Page 40 of Hers to Command

And just like that, my mind that has been racing all day quiets down in favor of that primal neediness I feel when I’m around Riccardo.

“I thought we’re past that stage now that we’re married.” Sure, I’m on board with the game he’s playing, but that doesn’t mean I have to make it easy for him.

“Just means we have to keep things interesting, don’t you agree?” Riccardo’s smirk widens. “And I have just the right thing in mind.”

“All I’m hearing is you trying to make the rules again,” I accuse, but not actually minding it when our goals are so closely aligned. Plus, the promised orgasm has my pussy tingling with anticipation, so that doesn’t hurt either.

And I fucking deserve a reward for winning Sergei over and dealing with my psycho brother.

Riccardo’s eyes darken and flick over me like he’s mentally undressing me layer by layer. “I do like making rules.”

I cross my arms over my chest, pretending his words don’t make my pulse race. “Fine, but I think you’re forgetting something.”

His eyebrows raise slightly, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. “And what’s that?”

“That I don’t play fair.” I get off the couch, stepping closer to him. My voice drops, my tone a mix of challenge and seduction. “I never have.”

Riccardo’s smirk turns feral, and before I can blink, his hand is on my waist, pulling me flush against him. His other hand trails up to tilt my chin, forcing me to look directly into his eyes. “Good,” he murmurs, his breath brushing against my lips. “Because I don’t either.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to respond before his lips claim mine, fierce and unrelenting. His kiss is a demand, not a question, and I meet it head-on. My hands find their way to his chest, pulling him even closer.

His fingers dig into my waist as he pulls me back with him, toppling down onto the armchair. I climb into his lap and gasp against his mouth as I position myself on top of him, the hard press of his body igniting every nerve in my body.

“So, what’s it you’re offering me if you take over your father’s role?” he murmurs, his lips brushing the corner of my mouth as his hands slip under my thighs, pulling me even closer and grinding his cock against my core.

“That can wait,” I manage to say, though my voice is breathy and unconvincing. My legs tighten around his waist, anchoring him to me. “I think we’re busy right now.”

Riccardo laughs, a low, wicked sound. “Very well, Mrs. Angelo.”

For a man who doesn’t want to stay married, the way he says it,Mrs. Angelo, sounds way too fucking reverent and part of me suddenly dislikes that he waved away the possibility that this marriage might turn into something more than the temporary agreement we have.

Which is fucked up.

So I distract myself by grinding my hips and rubbing myself over his dick, only I barely get enough friction to get any satisfaction.

Riccardo’s hands grip my hips tighter, holding me still. His dark eyes glint with amusement and something far more dangerous. “Is this not working out for you,Tesoro?” he murmurs, his voice rough as gravel but still amused.

I glare at him. “I’ll make it work, don’t you worry.”

His hands shift to slide under my shirt, his fingers brushing the bare skin of my waist. “But I like reminding you of who’s in charge.”

A spark of anger mixes with the heat building in my body. Perhaps he only agreed to discuss my suggestion earlier, so he could get what he wanted. Distract me and use me.

Biting his earlobe hard, I whisper into it, still grinding myself on his cock because as little friction as I may get from it, he’s certainly gone rock hard between my legs. “If you think you’re in charge, you’re even more delusional than I thought.”

Riccardo chuckles, the sound vibrating through my body as his thumbs stroke slow, maddening circles against my skin. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” I snap, grinding my hips against him again, determined to get a reaction.

And I do. His control frays, just a little, and he growls low in his throat. In one swift movement, he shifts us, pinning me back against the chair’s armrest. The change in position leaves me breathless, my pulse racing as his weight presses into me.

“Tell me,” he murmurs, his lips grazing my neck as he speaks, “do you like pushing me just to see how far I’ll go?”

I bite my lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an answer. But he doesn’t need one. His lips trail down, kissing, nipping, until they find the sensitive spot just below my ear.

“Because I’ll go as far as you want, Anya, and maybe even further,” he whispers, his breath hot against my skin. “And you’d better be ready to deal with the consequences.”

I shiver, a mix of anticipation and anxiety coursing through me. Yeah, he’s the bogey man all right, but damn if I don’t want him bad. “Maybe I’m counting on it,” I challenge, my voice steady despite the heat pooling low in my stomach.

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