Page 20 of Eternal

Reaching down between her and the canvas, I grab her pussy through her jeans. And even if she’s fighting me, the heat is all I need to know she’s lying. Her ass grinds against my cock. It strains so badly that I’m aching to be inside her.

But not until I’ve gotten what I need from her first.

“I’ll fuck you when you beg me for it, pet. And don’t worry, you will.” Humming, I grind the heel of my hand into her clit. She moans, even if it immediately pisses her off. “Do you understand?”

Releasing her, it takes her a moment to push off the canvas. She spins around, covered in paint. Her hair is a mess, and her clothes are ruined.

“Fine. I’ll do this, but only until I figure out what to do about my father’s ridiculous arrangement.” She rolls her shoulders back. “And there will benoperks, you twisted asshole. The only place you’ll be fucking me is in your dreams.”

“Whatever you say, Teal.” I take a step back, not turning around so I can watch her a little longer.

Artwork.

“I’ll send someone by to pick up the painting.” I glance at the large, messy canvas over her shoulder.

Her eyebrows pinch as she follows my gaze. “It’s not even done.”

Of course she doesn’t think so. She doesn’t understand what she’s created on that canvas.

The strokes of anger from before I got here.

The thin lines where her hair smeared the paint.

The handprint from me pinning her body against it.

It’s perfect.

“How long does it take to dry?” I ask, ignoring her comment altogether.

Teal’s green eyes flick back to me, and her confusion has washed away the anger from her face. “A day, usually.”

I pull out my phone and type a message to Maddox. “Someone will be here tomorrow to pick it up.”

“I didn’t say you could have it.”

“Can I?” I dip my phone in my pocket, and my question has her out of sorts.

It’s easier for her to react to me when I’m being an asshole, which is why it’s so much fun to mess with her by not doing that.

I’m patient.

If it’s games she needs, then it’s games we’ll play.

“I—” She shakes her head. “I guess.”

“Good girl.” Those two words draw out the full fire in her cheeks before I turn to leave. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at eight. And wear something lessyouif that’s possible. We need to convince everyone that I’d actually consider dating you.”

I don’t turn to see the look on her face. I don’t need to. Her huff of irritation is enough confirmation she hates me for even saying it.

This is going to be fun.

6

It’s Not Real

Teal

I barely slept lastnight thinking about my bargain with Declan.