I want to be terrified, but I’m not. Ryat Archer is possessive, controlling, and extremely jealous. He’s fucking toxic. But I can’t lay all the blame on him. Maybe I’m the cause of his toxicity. Maybe it’s my bad habits that bring out his worst. Hell, maybe I’m wrong, and they are his best qualities.
I want his hands around my throat. I want his body pinning mine down, and I want him to crave me the same way I need him.
So, who’s the real toxic one here?
“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell him, but even I know it’s a lie. Eventually, he’ll be done with me, and I’ll belong to Matt. I will do everything in my power to stop that.
He lets go of my face, his knuckles running over my jawline to my neck. “I think you’re lying.” There’s a hint of pleasure in his voice, and it makes me shiver.
I swallow nervously. “No …”
“I think you want to run, Blake.” His eyes search my face, the corner of his lips turning up. “Just for me to catch you.”
My heart hammers in my chest, and my thighs tighten. Why does that sound like fun? Why does it turn me on to think of him searching for me? Knowing that once he finds me, he’s going to punish me?
“Is that what you want, Blake? Want me to chase you?”
“Yes.” I say the word before I can even think about it.
His eyes drop to my chest as his knuckles run over my breasts and my hard nipples. “We can play that game. Just know”—his eyes meet mine again—“that once I catch you, I will do whatever I want to you.” My stomach flip flops with excitement at his threat. “And after I drag you back here …” Lifting my hands, he intertwines our fingers and pushes them above my head, pinning them to the wall. “You will be my wife.”
I lick my parted lips and take in a deep breath, trying to calm my breathing. “You’ll have to find me first.”
Leaning in, he kisses my cheek. “I like my odds.” Then he lets go and pulls away from me. My arms drop to my sides like ten-pound weights. “I’ll see you soon.” With one last look at my naked body, he exits the bathroom.
I raise my hands and run them down my face letting out a breath. The ring catches my attention. I stare down at the large square diamond that’s surrounded by more diamonds. It’s a little gaudy for my taste but so gorgeous. I run my fingertip over it.
What happened to his future wife? Why all of a sudden does he want me?
My parents will never willingly let me be with anyone other than Matt. Well, my father might. My mother is the one obsessed with him.
But if I give myself to Ryat before I have to marry Matt? That would be my way out. My mother hates the idea of a divorce as much as she hates the idea of Ryat and me together. So, if I choose to marry Ryat first, then she’d have no choice but to accept him. She’d hate for her daughter to be divorced in a matter of weeks of getting married. That would just make her look bad.
Smiling, I make my way over to the counter and look at myself in the mirror. I’ll run from Ryat for now, but when he catches me, I’ll marry him. Just like he said. If for no other reason than to piss off my mother!
Walking into my bedroom, I start yanking on the sheets looking for my cell. I find it on the floor. Calling my dad, I sit on the side of the bed, waiting for him to answer.
“Hello, honey.”
“Hey, Dad,” I say, smiling. “How are things going there?”
“Good. How about you?” he asks slowly. I haven’t spoken to him much since classes started this year. But it’s not unusual to go weeks without talking to him. He’s always been a busy man.
“Same,” I say, holding it with my shoulder and ear to the side of my head. “I need a favor.”
He’s silent for a long second. “Okay. What is it?”
“I need the jet,” I answer, biting on my bottom lip. This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve used it.
“Uh … where are you going?” he asks, sounding concerned. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Yeah. Sarah and I are just getting away. You know, to have a girls’ trip.” I lie easily.
“What about classes?” he asks.
Fuck! “It’s just a couple of days. We’ve already arranged it with our professors.”
“Okay.” He clears his throat. “Are you sure everything is all right?”
“Yep,” I reply.
“I can have it to you by tomorrow night.”
That won’t work. “Can it be tonight?” He stays silent. “It’s just that we’re already packed, and I’d like to be on the beach first thing in the morning …”