Bitch, call me little one more time …
On wobbly legs, I rose from the chair andtook a step forward before ultimately being met with a backhandacross my face. My natural reflexes attempted to block the attackas I brought my arm up in defense, but he was fast and stillmanaged to strike me. Red-hot pain seared in my cheek as Darrenthen grabbed my throat and pulled me to his chest. I clenched hiswrists with my hands while he robbed me of my air supply. Tearsblurred my vision from the strain on my neck as I struggled againsthim, ready to fight further, but for some reason, I fearedupsetting him more.
“When are you going to learn,” he drawled ina deep threatening voice, “that your obedience is non-negotiable.You will do as I tell you or I will hurt you. Is that whatyou want? To feel pain all the time?”
I wasn’t a bitch or anything when it came topain, but I definitely didn’t care too much for it, especially whenhe delivered it. It wasn’t as if he had purchased a masochist, forfuck’s sake.
“Answer me,” Darren seethed, squeezingharder.
“No,” I choked out, practically gasping forbreath now. If he didn’t let go in the next two seconds, I waspunching him in the dick. I didn’t want the reprimand that wouldoccur afterward, but I certainlycouldn’t stand here while he choked me nearly half to death.
He then finally released my throat butpulled me against his chest, wrapping his arms securely around mybody and holding me tightly to him. He sighed heavily above me,releasing whatever tension he was holding on to, and rested hischin on the top of my head. Hepractically cocooned himself around me as my face and handsburrowed into his chest. I could hear his heart beat as it poundedrather quickly. Had he received a bit of excitement from mydefiance? Had he enjoyed squeezing the breath from my lungs while Istruggled against him? Probably, and the thought put me on edge.This man enjoyed hurting me, which put me in serious danger, and Iwondered if he knew that.
As I listened to the beat of his heart, hischest rose up and down and I noticed the calm that eventually beganto surround us. His heart rate started to slow as he held me and Iclosed my eyes to concentrate on continuing whatever was happeningto him. A calm Darren appeared to be a safer Darren.
After a few more seconds when I noticed hisheart rate had remained steady, he finally spoke. “Why do youalways have to push me?” he whispered softly above me.
“You said you anticipated this,” Icountered.
“Yes, I did, but there is a time and a place for push and play, andeventually, you will learn to recognize those times. However, whatI hadn’t anticipated is how dangerous the consequences could be forthe both of us when you are unable to establish thedifference.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You have no idea …” he began, “how easy itwould be for me to go too far with you.” He pulled me back andplaced his hand on the side of my face, tilting it up to meet hisgaze. The heat in his hand warmed my still stinging cheek, andsomehow, I found myself leaning into it, my body naturally seekingout warmth in the midst of thefrigid darkness it had been subject to for so long. I had almostforgotten he had even spoken to me. “I know you don’t want to admitthis,” he said, “but you are more fragile than you think,especially to me. And when you deliberately disobey me just to pissme off, it enrages me to the point where I could lose control andhurt you too much. I don’t want that to happen, but you make it soeasy for to me to forget. That is why control is so important,Jaden. It’s safer, not just for you, but for the both of us. Do youunderstand now?”
In other words, do what he says becausehe might accidentally beat you to death. Got it.
I bowed my head, lowering my eyes to thefloor for only a second and released a slow, deliberate breath before returning my gaze back tohim. I hated these power struggles with him, hated the logicalreasoning he had behind it all, and hated the fact that he wasright. I didn’t know how much restraint he was capable of, but I did have a very goodidea of what would happen should that restrain ever snap.
“Yes, Darren, I understand,” I said,glowering up into his eyes.
“Good girl,” he smiled and kissed me on theforehead. He then took my hand and headed toward the back door.
ChapterFourteen
Listen
We walked outside and went down to the beach. The sun was beginningto set and we stopped so I could remove my shoes and walk freely inthe sand. The perfectly white sand was so soft under my feet, and Irelished in its enveloping warmth. As we headed to the water,Darren kept a firm grip on my hand, never letting me falter and making sure I stayed at his side.
I decided I should try to leave what hadjust happened back at the house and attempt to enjoy something foronce. I didn’t want my attitude to ruin things for me again.
Reaching the shore, I couldn't help but feelcompelled to put my feet in the crystal blue water, and I was alittle surprised when Darren let go of my hand to let me. The waterfelt cool and refreshing as it splashed over my bare feet. Isuddenly had the urge to go swimming, but I didn't think Darrenwould allow it.
I turned back around to face him, unable tocontain my smile, and found him staring down at me, his hands in hispockets and a slight smirk on his face. The look he displayed mademe uncomfortable as it softened with what I thought might have beensomething like adoration.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.” He grinned, shrugging hisshoulders. “You’re just so cute when you're not pissing meoff.”
I scoffed at that. “Cute? Me? I don’t thinkso.”
Cute? Pfft. My ass.
“Baby tiger cute,”
