Page 68 of Devious Corruption

“You can’t tell me what to do.”

His lips tick at the edges. Like what I’ve just said has amused him greatly.

“I can. I just did.”

“I just need to get a hold of my brothers. I can get this all straightened out if I know what’s happening.”

“What are you going to do, march into Vartan Petrosyan’s place and demand he leave your brothers alone? Yourolderbrothers? Who seem to have run off with their tails tucked between their legs? Is that what you’re planning?”

He shoves his hand through his own hair, making it stand on end in multiple places.

“I don’t have much choice, do I? They’re my brothers.”

“They’ve dragged you into something dangerous, and all you care about is finding them and making this right forthem. What about you?” He demands.

“You don’t know anything about my brothers or me.”

“I know they should be here protecting you, not putting you in danger.”

“I don’t need them to protect me.” I jump up to my feet. “See, this is why I can’t stay here. You don’t understand. None of this is your concern. I appreciate what you did for me last night, but your job is done. You don’t owe me anything.”

I turn, fully intending on getting my bags and high tailing it out of this looney bin, but he grabs hold of my arm and flips me around to face him.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I try to yank my hand from his grip but fail marvelously. “If this is because of what we did last night, you’re being an idiot. You don’t owe me anything from that, it was just something that happened. It didn’t mean anything for either of us, or it’s never happening again.”

His eyes light on fire. Maybe I’ve pushed him a little too far now.

“You’re staying here, Maxine. In my house. In my bed. Do you understand? You’re not going anywhere.”

“I’m your captive now?” Again, I tug, and again I fail.

“If that’s how you want to look at it, fine. You’re my captive.” He leans in. The warm spice of his aftershave hits my senses, and it makes me all gooey again.

It’s not fair. How am I supposed to combat against how damn hot he looks when he gets all bossy on me, and he smells just as delicious?

“I don’t want to be your captive.” What dumb thing to say, but I blame my brain. He’s making it all mushy with being this close to me.

“Doesn’t matter what you want.” He lifts a shoulder as though he couldn’t care less. “You’re staying put. You’re staying safe. And if you so much as put one toe outside this penthouse, I will bare your ass where I find you— and I will find you— and take my belt to your ass until your voice dies from your screams.”

My throat dries. This time when I pull, he releases me, and I stumble back a step before I catch my balance.

“You’re never touching me again.” I move away from him, needing to put distance and furniture between us.

“Oh, you think so?” He half grins. Like he’s just been given a challenge.

“I do. I know it.” I slide along the back of the couch as he approaches.

Each step he takes makes me retreat one, until I’m headed in the direction of the bedroom.

“Lev. Just stop.” I put my hand out, splaying my fingers.

It’s about as effective as trying to catch an ocean wave with a butterflynet.

He just keeps coming. One determined step after another. I’ve never noticed how many muscles move when a man walks, but I notice on him.

I seem to take note of everything on him.