Page 20 of Uncrowned

My hand snapped to his wrist, and I squeezed with everything I had, meeting his eyes head-on.

“I’m not ready. My father would not approve.”

Strength increased, breaking my hold, growing even higher as he continued his way up.

“This is part of the process. Once you see that fighting won’t stop it, you can start enjoying yourself. I said I won’t go too far, and I’m a man of my word.”

Knocking had me flying to my feet. I headed to the door, swinging it open as Rose pushed in a cart. I couldn’t stop from wringing my hands as she set up the table. John watched me intently, but I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. He remained seated on the chaise, quiet until Rose left and shut the door behind her.

“Would you have tea with me?”

John stood, his face set in tight lines. “Actually, I have other obligations. I’m afraid they slipped my mind. Come give me a goodbye kiss, Penelope, and make it good.”

The niceness was already fading, and it was all my fault. I had flirted with him. I had spoken harshly. Hell, I had squeezed his wrist and tried to stop him. Would he tell my father I had reacted that way to a simple touch? We were engaged. Would I get in trouble for trying to make him stop when he already said he would?

I headed forward as he stood, stopping before him. Worry turned to dread as it battled the anger that lived deep down.

“Are you mad at me? Don’t be mad at me, John. I… I was scared. I told you—I’m sorry.”

No smile. No sign of emotions at all.

“You’re sorry?”

“Yes.”

His hand slipped behind my hair, and his palm wrapped around the back of my neck. I didn’t know what to do as he drug me in the far direction of the library, moving me down the first small aisle of books.

“You led me on, and then you went cold. That’s not a game we’re going to play.”

Fingers tugged at the button of my slacks, jerking the zipper open so fast, I couldn’t do anything but gasp.

“This cunt is mine. We may not be married, but we will, and nothing is going to stop me from having it. Spread your legs.”

His hand slapped viciously into my inner thigh. I could feel survival twist me into a robot as I obeyed. But even then, my eyes were searching for an escape. A cry left me as fabric tore. John lowered to his knees, forcing my slacks down and pulling my panties over, tearing them even more. His tongue pushed into my slit and suction had me fisting his hair as I battled pleasure and horror.

“Fuck, Penelope.”

“You have to stop.”

Hard, he sucked over my clit, using his thumb to spread me wide as he let the tip of his tongue make a path to my opening. I pulled his hair, but it only had him angling his head back as he moved deeper into me. “You taste so good. I needed this. I need⁠—”

“Please. John, stop.”

The crushing pressure from his hand on my hip had me crying out. The door opened again, and I jumped, reaching for my pants to jerk up. My body was nearly convulsing from the trembling. I quickly zipped and slid the button home. John took his time standing. He was angrier than before. He was downright livid as he flattened his hand on my lower back and pushed me to walk. My father was grabbing a scone, his eyes narrowed as we came forward.

“As I was telling Penelope, I have prior engagements. Completely slipped my mind. You won’t mind if I come back tomorrow?”

My father’s stare cut to mine, sharper than any blade ever could.

“Penelope, is all… well?” I quickly nodded but refused to meet his eyes. “Good.” He looked back at John. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

John gave a nod, disappearing through the door. For the briefest moment, I almost felt relief. As if I’d been saved.

“In my library? In my house?”

The power of the slap had my knees buckling. My body crumbled, but before I could hit the ground, my father had me by the blouse, pulling me back to stand.

Whack!