Page 101 of Watching Her

No, painting wasn’t my weakness.

She was.

And in realizing how much so, I knew at some point our relationship would be exposed and used for profit and gain.

If that happened, I’d be prepared.

They wouldn’t, learning the hard way that crossing me or daring to defy the joy she was finally experiencing was a death sentence.

My jaw was clenched and I was grinding my teeth as I held back from climaxing. I’d be damned if it wasn’t one of the most difficult things I’d done. I finally let go of her hair, gripping both hips and I knew my hold had to be painful.

Penelope tossed her head from side to side, her moans escalating until I couldn’t take it any longer.

When I finally allowed myself to release, filling her with my seed, I felt a completely different need to possess and protect.

At all costs.

Including my business.

In fact, I was getting to the point I’d do anything to make her happy.

CHAPTER 22

Christian

“I have some business to take care of out of town.” Dropping her off at her house felt almost normal. Although I doubted anyone who knew me would ever concur.

Penelope pressed her hands against my chest. “Another woman?”

“You didn’t know I have one in every city where Tempest owns a hotel?”

“Ah, so that’s what I have to look forward to. A suite in a fancy hotel and a long leash with your name etched in my collar.”

“If you’re a good girl.” I brushed hair from her face, adoring her purposeful shudder. She knew how to play me too well. Perhaps I should consider her the manipulative one in the relationship.

Interesting.

I’d used the word for the first time in my life.

“Well, since that’ll never happen.” She giggled. “I had fun yesterday, even if I was forced to be with a very dangerous man.”

Why was it I almost felt guilty with part of the reason I was leaving town? Should I tell her I was soon to eliminate the man who’d caused her heartache and fear? I’d searched for and read as many of the troll’s posts to her as I’d been able to find.

What she didn’t understand was that there was a pattern. I knew it well. He was escalating and soon, he’d find a way to make physical contact. I had no intention of allowing that to happen. HotAlphaMan had crossed a line that couldn’t be undone.

“You have no idea just how evil I can be.” I slipped my hand under her hair. “Dinner when I return.”

“I’ll check my calendar.”

“You will have dinner with me and do you know why?”

“Why?” She fiddled with the button on my shirt.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret. You’re going to be my dessert.”

“Don’t tease me or I’ll invite you in,” she murmured.

The desire for her was only continued to increase. I rolled my knuckles down her neck, enjoying the way goosebumps formed from my touch. “Haven’t you figured out already that I’ll simply make my way into your home and take what I want when I want?”