Scorched

“This has nothing to do with Nico. This is about you lying to me!”

“I haven’t lied,” he protested.

“How can you possibly say that? We agreed that we’d get to know each other, that you would drop these foolish plans for a wedding,” she shouted, then took steadying breath as she tried to get herself under control. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t yell.

Well, he’d broken his promise, and she’d just broken the one to herself.

They were even in that regard.

“This isn’t worth so much drama, Rachel. It’s a minor matter, and you’re turning it into something it isn’t,” he said in a calming voice that only infuriated her more.

“You arrogant pig. How can you stand there and call it ‘a minor matter’? I’m trying to know you, trying to make an effort for the sake of our children. You don’t seem to get that. Or you simply don’t give a crap.”

“I very much care. That’s why I’m trying to marry you!”

His voice rose as he stalked toward her.

This time, she refused to back down. She was sick of doing that.

“And I told you that I wouldn’t marry you. I thought we understood each other,” she said as he reached her, stopping only inches from where she stood. She wanted to take a step back, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her rattled.

Her pride was at stake here.

“I told you I would give you time for us to get to know each other more. I never said the wedding was canceled. I simply told you that I wouldn’t mention it anymore.”

He looked down into her eyes as if that explanation should appease her.

“I have never, ever in my life wanted to hurt a person as badly as I want to hurt you right now. Do you really think these games will win you a bride? I am not a toy that you can play with. I am not going to sit submissively in the corner and obey your every command, and most importantly, I am not going to marry you! Not today. Not tomorrow. And not in a couple of weeks. Do I make myself clear!”

Rachel lifted her hand as she was saying each sentence and punctuated every point by poking him hard in the chest. If she didn’t get her words through the thick shell of his skull this time, she’d give up trying to speak to him.

He’d best pull his head out of the dark place he’d managed to get it stuck in and start giving her the respect she deserved, and not just as the mother of his children.

If he was unable to manage that on his own, she might have to give him a swift kick to his ass to help him out.

“I have done everything you’ve asked. I have taken time out of my busy schedule to court you, taking you to see the country you will live in as queen, attending dinners with you, giving you attention. I have given you all you want — and still you refuse me night after night. If anyone is being unreasonable here, it is you!” he snapped, grabbing her arms and yanking her into his embrace.

Rachel gasped when he ground his hips against the lean curve of her stomach, showing her that even in anger he wanted her.

Much to her horror, her body reacted to his touch. Her blood heated straight to her core, her nipples hardened, and her breath seemed to rush from her.

How could she desire him when she wanted to kill him? It was impossible.

“Get your hands off me right this minute, Adriane. I swear I will scream so loud, the walls of this palace will crumble,” she hissed, pulling from him and the hold he had on her, both physically and emotionally.

“Why should I? Your body knows what you want. I could easily take you, make you scream out my name in pleasure. Why should I consider your demands when you are uncaring of my needs?”

This time, as she struggled against him, he let her go. Spinning away, she took a moment to compose her features before turning back around.

“Yes, Adriane, you could probably seduce me. You could make me want you. Go right ahead. Do it. I will despise you forever when it’s over.”

The gleam in his eyes told her he was considering it.

Rachel needed to find out what kind of man he truly was.

“Maybe your hatred is worth getting both our needs met,” he said, his voice low and almost menacing.

“Fine, Adriane. Is that what you want?” Rachel said as she lifted her hands and began unbuttoning her blouse. “Do you want to sink inside me, take your pleasure?” She removed the garment, her chest heaving as she stood before him.

His eyes widened as his gaze zeroed in on her barely covered breasts.

“Let me make this easy for you, shall I, my king?” She undid her pants and slid her hands into the waistband, scooting them downward so they pooled at her feet. She kicked them away and stood before him in nothing but her minuscule bra and panties.

“Don’t you want me, Adriane? Don’t you want to take what you think belongs to you?” she said, her voice close to tears, which only infuriated her more. “Here I am. You can prove what a man you are!”

Adriane stood stock still as he took in her nearly naked body. Below the waist, he offered clear evidence that he wasn’t unaffected.

With deliberate steps, he approached her, and Rachel’s heart shattered. He was a monster. How could he possibly do this? The worst part was that, despite her fathomless pain and horror at his callous approach, she also knew he would most likely bring her pleasure.

No matter what, she would despise him, never be able to look at him the same way again. Maybe that’s what she needed. Maybe this was what had to happen for her to give up on him.

Adriane’s arms slipped around her naked back, making her flesh quiver. Yet she refused to back down. Lifting her chin defiantly, she peered up into his eyes, waiting for the attack she knew was coming.

“Even in fury, you heat my body, nearly make me come undone,” he said, the corners of his lips turning up as he gazed at her. “I am furious with you right now, but I am no fool. I won’t play your game, though I will burn all night because of it. To make sure you burn just as much, I will leave you with a little something.” He bent his head and locked his mouth with hers.

Rachel lifted her arms, intent on pushing him back. She couldn’t do this, couldn’t allow him to touch her, no matter what she’d said, no matter what she’d done in the heat of the moment. Why had she performed her impulsive striptease?

As his tongue demanded entrance into her mouth, she held out, keeping her lips locked tightly together. He didn’t seem fazed.

He slid his fingers down her back, gripping her buttocks and pulling her tightly against his thickness, centering her core on his arousal and making her gasp as he bit down on her bottom lip. His tongue achieved its objective.

After seconds, hours, days — who knew? — he pulled back, steadying her before he let go and stepped over to the refreshment cabinet in her room. He poured himself a full glass of whiskey, quickly downing it before he turned back around.

Much to her shame, she could feel the hardness of her nipples straining to be free, and she also felt her panties grow wet. She only hoped he couldn’t see how turned on she was.

“I’ll be in my chamber. One call, and I can end the torment you’re putting us both through. As for the wedding…” He smiled — actually smiled at her. “It’s going to happen. You can come willingly, or you can fight it, but you will be my wife.”

With those words, he turned and walked toward the door. Rage filled her to the breaking point. She didn’t know if it was his rejection or his threat, but fury fueled her.

Stepping forward, she grabbed the glass he’d just set down, the ridiculously expensive crystal glass, and threw it, without taking a single second to think about what she was doing. It shattered against the door, inches from his head.

Adriane jumped back, then turned around and looked at her with shock. And then, much to her horror, he laughed. A real, deep, stomach-jolting kind of laugh.

Rachel debated launching herself at him and scratching his eyes out. As if he could see what she was