Page 54 of His to Possess
Before she could react, I moved, tackling her to the bed. Her wrists were pinned above her head by my left hand, while my right hand gripped her hip, holding her firmly in place. Our bodies aligned, my chest pressing against hers, our faces mere inches apart. I took delight in the surprised gasp that escaped her lips.
I held her gaze, the spark of anger in my eyes matching hers. "No game, no deal," I whispered, my voice laced with a dangerous edge. "And if there's no deal, then I can simply take what I want."
I watched as comprehension dawned in her eyes, followed swiftly by determination. She tried to wriggle free, but her attempts were futile against my strength. A heady mix of adrenaline and desire coursed through me at her struggles.
My lips twisted into a dangerous smile as I leaned in closer, my mouth mere centimeters from hers. "And right now, what I want is that piece of paper."
Her breath quickened, her chest rising and falling rapidly beneath me. "You wouldn't dare." There was a challenge in her voice even as her eyes darted nervously to where my hand held her wrists captive.
I felt my smile widen, knowing I had won this battle. "Try me," I murmured, my lips brushing against hers.
For a moment, she held my gaze, her body trembling beneath me. Then, slowly, she relented, her resistance melting into surrender. "Fine. You win. I'll accept your challenge."
I felt a rush of satisfaction at her capitulation, but it was short-lived as my attention returned to the prize at hand. Slowly, deliberately, I released her wrists, and slid off her to stand up, offering her a hand that she smacked away.
I watched her carefully as I made my offer, feeling generous in the afterglow of my victory. "To sweeten the deal," I said, "if you win, you can ask for anything."
Something flashed in her eyes, a spark of interest, perhaps even excitement. For a moment, I felt a flicker of wariness. What could she be thinking? But I quickly dismissed the concern. There was nothing she could do to win the challenge I had in mind. I was in control here, as always.
"Anything?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes were locked on mine, searching for any sign of deception.
I nodded, allowing a small smile to play at the corners of my mouth. "Anything within reason. I'm a man of my word. If you win, the prize is yours."
I watched as she mulled over my offer, her mind clearly racing. The tension in the room was palpable, electric. I could almost see the wheels turning in her head, considering all the possibilities this opportunity presented.
Part of me was curious about what she might ask for if she won. Freedom from the contract? A change in our arrangement? Or perhaps something more personal, more intimate? The possibilities were endless, but I pushed them aside. It didn't matter what she might want. I had no intention of losing this challenge.
"Alright," she said finally, her voice steady despite the nervousness I could see in her eyes. "I accept your terms. What's the challenge?"
Chapter 19
Rex
I padded towards Laurel’s room, every step echoing my triumph. A smirk played at the corners of my mouth as I replayed the scene at her apartment. That little piece of paper, hastily hidden beneath her foot—did she really think she could outsmart me? Foolish girl.
The surge of raw power coursed through my veins. I had molded countless collectibles over the years, each one a testament to my control. Some had been sweet, others stubborn, but in the end, they all yielded. I always got what I wanted from them: their talent, their body, the very essence of their soul.
Laurel Bowers… she almost threw me off balance. Almost. She was brilliant, beautiful, and stubborn, not unlike others I had collected. But there was something about her that threatened to derail me, to slip under my skin. That couldn’t happen. Wouldn’t happen.
I paused outside her door, my hand hovering over the handle. I had used many collectibles, shaped them, and discarded themwhen I was done. The process had always been under my control, the impact on me carefully measured and contained. Laurel would be no different.
Yet, as I stood there, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that she was already affecting me more than I’d like to admit. Her defiance, her sharp mind, they challenged me in ways I wasn’t accustomed to. It was invigorating. Dangerous. But also more fun than I had in years.
I clenched my fist, pushing away these unsettling thoughts. No, Laurel Bowers was just another acquisition. A prized one, perhaps, but still within my control. I wouldn’t let her significance grow beyond what I had decided. She would bend to my will, just like all the others. She would take her place in my collection and then, I would move on.
I knocked on her door, my knuckles barely grazing the wood before it swung open. Laurel stood there, a vision in seafoam green satin that clung to her curves like water. She was dressed exactly as I had instructed, the slip transforming her into a siren straight out of myth, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders. My breath caught for a moment, but I quickly schooled my features back into their usual mask of control.
Her eyes raked over me, taking in my plain black t-shirt and sports pants. I could see the emotions warring behind her gaze—resolve, fear, and that ever-present defiance that both infuriated and amused me.
“Why am I always the one almost naked?” she asked, her tone challenging as she gestured to my attire.
I stepped into her room, closing the door behind me. “Because that’s how I want it,” I replied, my voice low and steady. “Your body is part of our arrangement. Mine isn’t.”
She crossed her arms, the satin rippling with the movement. “That hardly seems fair.”
“Fair?” A sound escaped my lips, devoid of humor. “I thought you understood by now. This isn’t about fairness. It’s about power.Mypower.” I moved closer, invading her personal space. She didn’t back down, tilting her chin up defiantly. “You, on the other hand, made your choice when you signed the contract,” I reminded her. “Everything else? That’s mine to decide.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but I cut her off. “Now, about our little challenge from earlier. Are you ready to play?”
