Page 113 of Empire State Enemies

Connor’s voice drops an octave. “Don’t be stubborn, Lexi. Just accept the damn help.”

“I don’twant it,” I fire back. “And watch your step, that floorboard’s loose.”

He exhales audibly. “Why are you fighting me on this? I’m trying to do something decent for you.”

I grab his hand, pulling him toward the bedroom with determination. “Oh please. This is just you trying to clear your conscience, trying to play the good guy.” I toss him a challenging look. “I don’t need your pity renovations.”

Connor closes the gap between us, eyes blazing fiercely. “Is this why you let me in here? To fight?”

No, I did-fucking-not. I yank him into the bedroom and slam the door shut. I dragged him back here to give him a taste of his own medicine.

THIRTY

Lexi

“All right, listen up,” I announce, poking a finger into his sturdy chest. “This is my place, so it’s my rules. You wanted to spend time with me? You’re gonna do it on my terms. That means I’m in charge here. Understand?”

Watching his stunned expression is like hitting a small, deliciously petty jackpot. No way he’s used to women standing up to him instead of melting at his presence.

But this is the same guy who slept with me only to reject me seconds later. Who tanked our interview. Ruined my date. And now he expects to call the shots?

Not anymore.

I step closer, my head tilted up defiantly.

Connor’s eyes flash with heat. He grips my hand tight against his chest. “Is that it? You want to control me for once?”

I hear the stress on “for once,” as if he thinks this is just a temporary revolt against his dominance.

“Don’t like it?” I point to the door for dramatic effect. “The door’s right there.”

He moves in until my legs hit the bed, smirking. “Never said I had a problem with it.”

His other hand grips my hair, tugging just enough to make me gasp as he leans in for a kiss.

But I push him back with force, my hands flat against his chest, then toe his leather shoes meaningfully. “How about you get on your knees instead, pretty boy?”

Connor raises an eyebrow, amusement glinting in his blue eyes. “Pretty boy?”

“Did you not hear me? By all means, make me repeat myself,” I sass, throwing his own words back at him from our first meeting in his office.

He chuckles low and dirty. Still smirking, he sinks to his knees before me, never breaking eye contact.

Holy crap, this is wild. And hot as hell. I didn’t think he’d actually go through with it after what happened in the hotel bathroom.

“All right, Lexi,” he drawls in a husky voice laced with playful mockery. Like he’s humoring me. “What’s the plan now?”

My eyes drop to the obvious bulge in his pants, sending a rush of heat through my veins.

I smirk down at Connor’s hungry gaze, euphoric rushes of power and dominance pulsing through me. But secretly, my heart pounds wildly with nerves.

With deliberate slowness, I trail my fingers over his handsome face—the strong jaw, those sensuous lips—teasing him with featherlight caresses.

Hmm, look at that.

TheConnor Quinn, on his knees, eyeing me like a starving dog awaiting a juicy bone. In this moment, I feel like a goddess—confident and completely in control.

Maybe Ishouldclip a leash on this arrogant man. The thought sends a wicked thrill through me.