Page 16 of Endgame

“Or else you’ll be transferred to serve your sentence effective immediately.” My pulse is slow yet loud in my ears. “Matter of fact?—”

“Fine, I’m coming,” she snaps, gathering her purse.

The thin strap goes over her shoulder. Her scornful side-eye to her attorney scalds him. He turns bright red, and I can’t decide if I’m impressed or annoyed.

To hell with both of them. I don’t spare either a glance as I stride out of the courtroom.

Aurora’s heels strike the marble floor of the secured corridor in hurried bursts as she scrambles to match my pace.

Her huffs and low curses are just as audible.

Brat.

She wouldn’t act like that if she knew how hard it makes me.

“Keep up,” I snap.

The clicking of her heels suggests she’s running. She’s at my side within seconds.

“I see what this is, your ultimatum. It has to be illegal. And…even if it isn’t, I won’t blow you in exchange for a reduced sentence.” Aurora’s venomous, yet her shame is present. Right beneath the surface. “I won’t.”

My lips curl into a snarl. “You think I want your petty thief’s lips anywhere near my cock?”

Of course the fuck I do. I’ll have it too.

“Then?”

When we enter my chambers, I wait for her to come inside and slam the door shut behind her.

Aurora yelps. I seize the opportunity to be a bigger asshole still, ripping the purse off her shoulder. Staring at her as I do.

Her cheeks are bright red with anger and shame as she watches me going through her belongings. “Give it back, asshole.”

“Be careful how you address me.” I pluck out her phone, throw it on the floor, and crush it beneath my shoe.

“What the fuck?” She does her best to still her shudders. Her fists are on her hips. Her jaw is clenched. Neither works. “You—well, okay. Fine. Destroy my phone. It’s not like I have outgoing phone calls, other than to my parents. Yourfriends, remember?”

My friends.

My. Fucking. Friends.

In two seconds flat, I throw her purse on the floor and crowd her space.

Step after step, she moves backward as I move forward.

Her stare dares me to cross another line. To fucking try her.

I’d be lying if I said the push and pull between us wasn’t stirring something primal in me, that I don’t take longer strides just to stay close.

Close enough to smell the fear beneath the fire.

Her back slams against the wall. Shadows play across her face as I flatten a hand next to her head. As I lower my face to hers.

What a sight.

Blown pupils. Quivering lips.

When she bites the bottom one, my whole body stands at attention.