Page 13 of Traded & Bred By the Bratva
“Of course, you did.”
Her cheeks flush slightly. "I’ve never done this before, so I looked stuff up." She tosses her hair. "Most sugar relationships aren't exclusive."
My reaction is immediate, instinctive, and violent. Something cold and possessive instantly unfurls inside my chest. "No." The word comes out harder than intended.
No other man can touch her. Can’t even look at her.
She’s mine.
Sydney blinks. "No?"
“There will be no other men. Break up with whomever you’re dating.”
“I’m not dating anyone.” She frowns. “That’s not what I asked.”
I take a deep breath and rewind the conversation in my mind until I get to her original question. "There’s no girlfriend."
Her shoulders relax slightly. The reaction shouldn't please me, but it does. Unfortunately.
"What about other women?"
The possessive feeling returns, and it’s stronger this time. I take a slow step toward her. Then another.
Sydney stops breathing.
I notice because I stop breathing too as the space between us narrows. "Why do you care?" The question emerges rougher than intended.
Her eyes widen. I must have caught her off guard, because she takes a moment to answer. She lifts her chin. "I was asking because I wanted to understand the arrangement."
That’s reasonable, even logical. Unfortunately, both have abandoned my brain, as evident by tonight’s purchase. "There won't be other women." Her breath catches, and I continue. "There definitely won't be other men either."
Sydney swallows, and the movement draws my attention to her mouth, again. It’s a massive mistake, because now I can't stop looking.
Her lips part slightly.
My pulse immediately kicks harder.Fuck. I've faced armed rivals without feeling this off balance. Yet, somehow standing three feet from Sydney Noble is testing my self-control.
"You sound very sure about that." Her voice is softer now, not quite teasing, not quite challenging, but something in between.
I take another step and am now close enough to catch the scent of her perfume.
Close enough to see tiny flecks of darker blue in her eyes.
Close enough to touch.
"I'm very sure." My voice is dark and rough.
For a moment neither of us moves. The attraction between us hangs in the air, undeniable and growing stronger with every second. I should leave.
I should put distance between us.
I should remember the investigation and the risks and complications it carries.
Instead, I remain exactly where I am.
So, does she.
Sydney's gaze drops briefly to my mouth and then returns to my eyes. The movement feels like a spark landing in gasoline. My restraint unravels slowly, dangerously.
