Page 29 of The Sterling Acquisition

“You think I’m going to thank you for what just happened?”

“I think you’re going to spend the rest of the night thinking about it.” Dante’s confidence was unshakeable, infuriating. “I think you’re going to remember how it felt to let someone touch you, and you’re going to want it again.”

Orion’s mind was already calculating consequences and opportunities. If Dante wanted him this badly, it created leverage–a weakness to exploit. But it also created risk; an Alpha this fixated was unpredictable and dangerous. The power dynamics had shifted in ways Orion couldn’t fully assess yet.

What was clear: Dante was revealing vulnerabilities that hadn’t been visible before. His corporate mask cracked, showing something raw and human beneath. Information that could be useful if Orion survived long enough to use it.

“You’re delusional.”

“I’m observant. And what I observed is that you respond beautifully when someone knows what they’re doing.”

The accuracy and arrogance of the statement made Orion want to bite him again. Instead, he settled for the most cutting response he could manage.

“Congratulations. You managed to make a touch-starved virgin cum. What a remarkable achievement.”

But instead of looking embarrassed or defensive, Dante’s eyes sharpened with interest.

“Virgin,” he repeated softly. “I wondered about that.”

Shit. You just gave him information he can use against you.

“Don’t get any ideas.”

“Too late.” Dante smirked. “I’m getting all sorts of ideas.”

The way he looked at Orion when he said it—like he was already planning how to use that information—made it clear that this conversation was heading somewhere dangerous.

Time to leave. Time to get out of here before he decides to act on those ideas.

“The suppressants worked,” Orion said, changing the subject with the subtlety of a brick through a window. “Pre-heat symptoms are manageable now.”

“Good. That should give you a clearer head for decision-making.”

Decision-making about what? Whether to let you own me or run for the hills?

Orion moved toward the door, putting distance between himself and the Alpha who’d just systematically destroyed his self-control. “I should get back before Leo returns.”

“Should you?”

The question carried implications that made Orion stop mid-step.

“Yes. I should.”

“Or,” Dante said softly, “you could stay here. Spend the night somewhere other than a cage. Make decisions about your future from a position of clarity rather than desperation.”

Stay here. In his territory. Where his scent is everywhere and he’s just proven he can make you forget every promise you’ve made toyourself.

“And what would I owe you for that hospitality?”

“Nothing. Consider it a product demonstration.”

Like what just happened against the wall.

“I’m not sleeping with you.”

“I’m not asking you to sleep with me. I’m asking you to sleep somewhere safe while you consider your options.”

The reasonable tone, the practical framing—it was the kind of offer that sounded logical on the surface while being loaded with implications underneath.