Page 54 of Taming Her

“You’re not drinking at the moment, Ava. You know the rules.” He tilted his chin, his eyes piercing hers.

Her jaw clenched as irritation took hold. “It’s a sunny day, I’m in a holiday mood. I want a glass of sangria.” She lifted one of the glasses and watched the light refract through the ruby liquid.

“Put. That. Down.” His voice was low and rasping.

“You need to lighten up, Griff.” Her mouth watered for the taste of the drink. There was a party here that needed to get started.

“I do not need to lighten up. I need you to do as you’re told.”

His tone irked her—so damn dictatorial. What was he going to do if she drank the sangria? Spank her? Yes, probably, but it would be worth it, and if she drank enough she might not feel it.

“I’m warning you, Ava. Do not take one sip.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“Really?” He set his hands on the island, fists clenched, and hunched forward. “Is that what you honestly think?”

He looked like a giant, his face dark and menacing.

Well, she’d show him. She wasn’t scared. She’d do what the heck she wanted. She was an adult living in a free country.

She raised the glass to her lips. The sweet scent caught in her nostrils. She held his gaze.

His eyes narrowed.

She took a sip. Her ass tingled—her body seeming to know what was coming. Oh, but the drink was divine. Fresh, cold, and fruity and as it sat on her tongue she was back in Ibiza.

But one sip was all she got. The glass was snatched from her hand and thrown into the sink. It smashed with a loud, shocking crash.

The second glass joined it. Scarlet drips showering upward then raining over the white enamel and broken shards.

Ava gasped and scooted to the other end of the island. Her stomach clenched and a shot of adrenaline whooshed into her system.

He chased her, his jaw clamped.

But she was fast, and slipped farther away, sliding her hand over the granite and keeping the island between them. A barrier. She’d bet he wouldn’t jump over it to grab her.

“Come here,” he demanded gruffly from the other side.

“No.”

“I mean it.” Fury dripped from every word. “Come here.”

“So you can spank me?” She shifted left then right, trying to judge which way he’d chase. “Not likely.”

“Too damn right I’m going to punish your naughty ass. You won’t sit down for a week.”

“Week, I won’t be here that long.” She really couldn’t be. She had to get out of the cottage. Flee back to Bristol. He was a madman. This had gone too far.

He rushed to the left.

She flew to the right and found the door to the hallway within reach. Quickly she raced toward it; she’d pelt along the drive, get out onto the road and escape.

She made it a full five paces before he wrapped his arm around her waist and hauled her into the air, slamming her back against his chest. “You annoying little brat.”

“Big bastard. Get off me.” She tried to peel his fingers from her arms. “I mean it. Get off.”

“Why would you try and sabotage all we’ve achieved this week?” he snapped by her ear.

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