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My confession is quiet and raw. “I didn’t release the debt because that would mean not seeing you.”
Her breath hitches.
“Before I ever realized what I felt for you was love, I wanted you around all the time. At first, I blamed it on the kids. I thought I just needed the perfect nanny. But now—”
She laughs, dark and delirious. “But now, you just want to control me for yourself?”
I frown at her.
“Is this your version of love, Clay? Dragging me into dark corners. Growling at me. Defending what you did. You don’t even realize how suffocating you are, do you?”
My eyes narrow as the words land.
“You love me. You keep saying that, but you don’t really love the Island who fights back. The one who craves her freedom. Because I can squirm and wiggle and put up a fuss, but you still have the upper hand. I’m a fish caught on your hook. Helpless. Floundering on the deck begging to be put out of my misery.”
“You love the woman who has no choice but to bend to your will. You love the woman who has to listen to you and smile at you and treat you well because you’re holding her entire life by the throat.” Her eyes glint cruelly. “You love that you can stun that fish on your hook at any time.”
My jaw clenching, I surge forward and kiss her. Her tongue meets mine in a passionate battle, as rough as the words she threw in my face. I slide my hand over her hip, pulling her to me and grinding myself against her.
She moans her pleasure and heat blasts through my chest.
Yanking my head back, I stare down at her.
My blood is liquid fire.
I feel half-crazed.
“For a fish on a hook, you can’t hide how much you want me.” I slide my fingers under her chin and grip her gently but firmly. “Why are you saying this? Who put these thoughts in your head? Was it Genevieve?”
The mere thought of her manipulating Island makes my hackles rise.Is it a bloodbath you want, Miss Gen?
Island bats my hand away and pins her eyes on the window letting in a sliver of moonlight. “This is me, Clay. This ismytruth. You think wanting to screw you is love? It’s not. Not even close.”
“Island.”
“Enough.” Her voice cracks like a whip and I flinch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve been away from my guests for too long. I have to get back to the gala.”
My heart thuds heavily in my chest.
I don’t move.
Island slides her gaze up to mine. Her face is hard. “Do you plan to lock me up in here all night?”
Nostrils flaring, I step aside.
When she stalks past me, I grab her hand and speak to the wall across from her.
“After the gala, make time for me. We’re not done talking yet.”
She snatches her hand away and leaves. Her heels click in staccato beats until it fades to silence.
I remain behind. The muscles in my jaw are aching from being held clenched so tight.
What the hell just happened?
My phone rings in my pocket.
It’s Cody.