Page 29 of Compelled Obedience

“Exactly. The number one rule inside any club in the Carnal Sins Corporation is that every act requires full consent. This isn’t about abuse or forcing anyone to do anything against their will. If a member ever handles anyone, including my employees inappropriately, they are tossed out and if the act is egregious, I’ll call the police myself.”

“Oh,” she said, hiding behind her wine. “That’s comforting. Maybe it’s something I could aspire to one day. I mean working in Carnal Sins. I know I’m not ready yet.”

“Well, it’s something we can talk about in the future if you’re serious.” Her quest alone kept me on a darkened precipice, my need to be the one to train her riding high. Goddamn, I wanted this woman.

Kerri squirmed in her seat, her pulse quickening. I could see it in the vein on the side of her long neck. “Do you have someone you’re sharing that with? You’re a good-looking man. I can imagine women are lining up.”

“You think I’m good looking?”

She narrowed her eyes, her rebellious side returning. “Puh-lease. Don’t try that. You know you’re one hot hunk. If you don’t know, you’re blind.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment and no, Kerri. I have no one in my life. Do you?” I leaned in and the slight sound she made came from deep in her throat. Jesus. My cock was pinching against my zipper. My balls were now purple.

“No. I don’t plan on changing that either.” She lifted her head, finally searching my eyes, shifting even closer. The electric energy was off the charts, the desire roaring through both of us explosive.

I lowered my head until our lips were almost touching, the longing building to a point I wouldn’t be able to control my actions much longer.

“Finish your drink,” I commanded.

“Why?” Her voice was husky from desire.

“Because you’re coming with me.”

Tick. Tock.

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because… I don’t need complications.” She leaned back, trying to avoid eye contact.

“There won’t be any. As of now, you belong to me.”

“I can’t.”

“You can and you will. That wasn’t a multiple choice question but a statement of fact.”

“I just… I need some air.”

She pressed her hand against my chest, allowing her fingers to knead my shirt. When she dragged her tongue across her bottom lip, I slipped my hand under her hair, wrapping my fingers around the back of her neck.

Then without warning, she pushed herself away and off the stool, skirting around me in a wide berth as she walked away.

I dropped my head briefly, my exhale exaggerated. When I glanced up again, Joe was standing in front of me, his smirk similar to what I’d seen on Kerri’s face.

“So. She’s the woman who brought you back from the dead. Huh?” he asked, always able to cut through whatever heavy crap I brought with me into the bar.

“Afraid so and she hates me.” Goddamn, I wanted the woman. I’d felt this way once in my life, the stupid, cocky kid I’d been losing the best thing that had happened to me. I didn’t plan on allowing that to happen again.

“Isn’t there something in romance books that says enemies to lovers is hot as fuck?”

The man always made me laugh, sometimes when I needed it the most. “I don’t know, Joe.”

“What are you going to do now? Are you going to just let her walk away?”

I took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds. Then I blew it out and laughed. “Nope.” I powered back the rest of my bourbon then stood. “Have another one waiting for me and don’t let anyone near the women’s restroom. I’m going to take what belongs to me.”

CHAPTER 8

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