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“No.”

“Say it louder, kitten. I want to hear you.”

“No!”

“That’s right,” he purrs, grinding his palm against my clit. The pressure’s amazing, but definitely not enough to get me off. I think that’s the point, though. “What should I do about this?”

“I don’t know.”

“Hmm. I think the next time you say we’re just friends, I’m going to fuck my baby into you. That should be enough to convince you you’re mine, right?”

Oh mygod.Why is that so hot? “Yes.”

“Sweet kitten.” Nate’s nose trails across my jaw to my ear. “Tell me to stop.”

My body clenches, desperate to have him closer. To tease him until he gives me what I’m craving. But this is a punishment. I hurt his feelings, and he’s going to make me pay for it in a way we’ll both enjoy.

“Don’t stop,” I pant. How he’s doing this, I have no clue, but I feel unglued in his arms. Scattered, aching, and so fucking needy.

“You’re such a good girl. My perfect, beautiful omega.” Every time this pack alphas call me that, I believe it a little more, but whenNatesays it, I fuckingpreen.“That’s right, Daph. You’re so perfect. How could I ever want to be just your friend when we’re so much more?”

“Nate,please.” I try to grind against him, but he keeps me pressed against the door, forcing me to take what he gives.

And he fuckinggives.

Those big fingers move, circling my clit with slow, even intensity. I’m already so high-strung that it won’t take much toset me off, but as soon as I get close, he backs away. Stroking me just enough to keep me on edge, but not enough to tip over.

“More,” I beg, voice breaking, but he doesn’t speed up.

Nate hums against my cheek, kissing me softly. His scent teases my nose, getting deeper the longer this continues. Hot, sweaty nights and sticky sweet skin. “Say it, Daphne. Tell me what I need to hear, and I’ll let you come.”

“You’re not my friend.”

“I’ll always be your friend,” he corrects. “But that’s not all I am, and you know it.”

“You’re notjustmy friend.”

“Good girl.” His hand moves faster, ramping me up to a climax that’s going to shatter my fucking spine. “Now, give me my orgasm. I think I’ve earned it for not beating the shit out of your dad, don’t you?”

I think it’s the instinctive response to protect me that shoves me headfirst into pleasure. It’s like the first breath of fresh air after being cooped up inside all winter, a promise of new life and new chances. Just when I think it’s over, Nate bites my neck, fingers still moving against me. His teeth dig and dig but don’t break skin even when I squirm and beg for it.

His bite. His bond. His affection. Fuckinganything.

“You’re doing so well, baby. Give me another. Show me you’re sorry.”

There’s no doubt that I could stop this if I wanted. No question that if I asked, Nate would step back, but I know what I said hurt him and this alpha, he’s sensitive. He wants me more than anyone ever has, and he can’t stand the idea of me slipping through his fingers. It’s obsession, plain and simple, but I can’t find it in myself to be wary or scared.

There’s nothing painful between us, nothing dangerous. Only love and support and the kind of presence I always wanted in an alpha. If he needs to take his fears out on my body, to wring medry and fuck me stupid to remind himself that I’m right here…well, that’s not much of a hardship in my book.

“Daph?” Nate’s still, waiting for my agreement.

I wrap my hand around his wrist and pull him closer. “I can do it. Let me make it up to you.”

That grin obliterates any chance of walking out of here unscathed. Nate Morgan is going to ruin me, and I’m pretty sure I’ll thank him for it.

The fingers he slips inside my body only add to the overstimulation. My chest heaves and I rise to my tiptoes, biting my lip so hard I nearly bleed. The world disappears and all I see is the alpha in front of me, writing declarations along my skin with his tongue.

It’s too much. Way too much, but I can’t stop. Can’t step away from the pleasure that’s lighting up my veins like sparklers. Nate bites me again, hard enough to bruise a different spot, and I lose my fucking mind.