Page 166 of Toxic Kiss

“It was a little therapeutic to kick one of these overly handsy groupies’ ass finally.”

“It really bothers you, doesn’t it?”

She hits me with a look, calling me a dumbass without saying it aloud.

“Okay, I’ll stop doing VIP sessions.”

“What? You can’t do that. The band⁠—”

“Will survive without me for an hour while they get their asses kissed by a bunch of fans.”

“My father won’t like that. That will only make my life harder, not easier, Cy.”

“Then tell me what you want. I don’t want them. I put on that performance because it’s what I’m supposed to do, but that’s how we ended up here…” I point around the jail cell. “This is not a healthy cycle,” I say, making her laugh.

“No. I suppose it’s not. Let me think about it.”

I nod.

“You can’t quit,” I say, and our eyes meet once more. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are coming back into my life and stealing my heart all over again. You can threaten to walk out all you want, but it’s not happening. I won’t let you leave me again, Haven. Not without giving us a real fucking shot. If I have to tie your adorable ass up, I will.”

The defiant look she gives me makes my body hot all over.

“Is that so?”

“It is. You’ll look hot in ropes.”

She turns toward me, hands gripping the bars, and I place mine on top of hers. The connection instantly calms my nervous system.

“And what will you do if I do move to a new position?”

“Then I’ll quit the band and find another way to prove to you that we’re inevitable. If that means I have to follow your sexy ass all across the country, take up an office job, kill every guy who looks your way, or whatever else…I’ll do it.”

Haven’s mouth falls open.

Reaching through, I grab the back of her neck and pull her closer until our faces are pressed against the cold steel, and our lips are melded together.

“If there weren’t bars between us, I’d fuck you right now,” I growl.

“You can’t be serious.”

“Why not?” I nip her bottom lip before sucking it into my mouth. “Say the fucking words, Haven. Just say them.”

There is a long hesitation as she stares into my eyes as if she’s touching my soul.

“Fine…I’m jealous,” she whispers.

“Good girl, now say you’re mine, and you’ll give us a chance.”

“Cy—”

“Fucking say it, Haven. Or I swear I’ll tattoo it across your forehead.”

She tries to pull back, but my fingers tighten on her neck and hold her firm.

“Stop fighting and just say it, you know you want to.” She remains silent. “Fuck me, Butterfly…so stubborn. Say it, or else.”

My voice is rough, shaking with the craving burning through my body.