Page 73 of In Case You Didn't Know

If she wants to play games, she’d better be ready for me to play.

Because I always win.

twenty-one

FRANCIE

His footsteps hit the hallway floor like thunder. There’s no doubt in my mind, he’s coming for me. It’s the second time today he’s stormed toward me like a one-man battalion, but this time I’m not naked and flailing on the floor while screaming at a spider.

This time I’m in control.

I lie back on the pillows, my smile wicked, because I know exactly what he’s going to see when the door bursts open. I’m propped up on the pillows, my dark hair a contrast to the white silk. My body is bare, my nipples are pebbled, and I have to concentrate hard to remember how to breathe.

The door slams open and he barges in. There’s a wildness to his eyes that makes my heart thud against my ribcage. He slides his gaze over my body and I feel it viscerally. He takes every inch of me in, his breath catching in his throat.

“Are you trying to drive me insane?” he asks me.

I shrug nonchalantly, a smile playing at my lips. “You seem very tense,” I murmur. “I thought you might need a release.”

He steps closer. There’s no smile onhisface. Just a taut jaw and dark eyes that make me feel like I’m the most beautifulwoman on the planet. “You’re supposed to be resting,” he tells me.

My smile widens. Sometimes this man is so easy to rile up. “I can’t rest,” I moan, running my hand over my stomach, trailing my fingers just above where I need him. “I’m aching.”

His lips part. He can’t tear his eyes away from my hands. “Francie…”

“What?” I murmur. “Sir?”

Okay, maybe that was too much. But the way my body flushes says otherwise. Oh god, I want him to command me.

Just in bed. Nowhere else. My stomach fizzes with anticipation.

“Where does it hurt?” he asks. I don’t know if he’s playing along or genuinely interested. I guess I’m about to find out.

“Right here,” I whisper. Sliding my finger down. Over myself. I’m so wet it isn’t funny. “I ache for you.”

He closes his eyes for a moment. He looks almost pained, like there’s a battle waging inside him.

I hope bad Asher wins. I really do.

When he opens his eyes they’re blazing. Heated. Dangerous.

“I’m the one in control here,” he mutters. I’m not sure who he’s trying to persuade – me or him.

“Are you?” I ask softly. I never knew flirting like this could be so much fun. I love the way he reacts to me. It’s addictively hot.

He doesn’t answer me. Just stalks toward me, like a lion hunting a gazelle. There’s a twitch in his jaw as he shakes his head. Before I can say anything else he suddenly drops to his knees, like he’s going to say a prayer.

But instead of placing his palms together, he runs them slowly up my thighs, then pushes them apart firmly.

I’m bare to him. Completely and utterly. And he’s staring at me, like a man gazing at a work of art. Appreciative. Coveting.

His breath starts to speed.

“You have such a pretty pussy,” he murmurs. “All pink and glistening.”

My cheeks pink up. I knew he liked to talk dirty. He’s done it enough over the phone. But face to face, while he’s touching me. It’s a whole other orgasm-inducing level.

“Asher…”