Page 20 of Kidnapped By the Beast (Beasts of the Kindred #11)
LEXI
Lexi squirmed in Brandt’s arms but it was like fighting a wall. His muscles were like iron and the harder she struggled, the more solid his hold on her became.
“Put me down,” she snapped, glaring up at him. “I mean it, Dr. Brandt—I can walk perfectly fine on my own.”
“No,” he rumbled, his voice flat and immovable as stone. His golden eyes glowed in the dim corridor. “You lost that privilege when you climbed into that pen.”
Her cheeks burned, partly from fury, partly from embarrassment.
She hated being carried like some naughty child.
Hated the way his bare chest was pressed against her, the way his skin was so warm it seeped into her bones.
Worst of all, she hated that his scent—spicy and dark, with a faint undertone of something wild—was doing strange things to her.
Every deep breath she took only made her head swim more.
This is ridiculous. You should be furious, not…not aroused.
Her body, however, hadn’t gotten the memo.
Her breasts tingled where they pressed against his chest. Her nipples hardened against the thin robe she wore, traitorous points of sensitivity.
And between her thighs heat was building and a pulse had started—slow at first, but growing stronger with every step he took.
“Stop carrying me around like I’m luggage,” she demanded, squirming again.
“Be still.” His voice cut like a whip—stern and commanding.
Lexi couldn’t help herself—her pulse stuttered at his words.
Why does that tone make my stomach flip?
She turned her face away, scowling at the softly glowing vines that lined the hall. She wasn’t into this, she told herself. She wasn’t. So what if she’d read a few BDSM romances? She had never been one of those women who fantasized about handcuffs and spankings. She wasn’t kinky, damn it!
But what if you are? Maybe you like the idea of getting punished, whispered a sly little voice in the back of her head.
“No,” she muttered under her breath. “I don’t.”
“What was that?” Dr. Brandt’s deep voice rumbled.
“Nothing,” she snapped quickly, her face heating further.
God, what is wrong with me? Why am I thinking these things?
This wasn’t normal. It was just this weird situation—being abducted to another planet, being forced into some bizarre sexual scientific experiment about nectar. That was all. It wasn’t the big Kindred who held her so firmly in his arms—it couldn’t be.
And yet…her body was telling a different story.
She bit her lip hard, trying to ignore the growing ache between her thighs.
You’re angry, Lexi. Focus on that. Not on how strong he feels. Not on how his arms hold you like you belong there. Not on how safe and relieved you felt when he caught you out of that tree…
Brandt reached their chambers and the silver door slid open to admit them. Without slowing, he carried her straight to his bed and set her down on the mossy mattress. She scrambled back immediately, tugging her robe tight around herself.
“Why did you bring me to your room?” she demanded. “If you’re going to lock me up, I’d rather be in my own space.”
“Didn’t I say that locking you up would be an ineffective punishment?” he rumbled. “That’s not what I have planned for you.”
“What you have planned?” Fear tingled through her. “What are you talking about?”
His golden gaze swept over her, steady and unwavering.
“What I said before,” he growled. “You nearly got yourself killed today. There must be consequences.”
Her stomach flipped. Consequences? Like what? Was he going to yell at her some more? Lecture her? Or…something else? Her whole body trembled, and not entirely from fear.
What is he going to do to me? Is it going to hurt much? she wondered, her throat dry.
Brandt stepped forward, towering over her. His broad chest was bare, his black sleep trousers hanging low on his hips. He looked dangerous—untamed. Her breath hitched as he reached down, gripped the tie of her robe, and gave it a sharp tug.
The garment fell open at once, the silky fabric sliding off her shoulders to sag at her waist. Lexi gasped, clutching at the edges, but he caught her wrists in his large hands. She was naked under there!
Dr. Brandt shook his head.
“No hiding,” he growled softly, and there was steel beneath his tone. “If you’re going to disobey and put yourself in danger, then you will face me—completely. Now take off your robe.”
“I…I don’t want to,” Lexi whispered. But was she telling the truth? She wasn’t sure.
“Take it off now, Alexandra,” he growled. “Don’t make me take it off you.”
There was no getting out of it, Lexi saw. She wanted to be defiant and sass the big Kindred…but she knew she wouldn’t win this particular battle.
Stiffly, she stripped the robe from her shoulders and let it puddle around her hips as she sat on the bed. Then she gave him a look of pure defiance.
“There—I’m naked now. Are you happy?”
He nodded.
“I’m pleased with your obedience.”
“Well, don’t get used to it!” Lexi snapped.
Her heart pounded wildly as she stared up at him, her breasts bare, her skin flushed. She had never felt so vulnerable in her life. And yet, beneath the humiliation, something else stirred—a hot, traitorous throb of arousal that only grew stronger the longer he held her gaze.
What is he going to do to me? she thought frantically. And why does part of me want to find out?