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He clicked his tongue in disappointment as he took a large step toward me.

I took an equal step back, some of my survival instincts still intact.

"Fuck me? Oh, little kitten, you are going to regret those words.” His voice dropped. "Do you have any idea what could have happened to you out there? Walking these streets alone, defenseless? I didn't erase you. I was spoiling you, keeping you safe. And how did you repay me? You stole my clothes, my money, and abandoned the gift I gave you."

"Gift?" I took another step back, my legs shaking as the bravery that had carried me this far evaporated into icy terror.

He took the metal plug out of his pocket and sat it down on the dresser.

Why did my body clench with need at the sight of that thing?

"You're going to regret giving that up."

"How is that a gift?" I scoffed.

He took another step toward me, the corners of his mouth lifting and curling into a sinister smile. "You're about to find out. Because you have no idea what men like me do to girls like you. The only reason you're still breathing is because you belong with me."

My back hit the kitchen counter and in a flash he was on me. His hand was warm around my neck as his lips devoured mine.

I tried to fight him; I tried to push him away, but he was too strong, and his pull was just too powerful.

My lips parted for him, and he deepened the kiss.

I almost gave in when he pulled away from me and took a step back.

"What am I going to do with you, babygirl?"

Beg. Apologize. Tell him you'll be better.

"Let me go," I said, sounding much stronger than I felt.

He tipped his head back as he laughed.

“I don't think so. No, you need to understand." His hand cupped my face, thumb brushing my cheek with surprising gentleness before his grip tightened. "I almost hate that I have to do this to make you see. Now strip."

"No." I looked around. I was maybe six steps from the door. He was only four.

Could I get around him? Could I make it out of that door and run into the city?

I'd only have to make it maybe two blocks to get to a busy street. But then where would I go?

Did it matter?

No. It didn't.

I bolted toward the door.

My fingers just brushed the edge of the door before he yanked me back. He kicked the door shut as he tore the winter coat from my body.

"Get off of me," I screamed, and he laughed.

He fucking laughed, before yanking my hair back and sealing his lips over mine again.

His hands tore at my clothing, ripping the shirt from my body and pushing the sweatpants down to my ankles, exposing my flesh to the cold air without a care.

His hands were all over me, groping my breasts, pinching my nipples, and sliding between my legs to stroke my clit. He was everywhere all at once. It was too much and not enough.

It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that he could so easily make my body betray me. It wasn't fair that he could make me want to run from him and kneel for him at the same time. I didn't understand.