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His eyes narrow, his expression hardening.“It’s not the same,” he growls.“I’m not trying to keep you out of anything.I’m not trying to control you.I care about you and want you to be safe.”

“And I appreciate that,” I say, softening my tone just slightly.“But if this—” I gesture between us “—is going to work, you’re going to have to trust me.Completely.I need to know you believe I can take control of a situation.”

Eamon hesitates, the tension in his jaw giving away his internal struggle.I can see the protectiveness warring with his respect for me.

“You said you trust me,” I repeat as I cross the room, closing the space between us.“Prove it,” I murmur, my voice dropping, taking on a seductive edge.

His blue eyes burn into mine as tension coils in every muscle of his powerful frame.“Aoife?—”

I don’t let him finish.My hands slide up his chest, over the hard planes of muscle beneath his shirt, until I reach the collar.Pulling him down toward me, I capture his lips in a kiss that’s anything but gentle.It’s demanding and forceful.A statement of control.

Eamon groans against my mouth, his hands gripping my waist, but I’m quicker taking control as I press him back.His legs bump the edge of the oversized black chair, and I push him down without hesitation.His chest rises and falls in sharp, ragged breaths, restraint unraveling beneath my touch.There’s no resistance.Only surrender.

I climb onto his lap my black dress riding up slightly as I settle over him.His hands instinctively move to my hips, trying to take control, but I catch them, pinning them in place.Leaning in until my lips are at his ear, I whisper, “Tonight, I’m in charge.”

Eamon’s eyes, full of desire, darken as they lock onto mine.His hands flex under my grip, his need to touch me battling with his willingness to obey.“I’ll play your game, Aoife,” he says, his lips curving into a wicked smirk.“But don’t forget, when it’s my turn, you won’t stand a chance.”

A thrill races through me at his words, but I don’t let him see it.Instead, I grind against him, feeling the hard evidence of his arousal pressing into me.He groans low in his throat as his hands tighten beneath mine.

“Let’s see if you can survive tonight first,” I tease as I lean down to kiss him again, this time slower, drawing him further into my control.

My fingers glide down the front of his shirt, slow and deliberate, slipping open one button at a time.Each inch of exposed skin reveals the hard ridges of his chest, warm beneath my touch.His breath deepens, chest rising with anticipation as my lips skim his throat, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

“You’re not used to this, are you?”I ask.

“Used to what?”he manages.

“Not being in control.”

His mouth sets into a hard line, but his eyes stay locked on mine, burning with unspoken agreement.I smile, leaning in to brush my lips against his collarbone before easing off his lap.

My fingers toy with the hem of my dress, pulling it up slowly, just enough to show the curve of my thighs, before dragging it higher, over my hips, then up and over my head.The dress falls to the floor in a silken pool, leaving me in nothing but my black lace bra and matching knickers.

Eamon’s eyes are glued to me, dark and hungry, his chest rising and falling with each shallow breath.I revel in the power that surges through me, knowing I have this strong, commanding man completely at my mercy.

Reaching behind me, I unclip my bra, letting the straps slide down my arms in a slow, deliberate tease.The fabric falls away, and I bring my hands to my breasts, cupping them, letting my fingers tease and play as I watch him struggle to hold himself back.

“Do you like what you see?”I ask, my voice dripping with confidence.

His groan is deep, guttural as his hands grip the arms of the chair like it’s the only thing keeping him from lunging at me.

“More than you know,” he says, his voice hoarse.

I take a step closer, my hands moving to the buckle of his belt.He sits perfectly still, watching as I undo it, the metal clinking softly in the quiet room.But as I reach for the button of his pants, his hand darts out, grazing my wrist.

I pull back immediately, shaking my head with a sly smile.“No touching.”

He lets out a low growl, his head falling back against the chair.

I chuckle, relishing the control, the way his restraint only adds to his tension.“Pull your pants down,” I command, my tone firm but laced with seduction.

For a moment, he hesitates, his pride warring with his desire.But then his hands move to his waistband, and he does as I ask, pushing his pants and boxers down, freeing his arousal.

“Good boy,” I purr, stepping closer until I’m standing between his legs.

I drop to my knees in front of him, the cool floor pressing against my skin as I look up at him through my lashes.His eyes are wild, blazing with a mixture of frustration and raw need, but he doesn’t move.Doesn’t dare break my rule.

I wrap my hand around his hard length, stroking him slowly, teasingly, as I let my tongue dart out, grazing the tip.His head falls back, and I take him fully into my mouth.