Page 63 of Provocation (Temptation 3)

Julia

An arm crept across my torso, stirring me from a fitful night’s sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was Nick’s threatening glare.

Was I really strong enough to be in the same room as him?

It was bad enough he ended up representing himself during the trial. As such, he had the right to cross-examine me, as well as every other victim who’d agreed to testify against him, albeit with standby counsel present to intervene in the event Nick grew verbally abusive.

I’d hoped that would be the last time I’d ever have to face him.

Now I was about to willingly sit in the same room.

Alone.

I just had to remind myself that I wasn’t the same woman I was all those years ago. I was so much stronger now. I’d built a life without him. Built a family without him.

Survived without him.

I had to believe I’d survive this, too.

When Lachlan caressed the scar by my right hip, his motions gentle and affectionate, I moaned, melting into his warmth. He brushed my hair over my shoulder, peppering kisses along my nape, his touch becoming increasingly sensual.

He rocked his hips against me, his erection prominent. As his hand slid past my torso and toward my thighs, I parted them. His thumb landed on my clit, and relief washed over me. This was exactly what I needed.

Needed to return to this place with Lachlan where the only thing that mattered was him, me, and the incredible pleasure we shared on a daily basis.

“Say you want me,” he growled, his breathing growing labored.

“I want you.”

“Say you need me.”

“I need you.”

“And I need you.” He brought his erection up and slowly eased inside me. It didn’t matter how many times we’d done this very thing. That first thrust always stole my breath. “So fucking much.”

I parted my lips, savoring in his warmth as he filled me before retreating, continuing the same, erotic rhythm. With each push and retreat, he became more desperate. More frenzied. More impassioned.

“Say you’re mine.” When he drove into me this time, it was borderline painful.

I released a cry. Something about this was off. As if he were staking his claim.

“I’m yours,” I whimpered.

“Mine.”

He bit my neck. But it wasn’t the soft nibble that was Lachlan’s norm. It caused a shot of anguish to course through me.

“Lachlan…”

I squirmed, growing increasingly uncomfortable as he picked up his pace, his teeth clamping onto my skin to the point I was convinced he drew blood.

“You’re mine. Forever.” With each word, his thrusts became more painful. Excruciating. Harrowing.

“Stop,” I begged, attempting to free myself from his touch.

But he didn’t. In fact, my pleas only seemed to encourage him to fuck me harder.

More brutally.