Page 15 of Payback
“You remember the perfume I favored when I was younger?”
“Well, you always did relish shoving yourself in my face. It wasn’t difficult to catch a whiff,” he remarked.
“No, but you still recall, despite the passing years,” I reminded him.
“Yes, the scent of it—even in cooking—used to turn my stomach,” he confided.
“Then why even bring it? Why not opt for one that doesn’t nauseate you?”
“Because this one will be the icing on the cake.”
“As you vomit all over me?” I asked sarcastically, earning a chuckle from him and a dismissive shake of his head.
“No, I’ve learned to appreciate the aroma. It was only for a few years that it made me queasy and sent shivers down my spine, but now it smells like...” he brought the perfume bottle beneath his nose, “victory.”
I glared at him, despising the way he uttered the word, as if the battle between us had concluded. In reality, it had only just begun. I was determined to have the last laugh.
Chapter 8
-Jared-
True payback required time. It demanded patience and meticulous planning. To exact the ultimate revenge, I had to exercise restraint. I needed to watch and learn, strategize my every move. The prospect of the rewarding outcome that awaited at the journey’s end prevented me from impulsively throwing Alison over my shoulder and tossing her into my car. Kidnapping wasn’t a smart strategy. Our current situation was governed by a contract, a legally binding one. For the next month, Alison was mine, and during that time, I intended to ruin her before setting her life ablaze. If she believed that this arrangement safeguarded her from true consequences, she was gravely mistaken. As I had mentioned before, genuine retribution demanded patience, and I was going to savor every step of the way.
“Fine, let’s take it then,” she conceded, extending her hand for me to place the perfume bottle in. I smiled, gradually reaching forward as though I was about to deposit the bottle in her palm. However, with a swift movement, I caught her hand with my free one. Yanking her toward me, I enveloped her in my arm and leaned down, forcefully capturing her lips in a searing kiss. She let out a small whimper, her palms pushing against my chest as I maintained our connection. The satisfaction of the kiss stemmed solely from knowing how much she despised it. While she struggled to break free, I exerted my will to keep us locked together for a few more moments before eventually pulling away. Her eyes glared at me with genuine animosity, and I ran my tongue across my lips, pretending to savor her taste.
"You're repulsive."
“The feeling is mutual,” I shot back.
“You kiss like a dog, all sloppy!” she retorted, prompting me to swiftly smack her ass, causing her to gasp and press herself against me to evade the tight grip on her butt. The newfound freedom to do this was astonishing. I could hardly fathom the sudden power I possessed. It was intoxicating.
“Then it’s fortunate that I intend for you to despise it,” I pointed out. “Expect more tongue next time, licking your lips all over. Isn’t that how a dog does it?”
I could see her mentally visualizing it, her expression contorting in disgust. There was nothing more unappealing than a sloppy kisser who left you feeling drenched around your mouth. It was akin to being engulfed by a gigantic catfish, sucking on your lips. If that was the kind of kiss she loathed, then I was all too eager to oblige.
“Could you release me now?”
“Oh, asking nicely, are we?” I teased.
“Release me!”
“Now it has turned into a command. Are you forgetting who gives orders between us?” I asked.
“I did ask politely at first.”
“Well, there was a hint of anger beneath it. Try again,” I instructed.
She maintained that perfected glare, but I was no longer the same kid under her rule. Now I could actually fight back, and I was prepared to do so with such intensity. She took a moment to compose herself, and then a nearly serene expression overcame her.
“Could you release me?” she asked more calmly.
“Can you release me…?” I gently coaxed.
“Please?”
“Not the word I had in mind,” I informed her.
“Then what word are you seeking?”
