Page 19

Matthias

I’ve been in my office for over an hour, but I can still smell her arousal on my fingers. Despite the empty tumbler in my hand, I can still taste her sweetness.

I reach to refill my whiskey but stop. I need to keep a clear head to form a plan.

At first, I was angry. Not about the spitting, which will be punished, but at her refusal to admit she wants me. Who is she to deny us? Why does it matter how we met? There’s a pull between us that she can’t ignore; I sure as hell won’t.

But I meant what I said. I won’t force her. Even if I know she wants it. And I won’t be the one begging. I just need to get her to the point where she can’t resist anymore.

My cock hardens at the thought of her on her knees, eyes full of need, begging. Begging for my touch. For my cock. For a pleasure we both know only I can bring her.

But what will win her over ?

I’ve never had to work for a girl. Never wanted to. Never needed to. None of them were worth more than a quick fuck. But Margot… She’s different.

I don’t just want her body. I want her. Her brain, her sass, her fire.

I need her.

She won’t be won over by money or shiny things.

It’s one of the things I appreciate about her.

She craves freedom. I need her to choose to be here.

Or at least, think she’s chosen. She doesn’t realize she’s never leaving me.

She was mine the second she stepped into my bed, wearing my clothes, smelling like my soaps.

When she chooses to stay, she chooses me.

I thought my way to her was through her body, but that didn’t work.

So, what does she love?

Benny.

It’s ridiculous, but I find myself making my way to the dog’s room. Maybe he has some insight for me.

I settle next to Benny’s oversized, expensive dog bed and run my fingers through his fur. He rests his massive head on my lap. At least someone likes me.

“Hey, buddy. I need your help.” His eyes flick up. “How do I win Margot over? You know her better than anyone.”

He lets out a bored sigh.

This damn dog.

“I know she wants me. She’s just too stubborn to admit it. She’s too caught up in the whole kidnapping and killing thing to see how good we’d be together.”

Benny lets out a sharp bark mocking me.

I stop petting him. See if I’ll put up with that .

“Stop mocking me, Benjamin. You know damn well I couldn’t leave her there after what she saw. And it’s not like she’s suffering here. She’s living better than she did at home.”

I use his full name. You can’t scold a dog named Benny with a straight face. It’s ridiculous.

That’s when I remember she named him after a guy from a rom-com.

My brows furrow. Why the hell did she do that?

Then it hits me.

She narrates romance novels. She spends hours in those worlds. She loses herself in them.

I snort. No fucking way.

Romance? Love? That’s the key?

That’s fiction. Women don’t need pretty words or gentle touches, they just want… me . I don’t need to convince them.

But Margot’s different.

She loves romance. Craves it.

If that’s what she wants, if that’s what’ll win her over, then that’s what I’ll give her.

I’ll be her knight in shining armor. I’ll be the perfect gentleman.

I need to take a step back physically and pull her in emotionally. And when she finally trusts me, when she finally believes me, she’ll never want to leave.

I glance at Benny, ready to share my revelation, but he looks away, done with the conversation.

Fine. But at least now, I have a plan.

When he lets out a soft whine, I turn to see him holding his rope toy, with big, sad puppy eyes locked on me.

I sigh and grab the other end. “This isn’t going to be as easy as with Margot. I’m a lot stronger than she is.”

Benny yanks so hard the rope flies out of my hand. This fucking cheater .

“That time didn’t count. Rematch.”

He glares at me, as if I’m the one cheating.

Fine. No more going easy.

I brace myself and tug back, my muscles burning. This dog’s strength is impressive, but I still win. We start again. Then again.

After several more rounds, I tap out, my arms sore as hell. I started switching arms after the fourth round, telling myself this counts as a workout.

“Sorry, buddy. It’s time for me to join Margot in bed.”

Benny flops onto his bed, exhausted. I smirk, satisfied. I toss him a few treats and make my way out.

The dog is growing on me.

***

After a quick shower in the gym to wash away the sweat, slobber, and dog smell on me, I head to our bedroom.

Walking in, the first thing I notice is the pillow wall.

She built a fort between us.

I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face. She’s adorable. If she thinks a pile of feathers is going to keep me from sleeping on top of her, she’s delusional.

Now that I’ve had a taste, I won’t spend another night not touching her.

I slip into bed. Knowing she’s a deep sleeper, I carefully lift her over the pillow wall and curl on top of her.

She melts into me.

My soft, stubborn girl.

My spitfire.

She’s mine.

Nothing, especially not a pile of pillows, will ever come between us.