. The cabin isn’t very large, and going outside in the dark is an absolutely bad idea.

“I warned you.” He sucks his top lip between his teeth,dragging it out with a harsh breath. It’s like he’s been debating, and now a decision has been made.

“I know, but…seriously? Your belt?” I try to laugh. “I mean…maybe I could just go to bed without dinner?”

My attempt at lightening the situation doesn’t work on him.

“You have a choice here, Mira.” The belt dangles at his side like a snake ready to strike at any second.

“Oh yeah?” My voice cracks as I ask.

“You can either bend over the back of the couch and accept your punishment, or I can tie you up and make you take it.”

“That’s not much of a choice,” I point out with what I hope is an endearing smile, but the look of steel in his eyes tells me he’s immune to any sort of adorability right now.

“What’s it going to be? Decide now.”

“Rurik.” It’s a plea for mercy he’s incapable of granting.

He shot that man right between the eyes and barely blinked while doing it. While I spiraled after, he’d remained calm, collected. It was like it didn’t faze him in the least.

Because it hadn’t.

Because this man is a killer.

“If you haven’t chosen by the time I reach you, I’m getting the rope from my bag.” He takes one step in my direction.

“Please.” I retreat toward the couch, my mind spinning but my body already acceptingwhat’s to come.

He takes another step, sending my heart into a frenzy.

“Almost there, Mira.” He cocks his head to the side.

One more step, and he’ll be on top of me, but he’s not rushing. It’s like he wants me to make the right choice here.

And at the last second, I do.

Hurrying, I move to the side of the black leather couch and stand at the arm. Tears already burn my eyes, because I know what he expects. He wants me to bend over. He wants me to submit to this barbaric act.

Closing my eyes, as though I can ignore my own actions, I crawl over the arm of the couch, pressing my forearms and cheek into the cool leather cushion.

His jeans brush against my bare legs as he comes to stand behind me. The couch creaks when he leans over my body, blanketing me with his own.

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