Page 49 of Endgame

Sadly, her friend returns the favor and saves her.

“Get out.” Everett’s harsh command sends both women running off.

A softclick, and we’re alone.

Goosebumps race up my spine. My teeth chatter. I grind them. Hard.

Everett, ever menacing and forever annoying, stays right where he is.

His presence alone feels like a loaded gun aimed at my heart.

A sexy, unreadable gun.

“What do you want?” A tiny slice of dignity is all I have left in this world. I latch onto it. Cling to it like a life raft. “You obviously hate me. Would you please tell me, once and for all, why go through with this?”

“Up.” He jerks his chin. “We’re getting married in two hours.”

I’ve been out for two hours, then. Fuck.

“No.” I shake my head. “No.”

In the quiet room, the sound of his dress shoes meeting the marble tiles is loud. Ominous.

“No, stay away. Don’t come near me.”

“Life in prison it is, Aurora.” He looms over me. I refuse to cower.

“Double jeopardy it is, Everett.” One of the women in prison taught me about that once. I can’t believe I forgot the trick that could save my life.

“Oh?” Arms crossed, his tone’s mocking.

I get up. Water sluices down my body, droplets catching on my nipples, tumbling down my waist.

Everett’s checking me out shamelessly. His heated gaze makes me feel so small. So turned on.

Then he groans, casting his menacing glare on my face.

I have to fight him. Spine straight. Arms mirroring his, crossed over my chest. Chin held high.

“Yes, oh.” My frown tugs at my lips. “I can’t be prosecuted for the same offense twice.”

The words are barely out of my mouth, and there he is. Everett, in all his menacing glory, scooping me up into his arms. I scream and kick.

He won’t let me go.

“Clever little thief,” he says over my screeching howls. His elegant clothes are soaked in water and suds. I’m punching hischest. Nothing bothers him as he carries me over to the other side of the bathroom. “Clever, but not trained. A shame, really.”

“Stop treating me like a dog, you motherfucker.” I kick my feet higher up in the air, hoping that if I wiggle enough, he’ll drop me.

“Of course you aren’t. A dog would’ve realized what’s best for him by now. You’re a spoiled brat. But don’t worry. I’ll discipline you. Better than your daddy ever did.” His gaze is fixed straight ahead. “It won’t be long before you obey. Before you behave.”

“Like hell,” I growl, slapping his face. “Double. Jeopardy. Double jeopardy! Let me out! I want out of here!”

“You can kiss that idea goodbye.”

I’m back on my feet, though I’m nowhere near being free. His two hands are firm on my hips, spinning me to look away from him.

Both of us are facing the vanity mirror. “Stealing the collar I gave you is a brand-new offense, legally speaking.”