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Chapter Nineteen

The Swinging Pendulum

Erin

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“WHAT?” BACKING AWAYfrom his hand, my calves hit the edge of the bed frame. “What do you mean, Ican’tleave?”

“I mean, you can’t leave.” Amusement flickered in his gray eyes as he watched me contemplate my dilemma. “I need you here where it’s warm and safe.” He motioned to the fire crackling happily beside us.

“But...”

Glancing at the dancing flames, even I had to admit its warmth was consoling, but the fire wouldn’t help me out of the ropes or the larger bind I seemed to have found myself in with Eli. The chemistry tugging between us was like those flames—hot and intense and yet wild and unpredictable. I didn’t like how much he affected me.

“But nothing.” He took a step toward me. “I’ll look after you and you, Erin,you’regoing to keep looking after me.”

The same old devils were back in his eyes, taunting me with their mocking smirks. After the shock appearance of the rifle, and even after an orgasm that had seemed powerful, his attention had returned to carnality. That was why his hungry gaze devoured my breasts, and perhaps why my pulse seemed to have picked up its pace.

Oh, God.

My throat dried as he pressed against me, the soft, dark hair of his chest grazing my nipples as his fingers tipped my chin, once again demanding I meet his nefarious expression.

In another world, at another time, I’d have been impressed by his well-built body. The truth was, although I didn’t want to admit it, I was. Eli had strong, powerful-looking shoulders and a huge expanse of chest that I already knew was lovely to be held against. I’d admired his nakedness in bed, but seeing his muscular form so close up was something else.

The problem was, the man in control of that body was preventing me from leaving, and instead, seemed determined to get close to me again.

“I know you enjoyed the blow job, little girl.” His hand rose to my hair, but I ducked out of its way and edged along the side of the bed.

Enjoyed it?

Was he insane? I was as happy to give head as the next woman, but nothing had prepared me for the ruthless approach Eli had taken. I’d expected care as I offered him pleasure, but he’d taken what he wanted with force.

“Eli, I...” What did he expect me to say? “You were rougher than I would have liked.”

In the end, I opted for diluted honesty, although only God knew what it would earn me.

“Rougher?” He actually had the audacity to laugh at my suffering as he wandered closer. “Oh, come on, Erin! We both know you loved me using you that way.”

My clit throbbed in reply, apparently—and unbelievably—in agreement.

“Whether I enjoyed it or not is irrelevant!” How dare he try to maneuver his way out of any responsibility for the things he’d done by downplaying the deed? “You have no right to treat me that way!”

“I have every fucking right.” Looming over me, he snarled the words into my face. “You’remine,little Erin.”

Time stretched out around me while those words played over in my head like a dreadful record stuck on repeat.

You’re mine, little Erin.