Page 53 of Silken Chains
She bites her lip so hard I see red. Not a figure of speech; there’s actual blood. Nervous habit or not, a rush of something I can’t quite name courses through me.
Rising from my seat, I approach her, my movements deliberate and casting my shadow right over her.
She halts, eyes locked on mine. I can see panic rippling through her.
“Relax, hurting you isn’t on my agenda, kiska.” I state clearly.
Laura’s worry makes sense, but she’s exactly who I need for this.
Her shoulders drop a notch, easing up, but her eyes stay sharp, watching me like a hawk.
Fuck, I’ve never craved anything as intensely as I do now. My knuckles turn white from the pressure of my grip, desire pulsing through my veins like a fever.
“You’re bleeding.” I grab her chin gently yet firmly, making sure she’s looking right at me. There’s a moment, right before I kiss her, where I can practically hear her heart racing. And then I do—kiss her, I mean. It’s soft, but there’s a taste of blood. Her blood. And damn, if it doesn’t light a fire in me.
She doesn’t push me away.
Instead, there’s this hesitation, like she’s fighting with herself about how to feel.
It’s a kiss that’s supposed to show her I’m in charge, but the taste of her, that hint of blood, throws me off my game.
And then, just as I’m about to deepen the kiss, to really stake my claim, she fucking bites me. Hard.
I jerk back, more out of surprise than pain. My tongue darts out, tasting my own blood now.
Laura’s eyes are wide, her chest heaving. She looks like she can’t quite believe what she just did.
Neither can I.
A slow, wicked grin spreads across my face. “Well, well, kotyonok. Looks like this kitten has claws.”
She glares at me, defiant even now. “I’m not your fucking kitten.”
I laugh, deep and throaty. God, she’s a feisty one. It only makes me want her more.
“We’ll see about that,” I murmur, stepping closer.
She backs up, but there’s nowhere to go. I’ve got her cornered, trapped between me and the wall.
I lean in, my lips brushing her ear. “You know, I’ve always liked a challenge.”
She shivers, and I can practically feel the goosebumps rising on her skin. “Fuck you,” she whispers, but there’s no heat behind it.
“Mmm, maybe later,” I tease, nipping at her earlobe. “If you’re a good girl.”
She makes a noise somewhere between a gasp and a growl, and it shoots straight to my cock.
I pull back just enough to look her in the eye. “But for now, we have business to discuss.”
I trace my thumb over her lower lip, smearing the blood there. Hers and mine.
“You’re going to help me, Laura,” I say, my voice low and commanding. “And in return, I’ll give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
Her eyes search mine, looking for the catch. “And what’s that?”
I smile, slow and dangerous. “Me, of course.”
She rolls her eyes, a scoff escaping her lips. “You know, you could’ve just asked me nicely. Ever heard of texting?” Her hands press against my chest, a feeble attempt to push me away.
