Page 138 of House of Payne

“He’s your brother.”

“And?”

“I don’t understand what you want from me. You tell me to stay, but you don’t like it, and now you’re wound up because I was talking to your brother—”

“We have a deal,” I interrupt coldly. “Or have you forgotten?”

London’s eyes flash as she draws herself up to her full height. “How could I? You remind me of it every chance you get.”

I close the distance between us so she’s backed up against the nearest wall. “You need reminding. Which part of me owning you don’t you understand?”

“All of it,” London replies defiantly. “You don’townme. Ioweyou adebt. There’s a big difference.”

I raise my hand and tilt her chin up. “Someday, you’re going to stop justifying all this to yourself and just fucking enjoy it for what it is.”

London’s breath hitches when I release her, and my fingers move to her jaw. “I don’t think you even know what that is anymore.”

I dig my nails into her shoulders, but she doesn’t flinch.

It makes me want her more.

How is she not running for the hills?

How can she still look at me with kindness and concern?

“There is no man behind the mask,” I tell her. “Stop trying to fucking see what isn’t there.”

London’s eyes tighten. “I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t care what you believe.” I yank her hair back and move my face so my lips are inches from hers. “I could have you on your knees if I wanted.”

London’s eyes are wide when my lips descend on hers, hard and unyielding.

Her body melts against mine and softens, but her eyes remain wide. I thread my fingers through her hair and yank again. Her eyes flutter shut abruptly, and her fingers move to the back of my neck. They curl at the nape, and she angles her head, giving me better access.

Jesus fucking Christ.

I bite on her bottom lip,, and London’s mouth parts, allowing me access. My fingers move from her shoulders to the small of her back as I plunge my tongue into her mouth. She tastes like strawberries and wine, and the mixture goes straight to my head. Her fingers glide down my back and rest against my behind.

I don’t know who’s more surprised when she digs her nails there.

I growl and pin her arms behind her back. Abruptly, I wrench my lips away and pepper her face with hot, open-mouthed kisses. Her breathing is ragged and uneven when I move to her blouse and rip it, sending buttonsflying in every direction. Then, I lower my head and exhale against her skin, sending a ripple of goosebumps across her skin.

I can smell how much she wants me, and it makes me want to take her right there.

I imagine driving myself in and out of her as I press her against the wall.

I don’t care if the entire house knows.

A shock goes through me as I realize I don’t even care if my brother knows.

Careful, Payne. You’re treading on some very thin ice.

London mumbles something unintelligible as I rub myself against her and drop her hands. One hand falls between us and cups me over the fabric of my trousers, and the other moves back up to my shoulders, kneading the muscles there. My hands move to her back, unclasping her bra and allowing her breasts to spill over.

She says something else, but I can’t hear her over the roaring in my ears.

London’s eyes fly open when I spin her around so that her front is pressed against the wall. I pin her arms behind her and continue to move against her. “This is what you want, isn’t it?”