Page 27 of Cruel Bargain

“Oh, God…I can’t believe what just happened.”

I give a short chuckle, then adjust the painful bulge in my boxers as I go to reclaim my shirt.

“Where are you going?” she asks, turning over onto her side to look at me.

“To bed.”

“Huh?”

“It’s been a long day, and I’m exhausted.”

“But…I thought we were…”

“I did what I did, but I won’t do that.”

“Isn’t that your job, though?”

“Britney, right now, my only job is protecting you.”

Chapter6

THEY’VE BEEN FOUND

BRITNEY

For the first time since I’ve arrived at the Keep, I wish I weren’t waking alone.

Last night was…unexpected. Something straight out of a fairytale.

I must have imagined what sex with Alistair would be like half a hundred times, knowing that it would eventually happen, but it never started with his face pressed between my thighs, making hungry sounds.

And the way my body responded to it was obscene.

It also never ended without sex. Terrible, painful sex that I couldn’t escape.

Was I wrong to withhold sex from Alistair for so long?

No. I’m not even sure I should have sex with him, given the circumstances.

But…I may have misjudged him.

No, not may. I did misjudge him. I’ve been treating him with contempt for months, angry about everything under the damn sun, while he took it all. He was my shield in this nightmare world, taking not only the shots aimed at me but the ones I aimed at him.

And now I’m flooded with too many emotions, because not only is my sister safe, but she’s here, at the Keep.

But that’s only part of the emotional flood, because after my sister was saved, I had my first-ever sexual experience.

Which I’m still recovering from.

After washing up, I go out into the living quarters and see Alistair watching television.

Holy hell is he handsome. How have I never been attracted to him before?

“Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready to leave?” I ask in a casual tone.

“Right now, my only job is knocking you up, which isn’t happening.”

“Oh…”

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