The scent of him was intoxicating, spilling into my nostrils and sliding into every cell. I blinked twice, holding back a moan. While there was anger in his eyes, it wasn’t the same level as I’d seen before, even when my father had gone into one of his rages.
This man was far more controlled.
Releasing one hand, he yanked the file from his pocket, lifting the metal piece in front of me as he shook his head. “You shouldn’t have done this. You obviously know who I am and what I can do.”
“More threats. I know you’re going to have to kill me. If you think I’m going to let you do that without a fight, you’re dead wrong and I don’t give a fuck who or what you are.”
His eyes opened wide. When he spoke, his tone was curiously soft. “I have no plans of hurting you, at least significantly, Francesca, but as I’ve already told you. I refuse to tolerate your insolence. What did you think you were going to do with this anyway?”
“Defend myself at all costs.”
My answer obviously didn’t please him.
“Instead of starting with a nice dinner, perhaps even pleasant conversation, I’m going to finish your punishment first.” Jerking away, he yanked the glass from my hand as he shoved the file back into his pocket with the other. Snagging my arm, he dragged me out of the room and down a hallway, finally ending in a spacious and beautiful kitchen. Stainless steel appliances glistened in the single light over the stove, the granite counters wide and expansive.
“What are you planning on doing?” His hold was firm, his fingers digging into my skin.
“Remove your dress,” he commanded. While he dropped his hand, he loomed over me, lowering his head until his lips were dangerously close to mine.
I could almost hear the raggedness of his heart beating, thudding in his chest. The electricity I’d felt before shot off the charts, creating another intense wave of heat pooling between my legs. To be attracted to this man was more than just ridiculous. The raw emotion could cost me my life.
“No. I will not.” I scuttled backward, defying him again.
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way. If I cut the dress off you, then you won’t have anything to wear tomorrow. If you take off the dress like a good little girl, then you’ll earn the right to wear something of my choice tomorrow. That’s your choice, Francesca.”
Every time he muttered my name, I cringed, but not from hatred or fear. Desire. I blinked yet kept my stance, my jaw clenched.
“You have ten seconds to make up your mind or I will,” he stated. He was very much at ease with being in charge, his entire face chiseled, his brow furrowed. He was completely different than the pictures I’d seen in magazines. The carefree actor was much more like a captivating Don, a ruler.
“Five seconds,” he added.
“Fine. Okay? I’ll do what you ask.” I turned away from him, more embarrassed than ever, my fingers fumbling as I attempted to remove the simple frock.
I heard his heavy exhale behind me. I wasn’t certain if he was still disgusted or impatient.
I kept my head down as I pulled off the dress, taking my time to fold and place it over one of the kitchen chairs.
“Turn around.”
Swallowing, I could barely stand what was happening, but I did as he commanded, turning to face him. For all my bravado, I’d never been happy with myself or my body. There’d never been a man who’d ravished my body, showering me with passion. I’d never enjoyed kinky sex or had a single man in my life attempt to spank me. I certainly wasn’t naïve, but I’d made certain my education and career had come first.
Or maybe I was just lying to myself.
There’d been no one to trust, no boy who wanted to dare date the daughter of a violent man. That hadn’t helped with my self-esteem.
I was prepared for anything. Cruelty. Harshness. Anger. What I wasn’t prepared for was a kinder, gentler Michael. I have no idea if he sensed just how uncomfortable I was, but when he inched closer, taking his time as he placed his index finger under my chin and lifting my head, I was floored.
He inhaled, lowering his head and almost nuzzling his face against my neck. I shuddered the moment he darted out his tongue, drawing the tip across my earlobe. I couldn’t breathe, my chest tight. I was suffocating from his touch alone.
“You’re very beautiful, Francesca. Gorgeous in fact. I will show you the kind of pleasure that will break you free of those chains firmly planted around your neck.”
His words were chilling, leaving me so wet, my pussy clenching then releasing. He inhaled in an exaggerated manner, allowing his lips to brush across my neck.
Oh, my God. What did he think he was doing?
He slid his hand down the length of my arm, his fingers dancing over my skin. The sensations that rocketed through me were almost euphoric, driving me onto my tiptoes. I realized I’d placed my hand on his chest, clinging to his shirt in a seductive manner.
Giving him the wrong impression.
Pretending this was anything other than a nightmare.
“Please,” I whispered. “Don’t.”
The snap of his mood swing was instantaneous. He growled as he eased back, his eyes turning a darker shade. “Rules, Francesca. My house. My rules. You made a deal I plan on requiring you to keep. Move to the kitchen table and lean over, arms over your head. I suggest that you stay in place or your punishment will be that much more severe. Do you understand me?”
I said nothing.
“Do. You?” he demanded.
“Yes.”
He turned away, ceremoniously dismissing me. My God, the man was crazed, volatile.
Dominating.
Breathtaking.
I bit my lip until I knew I’d drawn a drop of blood. He wasn’t going to fool me with his bullshit. I wasn’t going to fall for his charm. However, I’d be a good little girl just like he asked, accepting his ridiculous punishment.