Page 27

The nerve of this man!

“Let me go,” I screeched, not afraid to use volume.

His thumb moved up to stroke my bottom lip. “But I like to hear you beg, prinkípissa.”

A bolt of heat shot straight down my spine, reaching lower and curling into itself.

Oh, I did not just like hearing that. Unbelievable! My body was a traitor with this man.

“I can’t believe I saved you a bowl of soup,” I snarled.

That thumb stilled mid-stroke. “You prepared me food? How did you know I was stopping by?”

I tipped up my chin. “I didn’t. And I didn’t prepare anything. I was just making sure you had something to eat on the off chance you were in town. But you know what?”

“What?” he mused.

“You can fucking starve for all I care.”

The beast groaned. “Theos! You have such a dirty mouth. I bet it tastes as good as it looks.”

An embarrassing flood of wetness dampened my panties. “If you dare, I’ll bite.”

“I don’t doubt it for a second.” With a sigh, he pushed away. “I’m not a man who takes what a woman won’t offer, so I won’t be finding out.”

Through the haze of heat and his dizzying proximity, even though we were no longer touching, it took a second to realize what he’d said. He wasn’t going to kiss me.

I set the knife down on the counter.

I wasn’t going to hurt him. I didn’t want to.

But this was the man who’d sent thugs to kidnap someone. It might have been a mistake, but he’d intended to marry that poor girl. Wasn’tthattaking what wasn’t offered? Or had she offered herself, and I was missing a piece of this puzzle?

Neither of those were favorable options.

“Those bags are for you.” Markos jerked his chin to the table. “Let me know if you need anything else, or if these aren’t to your liking.”

“Or if they don’t fit,” I muttered.

“Oh, they’ll fit.” As he spoke, he filled the glass with tap water and strolled into the house.

The nerve of the man! I frowned. He just waltzed in here, stirred up a bunch of funny feelings, and then made himself at home.

Thisishis home.

Grumbling at the mental reminder, I moved to look at the double shopping bags. I knew the mark of an upscale boutique when I saw it. The bags alone were fancy, of the best quality. But when I began to pluck the items out, holding them up to the candlelight, an unwanted thrill ran through me.

Shorts that were the perfect size, tops that wouldn’t be baggy yet ride up my midriff, and basic shoes were in the first. It was all in my size. That detail had me shaking my head. The smaller bag held a toothbrush, deodorant, a makeup kit, and wrapped in tissue at the bottom was a lacy, delicate assortment of items.

He bought me intimates.

My freaking kidnapper picked out top quality lingerie for me to wear!

The knowledge sent my heartbeat pattering and my cheeks blazing with heat. The combination was enough to send my anger over the edge.

His voice broke the spell. “Wear the swimsuit from now on, Serena.”

I stifled a yelp. “Quit with the sneaking up on people.”