Page 41 of Pretty Vengeance

“Would it help if I told you I missed you, too?”

“Hell no.”

My smirk widens. “Then, I won’t.” My brow cocks. “And, you know, why would I?”

He flashes his gorgeous smile for a second, and then it disappears. “I’ll take a kiss before we get into what happens next.” His intent expression makes me shiver, and I wonder what is coming next.

Putting my hands on his shoulders, I rise onto my toes. He lowers his head, so I can press my lips against his. A low growl emerges from his chest as he pulls me against him and sucks my tongue into his mouth. Tasting cinnamon and mint, I lean into him.

It’s the longest kiss I’ve ever had, and it’s not long enough.

Jamie takes my arms and sets me back away from him with a low curse. “You make me forget what I’m about, Sauce.” Exhaling a slow breath, he squeezes my arms then releases me. “Right, okay.” His Irish accent sends chills down my spine. I swear it’s become more potent every hour since I’ve known him.

I extend my arm so my thumb can rub my plum-colored lip balm from his lips.

He crosses his arms over his chest. “You were supposed to keep our relationship quiet, especially from my cousin.”

“Tried.” I shrug. “I haven’t told her the nature of the arrangement. That’s the main thing I’m supposed to keep secret, right?”

“Mmm. True enough. And you haven’t spilled details?”

“Of course not.”

“Nor even hinted?”

“No.”

“Which I suppose explains why she’s tried to put me on notice that I need to buy you presents.”

Rolling my eyes, I make a derisive sound in the back of my throat. “You could’ve just said no.”

“I could, yeah.” His thumb rubs his lower lip and then he sucks the tip, as though he’s looking for traces of our kiss. “Ever been spanked, Cranberry Sauce?”

My brows rise. “Never.” As my heart kicks into high gear, I tilt my head.

“Normally, the thought of punishing someone doesn’t turn me on much, but in this case…” His predatory look provokes both anxiety and arousal. “We’ll try it, then decide if it’s right for our arrangement.” He rolls up his shirtsleeves to the elbow, showing off toned forearms. “Take off everything except your knickers.”

His cool blue eyes make it clear he intends to bend me to his will. Deep inside, things clench and ache with need.

I rub my upper arms, giving myself a hug.

One of his brows rises in a stern, slightly mocking expression. “Are you stalling? After popping up at this house uninvited to leave a note, when I made it clear I would reach out when I was ready?”

Blowing out a breath through pursed lips, I shiver. “Special circumstances.”

“No.” The finality in his tone makes me wince. “You could’ve gone to the dorm’s RA, right? And you did go to the campus police. So, coming ‘round to my place, not necessary.”

Warmth burns my cheeks. He’s right. I had alternatives. My subconscious—and not so subconscious—motives are clear. I wanted to connect with him.

“Strip, Sauce.” He inclines his head for emphasis. “Or use your safeword, and I’ll drop you home.”

With a shudder, I jerk into action, tugging the sleeve of my sweater to free my arm. He steps back, giving me room to undress. He’s so businesslike I wonder whether agonizing over my lingerie was a waste of time.

Spotting the hunger in his eyes as I raise the hem of my sweater, though, makes me decide it wasn’t. Pleasure courses through me as he watches my every move. I pull the sweater over my head slowly.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I remove my shoes and socks. As I peel off my leggings, he licks his lips, apparently enjoying the show. When I stand again, I pause in a subtle pose. My indigo satin lace bra and panties look great with my skin and hair. Since I wore the set for him, I want him to get his fill.

He doesn’t disappoint. “Christ, you’re gorgeous.” When his gaze locks on my body, his breathing deepens and the heat in his eyes could burn the house down. “Bra off.”