Page 86 of Fixation

I click the button, and a soft beep signals it’s ready.

We stare at each other. I drag my fingers in and out of her pussy to help her relax.

“Good girl.” I nudge the thermometer into her ass. Out and in, helping her get used to it. And stop.

Then I rub her pussy, gently.

“Yes. Yes, yes, and—no,” she cries out, coming for me, her whole body arching off the bed. “I hate you. I hate you so much.”

“I bet you do.” The thermometer goes an inch deeper, beeping when it’s done.

Just in time for Harper to be done riding her orgasm.

“101.” I remove the thermometer, marveling at her labored breath. At the proof that I’ve helped her, right there, on the digital screen. “Are you grateful yet?”

A few beats pass while she considers it. Embarrassment washes over her naked body, her skin prickling as I stare her down.

“I’m doing better?” she asks eventually. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” I climb down the bed, not bothering to adjust my cock. The thermometer goes into the trash can. I have a few new ones upstairs. “You’re such a good girl. Doing so well.”

She closes her eyes, protecting herself from her feelings.

From me.

I won’t allow that.

I go over there, gripping her chin hard enough that she opens them. “Thanks to me. Repeat that.”

She hesitates, and then, “Thanks to you.”

“That’s better.” I smooth my thumb over her jaw. “That’s fucking better.”

15

HARPER

That rough, impersonal touch I’ve learned to expect right before I open my eyes is there. His hand or mouth on my throat. On my shoulder. On every part of me, really.

My kidnapper.

A soft smile threatens to break through before I catch myself.

Absolutely not.

What the hell am I thinking? Smiling at him?

Not me. I relax my, hiding my foolish satisfaction.

Dr. Maguire doesn’t deserve my smiles. He doesn’t deserve my gratitude.

He doesn’t deserve my body.

Rationally, I know he doesn’t.

My heart pleads otherwise.

My heart acknowledges what my deranged kidnapper has done for me over the past three days. I’ve been counting them. All threeGood morning.