Page 104 of Break Me

Granted, I’d reacted instead of thinking the possible consequences through, as I usually did when faced with a crisis. “I knew what I was doing.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m going to allow you off the hook. You deserve to be punished.”

I opened my mouth to retort, surprised when the thought of him taking me over his knee and spanking me like some bad girl had ignited my pussy. The realization was embarrassing and I looked away, certain he could see the heat I felt creeping across my cheeks. “I was just thinking about my daughter.”

“And so was I.”

Every emotion I’d felt while being with Alexsey was coming to a head. I couldn’t lie to myself any longer. I cared about him more than anyone should after just a few days of chaos. Maybe that really did allow the heart to grow fonder.

“I know you were. I’ll never be able to thank you. Not adequately anyway.” At least I was being honest with him. And with myself.

Kristine had nearly freaked out when I’d called her.

My little girl’s teacher, who’d been horrified that she’d turned her head for a split second had been sobbing when she’d learned Emily was safe.

I’d yet to make a phone call to Liam, but I could only imagine how loud he’d yell into the phone. Only with him, I’d give it right back. I wasn’t in the mood for his shit. Plus, if there was any chance he was involved in what had occurred, I would destroy him.

“Is this about the Greeks?” I asked quietly as Alexsey approached with our drinks.

“That’s my guess.”

“But you don’t know for certain.” I took the drink from his hand, careful to avoid skin contact. Every time we touched, I lost a little more of myself in him. I needed to keep a clear head to figure out how to handle Liam.

“Not yet, but I will find out.” Something was different about his demeanor and the look in his eyes. He wasn’t just angry. He was calm. And from what I knew about him, that was even more dangerous.

“How will you know?”

“You rattle enough cages, you find the answers.”

“You mean you’re going to hurt someone if they don’t talk.”

His smirk was the answer. “Do you really want to know?”

“Maybe I do. Anyone who would put a child in the middle of whatever war is a sick fuck and I wouldn’t mind displaying my personal anger.”

“And I wouldn’t mind seeing it.” He inched closer so the heat of his body created a warm blanket all around me. Even still, I shivered. “You’re safe here.”

“But what about when I go home? Are you going to have your goons following me for the rest of my life?” I was testing him. Or maybe goading him.

He brushed his bent finger under my chin, brushing it ever so slowly from one side to the other. “Here’s the problem with that. You eluded the man I had following you earlier. Let me guess. You did so on purpose.”

My turn to smirk. “I don’t like it when men try and force me into doing something I don’t want to do. Having me followed isn’t a traditional form of endearment, you know.”

He chuckled and continued to caress my face. Tingles formed everywhere and without thinking, I wrapped my hands around his shirt, pulling myself closer to him.

“I never said I was a traditional romantic.”

“No, you did not.” I lifted my head, realizing I was offering a blatant invitation. He rubbed his lips across mine but pulled away almost instantly.

“You can’t do that any longer, Halle. You can’t fight me. You’ll need to place your trust in me.”

“Trust isn’t my issue, Alexsey. You saved my daughter’s life. That goes a long way with me. However, it’s obvious I need to stay away from you. This isn’t my world.”

“I don’t think I need to tell you that you’re in danger.” He curled his finger, taking another step away, away from the temptation.

We both felt it.

Utter blasting heat, the kind that didn’t let go, the type that sweltered in the darkest reaches of our souls. A need becoming so strong that the draw was almost too powerful. Too intense.