Page 12 of Stranded

“I’ve got cameras all over this place. I’ve been watching you sleep, eat, fucking dress, and draw in that sketchbook of yours.”

Her nostrils flare, and a flicker of fear ignites in her eyes.

Finally.

“Does that scare you?” I ask, moving closer to her.

She swallows hard, her eyes wide. “You’ve been watching me?”

“Every damn second,” I confirm, my voice rough with desire. “How you bite your lip when thinking, how you hum to yourself when you cook. I have watched you touch yourself in bed while saying my name.”

She gasps, her face flushing a tantalizing pink.

“Does that excite you or scare you?” I ask, closing the distance between us.

She sways a bit, her lips parting as she meets my gaze. “It’s confusing. You’re confusing.”

“Confusing?” I laugh. It’s a dark sound. “I’m not here to be understood, angel.”

“What do you want from me?”

The question hangs in the air. Everything is the answer. But I don’t give it. Instead, I move closer, grabbing the back of Ivy's neck.

Her breath hitches.

“Ready for the game to begin?” I ask.

“I’m ready,” she whispers. But her voice wavers, betraying the fear she’s trying so hard to hide. Good. Fear makes this more exciting.

“Are we going to do this the easy way or the hard way?”

I love how her eyes flicker between me and the door, the gears in her brain working overtime. She’s considering her options. That’s my girl. Always thinking. But she’s underestimated one crucial factor: I’m not the good guy in this story. In fact, I’m far from it.

“What do you mean?” she asks, stalling.

“This isn’t a fairytale, sweetheart. And I’m no Prince Charming.”

She looks at me defiantly and then smiles, taking me by surprise. “Good, as I’m looking for a villain.”

Her response ignites something dark within me, and I can’t help but grin. “A villain? Well, you’re in luck, baby, because you’ve found one.” I step closer, invading her personal space. This close, I swear I can smell her fear. “Are you sure you can handle me?”

Her expression remains defiant. “I think the real question is, can you?” she retorts, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards in a smirk.

A bolt of arousal shoots through me at her audacity.

“Let’s find out, shall we?” I whisper, pulling her flush against me. I can feel her pulse quicken, her breath hitching as I lower my masked face to hers, knowing I can't kiss her, but I can make her want it. The room is silent, the tension thick. I’m not going to wait any longer.

The game has just begun.

IVY

As soon as Maddox’s hands are on me, I’m lost. He searches my eyes. His half facemask allows me unfettered access to those unique pale blue eyes flashing with desire. And yet the mask over the lower half of his face adds to the thrill.

I’ve never felt so excited, even if this man is dangerous. It’s what I want and need right now. To break free from my safe and boring life and finally live.

“Maddox,” I breathe out, his name leaving my lips as a plea and a prayer.

His eyes darken as his grip tightens around me. “Ivy,” he murmurs back. “Do you want this?”