Page 57 of A Kiss at Midnight

“Anything,” I tell him. “What I feel, what I want. None of it matters.”

“I don’t agree, Jewel. What you want is very important.” This contradicts everything he’s been saying to me, everything he’s doing. I can’t keep up with him.

When he pulls me onto his lap and draws my head against his chest, I know I should resist, but I’m too tired. This man, who causes me so much pain, also seems to be the one shouldering it. It makes no sense, but what in my world makes sense anymore?

Since the death of my mother, I’ve felt like a passenger on a roller coaster without brakes, and all I can do is pray that at some point the ride will stop, and I’ll end up safely back on solid ground.

“How long will this go on? Do you want me broken? If that’s the case, it’s close to happening.” Damnation. I’ll regret these words later, when I feel stronger.IfI ever feel stronger.

“I don’t want to break you, Jewel,” he says, letting his fingers sift through my hair.

“I thought that’s what you love to do, Blake — break women.”

“I won’t deny it’s brought me pleasure in the past. But a person can change.”

“No. Not that much. I don’t think anyone can change entirely from who they are. Especially if they don’t want to.”

“It’s simple, Jewel. I’ve decided I don’t want to let you go,” he says.

“And what if I don’t go along with your plan?”

“I have something you want, so I think you will.” His voice is filled with the utmost confidence.

“There’s nothing you have that will make mewantto stay past the end date,” I say, my voice a bit stronger.

“You don’t know what I have, Jewel.”

I don’t want to ask him, don’t want to know what he’s holding over me, besides, this night won’t end until he gets to make his point.

“What is it, Blake? What do you have?” My heart pounds during the long moments of silence. But at last, Blake speaks.

“I have access to your brother.”

A few minutes might pass, perhaps even an hour. I have no idea, because after Blake speaks of my brother, my heart stops.

“What’s going on?”

“Let’s just say I’ve done some research, Jewel. I’ve found out quite a lot.”

“Why are you doing this to me? Is this your idea of a cruel joke? Do you find my pain amusing?” He releases me, and I jump up and begin pacing as I wait for his response.

He slowly stands and approaches me with measured strides, intimidating in his masculinity. I back away, but once again am against the wall, with Blake trapping me.

“I don’t joke,” he says, his words low and ringing with the sound of truth.

“But...”

“I found out everything about your brother. As I told you, I have access.”

“I’ll ask again, Blake. How? And what’s the price you want from me?”

“Does it make a difference?”

His words are a clear challenge, and all of the fight leaves me. “No.” I’ll do anything to have Justin. Haven’t I already proven that when I stripped for this man?

He rests his fingers against my hip. “Are you going to keep defying me?”

“Yes.” I’m surprised when the word emerges. How can I be so foolish as to risk this? I won’t. But before I can correct myself, he leans against me and brushes my mouth.

---