Page 49 of Ruthless Chaos

There’s a hint of bitterness in her tone, almost as if she’sjealous?

I chuckle, even as the anger mixes with my arousal. If this is the hill she wants to die on, then I will give her what she wants.

This was supposed to be a quick, uncomplicated conversation to remind her of her place asmyspineless prude. She was supposed to say yes and promise never to speak to him again.

If she had done that, maybe it would be easier to walk away.

But I never turn down a challenge, especially one as delicious as her.

“You became my business the moment I allowed you to walk away from me instead of fucking you senseless like I intended to.” My grip on her neck is so tight now that she’s struggling to breathe. “You will thank me for my kindness with your obedience, sweetheart.” Her eyes widen, and she starts digging her fingernails into my hand. It’s no use. It’s like a tickle, I enjoy the pain. I say my next words slowly, so she doesn’t miss a thing. “If I tell you to do something, you’ll do it without hesitation.”

I hold her there for a few more moments.

Just long enough for her to feel like she’s about to pass out.

When I finally loosen my grip, Allie takes one shaky breath after another. Her pretty eyes start to water. I lean down and lick one of the tears away.

She starts to shake.

The resolve I made on my way here shatters as the panic starts to take her over.

All I want now is her. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this alive. This game we’re playing is addictive. I can’t get enough of it.

She’s fighting back tears. “You’re crazy.”

I laugh. “Don’t ever forget it, sweetheart.”

A tear slides down her cheek as a look of defeat washes over her features.

My heart starts beating even faster. I’ve won.

Has it finally dawned on her how vulnerable she is right now? We’re all alone in this empty lecture hall. It’s lunch hour, so this part of campus is nearly deserted.

I can do anything I want to her.

I can do anything I want to her.

That’s the thought that sends me over the edge.

“Tell me something.” My free hand finds her thigh, tracing the patterned fabric of her tights. They’re too thick to rip easily. “How did you make it this long without getting fucked?”

It’s been on my mind.

For a girl like her to go unnoticed is rare, impossible even. I know I’m not the only man she has this effect on. That thought makes me angry, so I put it out of my mind.

Allie shudders below me. “My father is very protective,” she says in a tiny voice.

Most men in our world go to great lengths to shield their wives and daughters from the dangers of the family business.

Maybe if my father had done that for our mother, she would still be alive.

I can’t tell which family Allie is connected to—Clarke isn’t a distinct surname like Duke is, for example—but I know her father must be a proper dickhead to have made such a huge mistake.

Saint Frederic’s promise is protection, not chastity.

He’s basicallyaskingfor her to be corrupted by sending her here without even a fiancé to protect her. Now, it’s my job to keep her safe.

She’s mine to do as I please with.