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After a while, she slides out of bed and heads to the bathroom. I use the opportunity to get the other box I have for her from my jeans. I don’t know how I became the type of man who gives flowers and gifts to women, but I like doing those things for her, seeing the look on her face. Then again, her face lights up just by seeing me.ThatI will never understand. Lust, I know and recognize easily, but she’s the first woman who actually looks happy to see me. How does my very presence make her happy?

“What’s that?”

I turn my head in her direction, realizing she’s back and getting dressed. “Something for you.”

“Ooh. Is it another kinky gift?” She gives me a bright smile and drops down next to me excitedly.

“No.” I chuckle and hand it to her. “Open it, freak.”

“It’s your fault. I told you you were going to turn me out and I was right.”

She flips the lid on the box, looks at the ring inside then turns to me, her smile going from excited to flattered.

“Gage…it’s beautiful.”

She places it on the third finger of her right hand, extending it in front of her and admiring the ring.

“It’s so cute. Why ropes, though? Is it because you wanted to tie me up?” She winks.

She trails her fingers over the top. It basically looks like a length of gold rope tied into a bow. I saw it and was instantly drawn to it because I think it describes the way she makes me feel.

“No, doll.” I pull her onto my lap, grasping her chin and directing her lips to mine. “Because you tie me up in knots.”

CHAPTER 23

***Raven***

I drag my tired ass out of bed, leaving Gage sleeping soundly. Between all the sex and going out with Chrissy last night, I’m exhausted. I stand in front of the sink and inspect my reflection. I definitely look tired but other than that, my neck, breasts, and stomach are covered in hickeys. There are still red streaks in my hair, too, but I’m thinking of keeping them. Gage likes it. I’m also accumulating some pretty bitching jewelry. I have my diamond earrings, ‘12 Gage’ necklace, charm bracelet, and now my cute bow ring.

As I brush my teeth, I think about what he said last night – that I tie him up in knots. What’s he conflicted about? His feelings? Or maybe his lack thereof. Just because we’re great together and have amazing sex doesn’t mean he’s in love with me. I tried to convince myself before but without confirmation from him, I can’t be sure. If I ask him, I risk getting an answer I’m not prepared to hear. Then again, I may wait in vain if I don’t. I know he loves me – Stevie Wonder could see he does – but I need to know if he’sinlovewith me. It seems I’m the one tied up in knots. He warned me, didn’t he? He doesn’t do love and relationships. I knew the rules when we started this game; I can’t go asking him to change them now.

Breathing a heavy sigh, I open the cabinet to take my pill. I reach in but see an empty spot where I usually keep the box. I search the other shelves, under the sink, the floor, the trash, but it’s not there. I know I didn’t move it.

I’m going to put a baby in you.

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning.Fuck. He couldn’t have. He wouldn’t. Would he? That sneaky motherfucker!I stomp back to the bedroom and shake him awake.

“What’s wrong?” he asks in a surprised but sleepy voice.

“Where are my pills?”

He sits up, rubbing his eyes. “What pills?”

“You know what pills. The ones you probably threw out.” I fold my arms under my breasts in annoyance.

His gaze lingers on my chest and I realize I’m still naked, but I’m getting too angry to care.

“You mean the pills you’re using to kill my babies?”

My mouth drops open in shock and I stare at him in wide-eyed amazement.What the fuck?

“I’m not killing anything! The whole point isprevention. You were the one who got me on them in the first place!”

“And now I want you off,” he replies matter-of-factly. “I’m serious, Raven. I’m getting you pregnant. The sooner, the better.”

He tosses off the covers, revealing his hard-on. I start backing away, seeing the intention in his eyes. I can’t believe him. What’s happened that’s changed his mind so drastically? He stalks toward me, stroking himself, a predatory look in his eyes.

“Why?” I ask.