Page 49 of The Silent Note

“Step-sister?”

I cringe.

“That’s who you were. But who you are now, Grey… is different.”

“And who do you think I am now?” I whisper. I wish it didn’t sound so breathless.

He runs his tongue over his bottom lip and smirks, “You are… my property.”

I snap back to reality.

Enraged, I move to slap him.

He snatches my wrist. Instead, he uses that momentum to spin me around so my back is to his chest. He crosses my arms over my breasts and locks them in place with his own powerful biceps.

Mischievous laughter vibrates through his body and mine.

“Careful, you could have scratched me with those claws, tiger.”

“You better leave after we’re done tonight or I’ll strangle you in your sleep.”

He continues walking me forward, wrapped around me like a straight jacket. How is he so strong with only one good hand? “So… not much of a cuddler?”

“You’d prefer a pillow to the face?”

“Suffocation or strangling? Hard choice.” The laughter is still heavy in his tone. He thinks I’m lying?

Zane pushes the bathroom door open and waddles me inside, while I try really hard not to enjoy how his hips brush against me.

“Towels are in that cabinet. Cadey bought a bunch of fruity lotion, shampoo and things. There’s a new toothbrush in the drawer and a change of clothes. I remember you like lace so I got a new set for you. Can’t say it’ll be comfortable but it’ll look pretty on the floor.”

“I don’t think I need to remind you, but I’ll say it again. Our wedding was fake. Tonight is just a deal. We are notreallymarried. And I for sure am not your property.”

“Strangling.”

“What?”

“If I have to go, I’d rather it happen while you’re choking me.”

“Zane!”

He presses a kiss to my cheek and then releases me abruptly.

I spin around, noting how he barrels back as if in anticipation of my flying fists. “Try not to wear me out too much later or I won't have the strength to leave our bed tonight.”

I wish I had something to throw at him.

Oh wait. I do.

I grab the jasmine scented perfume on the counter and hurl it.

Zane catches it with his good hand like a star pitcher. He laughs and scampers back, disappearing into his room and coming out with a towel and change of clothes. With a salute to me, he barrels down the stairs, probably to shower in one of the many other bathrooms in this mansion.

I scowl and shut the door.

“It’s annoying how gorgeous he is.”

I gasp when I see Sloane sitting on the bathroom counter, swinging her legs.