Page 58 of Lord of Ruin

“Damn it, Jenna. Damn it. Where the fuck did you two go?”

“Jesus Christ. Now, you don’t trust your sister?”

“I don’t trust the monsters who will come after you again. Okay? Okay?”

The flash of electricity was so hot I was terrified we’d both burst into flames.

Five seconds ticked by. Ten. I was furious, so much so I couldn’t see straight.

“Elena took me to her winery because I expressed an interest. I wonder if you’ve done that at all or if you’re so embroiled in being Mr. Bad Ass that you don’t care about your family. At. All.”

There was no doubt in my mind that I’d crossed a huge line, massive one. The fire in his eyes was exactly what I’d seen when he’d pulled the Russian dude off me inside the clinic. If looks could kill, whew. He tossed back the rest of his drink, pitched the glass away, shocking me it didn’t shatter, and took long strides in my direction.

I was too stunned to move quickly before he was able to grab both my arms, pulling me up to my toes and so close to him I couldn’t move if I wanted to.

And in truth? I wasn’t certain I did. His scent was already too incredible, the feel of being in his arms amazing.

“Don’t you get it, Jenna? I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Why? Why? Why? I don’t know why you’re telling me that.”

He cupped the back of my head, his chest heaving. There wasn’t nearly as much anger in his eyes as I’d thought there’d been. “Because I don’t want to lose you. That’s fucking why. You are mine. You belong to me. We belong together.”

There was such burning desire in his voice that I was breathless, unable to say anything in retort.

His hold was tight, so strong, his heated breath exciting me, igniting every nerve in my body. For a few seconds, all we did was stare at each other, both breathing hard. But the moment he crushed his mouth over mine, I was pulled once again into the sweetest vacuum, the kind I never wanted to leave.

It was another one of those incredible moments like you’d see in a movie where the camera panned around the passionate couple in circle after circle until it was spinning out of control. Just like my mind was doing. He tasted of bourbon and cinnamon as he dominated my mouth.

I was lost in the moment, the kiss more passionate than the one I’d described to Elena. He explored every centimeter of my mouth, yanking me against him and grinding his hips back and forth so I knew exactly what he was thinking and what he wanted.

The moment was breathtaking, rattling every thought, all the anger gone. I wanted this man and while it was crazy, lying to myself any longer wasn’t what I wanted to do.

He rolled his hand down my back, cupping my buttocks to tighten his hold even more. Every inch of me was tingling, goosebumps everywhere.

When he finally broke the kiss, we were both gasping for air. He laughed seconds later, shaking his head ever so slowly. “You’re not getting away from me. Not now. Not ever. Don’t you dare try it.”

I was so thrown by what he’d said that I had no snappy comeback. I was certain he was going to whisk me off my feet, taking me to bed. Maybe the best thing to do was to act like I was giving in, acquiescing to his needs. That way, I could more easily form a plan of escape.

I was a good actress. Right?

Okay, so not really but I had to do something. As I tried to make a promise to myself that I would and could lead him on, it struck me that not only was I not that kind of girl but that I actually wanted to get to know him better. Did this have everything to do with spending time with his sister? Another moment of confusion hit me, not that it hadn’t about fifty times in the last couple of days. It was ridiculous to think I could want this under any circumstances.

But…

When he broke the connection, taking two purposeful steps back, an evil look crossing his face, I almost fell forward from shock.

“I hope you purchased something sexy on that long day of yours.” His voice was so husky I was still shaking, but this time from desire and not from anger.

“Maybe.”

“Hmmm. Then get your sexy bottom up those stairs and slip into it. Don’t take too much time because I am one famished man. That’s what happens when the only woman you crave decides to keep you waiting for far. Too. Long. So, here’s the way it’s going to be, sweetheart. You’re going to get dressed and we’re going out. Together. You’re not going to fight me. We’re going to have a nice evening together.” His nostrils flared as he tore his gaze all the way down the length of me.

I was certain I could no longer feel my legs, I was so completely aroused. My nipples ached, my pussy throbbed, and I didn’t want this night to end already.

“And after I wine and dine you, maybe even enjoy a little dancing and champagne, well then, I’m going to ravage every inch of your body but not once. Several times. And if you’re a very good girl, I will continue teaching you about the pleasures of agony and ecstasy. Now, tell me, sweetheart. Is that something you’d like?”

Holy shit. I thought I’d been turned on before, but this was…