Page 77 of Intense (Beneath The Blaze #3)

STEPHANIE

Song- Him & I, Halsey, G-Eazy

F inn is still sleeping, his face almost peaceful, as I admire my new walk-in closet. Not only did he have everything important moved over from my house, but he filled it with new additions. Expensive ones.

And that makes me feel bad. I’ve spent years teasing him about being the rich boy, but I never wanted him to spend it on me. That isn’t who I am. Yet here I am, staring at clothes and shoes that are to die for.

One red dress in particular catches my eye. It's fit for a gala, with a low-cut back and sapphires stitched into the bust. It’s breathtaking.

Except, I have no idea when I’d ever wear it.

My trophies, the souvenirs of my kills, Finn has locked away, protecting me even from myself. Keeping me safe.

I glance back at him as he shifts in his sleep, broad shoulders stretching against the sheets.

My heart is set. I want to go with him today. I don’t want to be left here, wandering this mansion alone. I know this place will feel empty without him. That isn’t the wife I want to be. Waiting on the sidelines for him to come home.

I’ve never been that girl, and I never will be. And I don’t think that’s what he wants either.

And I want to see it end. For him. He deserves that after everything.

More than that, I want to prove myself. Prove that I’m worthy of knowing his deepest truths. Prove I can carry them, keep them safe, and never betray them.

I’m not just his wife. I’m his partner. At work, at home, and in every shadow his world demands.

I can be useful. I know I can. And I can look after him, because deep down, he needs it.

My hand brushes over his silk ties, and an idea sparks. A way to make my case.

Grabbing two black ties, I tiptoe back to bed. The second the mattress dips, his eyes open and lock on me.

Caught.

“Stephanie.” His voice carries a warning.

“Morning, hubby,” I chirp, pulling the blanket back and swinging one leg over him.

He stretches, arms folding lazily above his head, and lets them rest there. Perfect.

I shift higher up his body, straddling his chest.

“What are you doing?” His voice is full of hunger.

“Fucking some sense into my husband.”

I grab one of his wrists, tying it to the headboard with a neat, hard knot.

“I really, really wouldn’t do this if I were you, love,” he warns.

I grin down at him, nudging my pussy against his chin.

“Oh, yeah?”

I fasten his other wrist. His words are saying one thing, yet he’s not fighting back against what I’m doing.

“Yeah. Really. Whatever you think this will achieve, you’re sorely mistaken. I’m not a man you tie up without consequence.”

A shiver runs down my spine at the promise in his tone.

“You don’t like me being in charge?”

I roll my hips, dragging my aching pussy across his mouth. His groan rumbles against me.

“No matter what you do, you’ll never be in charge. Not really. And we both know that isn’t what you need, really.”

I nod with a teasing grin.

“So… you don’t want your breakfast now?”

I lift myself, hovering just above him.

“Stephanie.” His growl sends sparks through me.

“That’s a shame. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Didn’t they teach you that in med school in Dublin, Finn?”

I lower slightly, just enough for his nose to brush against me, then pull back. Sliding my hand into my red lace panties, I spread my legs a little wider so he can see what he’s missing.

“Just think—if I come to London with you, I can provide relief whenever you need it. Stress relief. You can tie me up, bend me over, and fuck every frustration out on me. Or…” I moan softly, circling my clit.

“You can leave me here. And I’ll come on every surface of this house without you.

That would be a shame, wouldn’t it? Missing out on all of that. Missing out on me.”

His groan is feral, torn from his chest, and I smirk at him.

“I suppose you did get all my toys delivered. Nothing like reading a good book with one of those. Hmm. Maybe that will be fun.”

He yanks his hands against the restraints.

“All you have to do is agree to take me, Finn. Say the words, and I’ll sit on your face and let you taste what’s yours.”

“This is cruel, baby.” His breath is hot against my thigh.

“I know. But you love me this way.”

My heart stutters. He hasn’t said the words—not yet. But I feel them. And I know. I love this man.

“Oh, Finn…” I moan, sliding two fingers inside myself, tipping my head back, picturing the punishment he’ll unleash once free.

His body bucks beneath me, his resolve slipping. Good.

“Stephanie. Pull those panties to the side and sit the fuck down,” he growls.

Sparks shoot through me.

“Does that mean I can come?” I ask, looking down at him.

His eyes burn into mine.

“You can come on my face, yeah.”

I lift away, making him groan, dragging out his torment.

“Fine. Yes. My demanding wife. You can come to London with me. But you’ll follow every damn instruction. You won’t leave my side. And I’ll be taking you up on that offer of fucking every ounce of frustration out on you, even if I’m covered in blood. Do you hear me?”

My smile is so wide it aches.

“I understand.” I pause, savoring it.

“Sir.”

“Good. Now sit the fuck down,” he growls.

And I do. Riding his tongue, knowing the second I release him, I’m in serious trouble. As he sucks on my clit, my toes curl.

“Finn. I’m close.”

“I know. But you’ve been a bad girl, and you don’t deserve to come like this, do you?”

I shake my head. My eyes locking on his. He swipes his tongue along me, and I tremble. Holding onto the headboard for support.

“I–I can’t hold it.”

He ignores my plea, and I squeeze my eyes shut. If I come, I know my punishment will be torturous. So I hold it back, fighting every nerve in my body.

“You can, and you are. Because you’re my good girl,” he praises.

And that nearly sends me over the edge.

“Let me loose, and you can come as hard as you want, temptress.”

As fast as I can, I begin undoing the knots. I have no idea what I’m in for, but I can’t fucking wait.