Page 34 of Lord of Ruin

Being lightheaded wasn’t helping my body parts to move, but I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit how much of an effect he had on me. Even the lingering taste of bourbon added sizzle to my senses. It was crazy to hate yet crave him, which kept me in a surreal out of body experience. At first, I couldn’t help myself, sliding my arms around his neck. Even the feel of his thick strands of hair sliding through my fingers was indulgent and exciting.

But as the kiss continued, his growls floating around us as a reminder that what was happening was wrong, I was finally able to slam my fists against his shoulders. I wasn’t strong enough to break his hold but I could bruise him. Maybe. If I did, he didn’t show it as he broke the kiss a full minute later, using his thumb to push my head up and back. The thought of having my neck exposed to a savage man was scary, but the heat coursing through me was an indication of how aroused I’d become.

He nipped my chin, issuing a series of deep guttural sounds as he brushed his lips down the length of my neck. When he concentrated on swirling the tip of his tongue around my pulse of life, it seemed a not-so-subtle reminder that he was in charge.

And my life was in his hands.

Another laugh slipped past his lips as he reared back, darting his eyes back and forth across mine. “You like to play games. Don’t you know you could easily get hurt in these woods?”

“According to you, we’re in Pennsylvania, not the African wilderness.”

As a smile crossed his face, his eyes twinkling in the muted sunlight, I could tell he was having a good time at my expense.

“True enough. I guess I’ll need to remind you that you will face harsh consequences for not following the rules.” Without giving me any notice, he ripped off my top, catching me completely off guard.

While I shrieked, doing what I could to cover my lacy bra, he wagged his finger as he’d done before.

“I already told you, beautiful creature, that you can’t hide from me. That includes your incredible body. As of now, it belongs to me.”

He was serious.

“So here’s what we’re going to do. Since you seem to enjoy the outdoors, you’re going to remove your clothes and hug that tree right over there,” he said gruffly while pointing toward one of the massive oak trees.

“And if I don’t?”

He rubbed his jaw, which allowing me to take another basking look at him. With his jacket removed, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up past his elbows, and the scruff covering his chin and cheeks, he appeared more rugged.

And desirable.

Why were my panties damp all over again? I needed a new pair badly. At minimum I’d need to wash them out. Maybe I’d be forced to take the man up on his offer of wearing his clothes. Oh, God. I was falling into his lair even more.

“Well, then I’ll take them off for you. Now, if I do it, I won’t be gentle, which will mean your festive pink scrubs will be torn to bits and pieces. Then that will require you to walk back in your tennis shoes and nothing else, heading into the house in front of my brother, who is visiting me by the way, but I’m certain he’ll be happy to meet you in any state of dress. Or undress. The decision is entirely up to you.” He folded his arms, cocking his head and enjoying every single second of this.

He was also crazy and horrible enough to be serious.

I was so furious I flexed my fingers, wishing my fingernails were longer so I could do some serious damage.

“I’m waiting and the clock is ticking.”

I couldn’t budge, couldn’t think like a rational human being. But when he took a long stride toward me, I cursed him out all over again. “You really are a bastard, you worthless prick.”

“You are right, but I can tell you crave me even though I am.”

Hissing, I turned around, reaching to unhook my bra. “Don’t fool yourself. You’re a sick, disgusting man.”

“That’s funny since your body responded completely differently. I think you desire what only I can give you.”

“You’re an idiot.”

He chuckled, the sultry sound pushing my body into another moment of reprehensible betrayal. Whether or not his heavy breathing was just to torment me more I wasn’t certain, but the sound kept me quivering all over. Why did I have the feeling it was more about excitement from the forbidden zone I’d just entered?

When my bra was off, I was so lightheaded from trepidation that I was fearful I’d fall on my face.

“Keep going. I’m not a patient man.”

I threw back my arm without hesitation, giving him my middle finger.

“Be careful, enchanted one. If you keep this up, I’ll tie you to the tree.”