Page 7 of Bought

She stays perfectly still, tilting her head to look at me as if I’m the one being examined. Her nerve should anger me. Instead, a heavy heat weighs in my core.

Need.

“You think this is a game?” I ask.

Her lips curl slightly, enough to suggest defiance. “If it is, you’re losing.”

Damn again. She may be a virgin, but she’s no shrinking violet.

Fine. Let’s see how she handles my next move.

I part my shirt. I move the fabric far enough for her to see the destruction that hides beneath, then wait for her reaction.

Her eyes lower, assess my damaged skin, flicker, widen, then return to my face. She meets my gaze with a smile. No fear. No flinch. Christ.

Not like the others.

I step forward, and she stays put. I take another step. Still, she doesn't move. When I finally get close enough to feel the heat radiating from her skin, I can’t help but want to reach out and wrap my hands around her waist.

“I don’t lose,” I say.

“Then prove it.” That strong chin juts out again.

The zipper at the back of her dress calls to me. I tug at the metal, my pulse quickening. The sound is louder than it should be, or maybe it's just this room, too quiet with only our breathing.

Feeling the upper hand slipping, I run my fingertips down her spine, a rush of energy flowing in me as she shivers under my touch, knowing I’m in control.

The dress slips off her shoulders. She wears a simple black matching bra and panties made of a silky satin that shimmers under the light. Practical, comfortable.

Bare essentials, but on her?

Sexy as hell.

“Turn around,” I order.

She does. Slowly. Controlled.

Every part of her body is tense, but not from fear. This is a woman holding her ground in enemy territory—and she’s doing it well.

My hands rest on her hips. I can feel her pulse beneath her skin. “You know who I am?”

“Yes.”

“You know what I do?”

“Yes.”

“Then tell me why you’re still standing here.”

She glances over her shoulder. “Because you’re not the only one who has needs.”

Our eyes meet.

This—This is the moment I realize I made a huge mistake.

This isn’t just about sex. Not for me. Not for her. I should stop. Should send her away before she gets under my skin. But I don’t.

Because she already has.