Page 52 of Under the Lights

“No. Iknow, it won’t happen again.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder.

Raising my eyebrows, I stared right into her blazing eyes. “Whatever you say, Darlin’.”

I knew I was being a condescending prick, but it was just so much fun to get her all riled up.

This time, she closed the distance between us, jabbing her finger into my chest as she glowered up at me. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“Hmm. Let’s see…” I counted on my fingers as I spoke, “Your roommate’s little brother, the next — andbest— defensive end on this school’s team, and … there was something else …oh, yeah!” I tapped my forehead with one finger, as if I just remembered. “Your next boyfriend.”

Her mouth dropped open, complete and utter disbelief written all over her face.

“Careful, Darlin’, you don’t want me to get any ideas,” I drawled, my eyes flicking down to the steel pipe in my shorts and back up to her mouth.

A blush rose to her cheeks as she followed my gaze, then she tore her eyes away and snapped her mouth shut again, her jaw clenching.

“You’re delusional.”

She was trying to gain the upper hand again, trying to put on an icy facade, but I was enjoying myself too much to let her take an easy out. I wanted her fire, her venom; I wanted it all — the good and the bad.

I’d collect every piece of her, down to her very soul, strip her armor,layer by layer. Why should she be allowed to keep it? She wouldn’t need it.I’dbe her fucking armor.I’dprotect her, cherish her, keep her safe.

I chuckled, letting her see the wicked grin curling my lips. “Yeah? Am I?”

Before she could answer, could spew more lies out of her pretty mouth, my hand closed around her throat. It fit perfectly, as if it had always been meant to be there. I admired the contrast of my ink against her smooth, creamy skin.

Magnificent.

“See, I don’t think I’m delusional. At all. Wanna know why?”

Sierra was panting, looking up at me wide-eyed, lips parted, but made no move to slip out of my grasp.

I pressed down on the side of her neck with just my thumb and forefinger, holding her gaze steady. As her body relaxed slightly in my grip, I lowered my face to hers, our noses almost touching.

“Thisis why. Because of that look on your face right now. Fuck, Darlin’, you shouldseeyourself. Pupils all blown, your cheeks flushed — and I bet your pretty little pussy is weeping for me.”

Her breath caught, and I planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Yeah, you like being submissive to me. I can taste it in the fucking air.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she broke free of my grip, taking a couple of steps back.Well, guess it had been too early for that. She’d get there — eventually.

Unconcerned, I gave her some space and leaned against the counter again, smirking.

She took a deep breath, then opened her pretty lips again. “You are—”

But I didn’t get to find outwhatI was because just then, Ella and her friend Hailey pushed through the door, arms laden with some of her stuff. Hailey looked at me curiously, while Ella’s suspicious eyes darted back and forth between Sierra and me.

If looks could kill, I’d definitely drop dead right now, with the way Sierra was glaring at me.

“Sierra!” My sister called cheerfully. “I see you’ve met my brother.”

“Yes, indeed,” Sierra replied stiffly, and I pursed my lips to keep myself from bursting out laughing.

“Oh yes, Sierra and I are well acquainted, aren’t we?” I grinned, playing innocent.

Sierra huffed disdainfully before flicking her hair over her shoulder. She didn’t acknowledge my words, but that was fine. I knew I was in her head.

“Okay?” Ella sounded a little confused, then looked at me. “Hey, Dom, why don’t you go downstairs and put all those muscles you’re lugging around to good use?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Sierra’s eyes roaming over the muscles in question. She was quick, her gaze flicking up again in a flash, but I couldn’t imagine ever not noticing when her eyes were on me.

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