Page 13 of Captured Innocence

“Aren’t you?” I purred. “The use of the term ‘mine’ is very possessive. Were you just playing a game?”

He lifted a single eyebrow, yanking me closer until he was able to grind his hips back and forth. The feel of his massive throbbing cock pulsing against my stomach kept the butterflies tickling my system. “If I play, I play to win.”

“I’m not a prize nor am I a toy.”

The rush of desire was stripping away my ability to think clearly, so much so that I almost found the strength to push myself away from him. When I stiffened, hating the fact my nipples were aching to the point I was left breathless, his grip on the back of my neck tightened.

“Did you come here to tease me, princess, flaunting all the things that a man like me shouldn’t have or did your father send you with a message? Did you finally share with him what I said to you as a good little girl would do, especially after saving your life from some very bad men?”

I laughed, surprised he would think that way. “Why would I share our secret? I’m not my father’s puppet and never will be, and I am most certainly not a good girl. I do things that I want when I desire.”

“Interesting. By all rights, I should toss you from my building.”

“I think you’d regret that after I came all this way to see you.”

He seemed amused at my comment, studying me intently. “Be careful tempting a bad man, princess. You’re far too vulnerable to know where that would lead.”

“If you’re trying to scare me, it’s not working.” I rolled a single finger down the side of his neck, noticing what appeared to be the tail end of a scar. I could only imagine how many he had after all the battles he’d found over the years.

His laugh, just like his booming, deep voice sent a shower of velveteen shivers all the down the backs of my legs. As he dug his fingers in my skin, keeping me crowded close, I was thrown by how many tingles remained furrowing inside. I wasn’t usually rocked by any man, including those with gorgeous bodies.

“I wouldn’t attempt to scare you, Sophia. You’re a very intelligent woman. You’re also completely aware of who I am and what I can do, which is why I’m more than curious as to why you stepped foot inside my club. Perhaps you’re only taking me up on my offer.” His growl was deep and throaty.

Why did it feel like I was suddenly a very tiny mouse, and he was a panther lurking in the shadows?

“Can’t a girl enjoy herself on her birthday weekend?”

His entire face lit up as if realizing what I was telling him. “One entire year ago I made you a pledge. I always make good on my promises, Sophia, even if they could be destructive. However, it’s best if you walked away. I’m telling you this because I care about you. You have one chance to leave, or I’ll make good on the deal I made you.”

“I didn’t know you offered anything. I thought you always took what you wanted.”

The way his nostrils flared kept explosive heat corroding every inch of me. “You do know me better than I understood. You are correct.”

“But as I told you before, I make my own decisions.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “You are quite the naughty little girl. Aren’t you?”

“Wouldn’t you like to find out? What if I don’t choose to leave?”

He narrowed his eyes, taking several ragged breaths. “Then you’ll be under my control for the remainder of the evening, obeying my every command. After that, your entire world as you’ve experienced it will change. It may not happen overnight, but there will be no turning back. You will belong to me.”

“A bird in a gilded cage. I’m not interested in going from one to another.”

“Do you think you’ll have a choice?”

“Don’t we all have choices?” I could tell I continued to amuse him. I doubted he was used to a strong woman standing up for herself, especially one so young.

“I know you know the answer to that, Sophia. We live in a jaded world of wealth and power, but our choices are limited.”

“But you chose me.”

As his nostrils flared, a low rumble formed deep in his throat. “You’re correct. I did.”

“The question is. Do you think you can handle me?”

“As I said cautioned before, be careful. This is your last warning, Sophia. I meant what I said last year.”

“I’m not leaving.”

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