Page 42 of The Revenge

Payne finishes lowering a pile of books into a cardboard box before shaking his head. “What are you doing here?”

“You’re not answering your text messages.”

He nods. “I’m not.”

I ran all the way here, not sure if he was even going to be in his office. My little lie resulted in the topic of my sex tape being brought up, and the combined actions meant I was officially suspended. I still don’t care about that, but they said it was effective immediately, but I had to speak to Payne before I went back to get my things.

“I’m really sorry,” I tell him, gushing over my words as I try to catch my breath. “I told them it was all me, and I’ve gone on record with that. You don’t need to pack everything up.”

“Tori, I’ve already seen the dean this morning and admitted to everything—”

“Why would you do that?” I ask, horrified.

“Because it’s the truth. Don’t look so upset. When I got the email, I knew what was coming, and I realized I wasn’t upset.” He walks over, stopping just in front of me. “Last night, we made out on my desk, and the only reason I stopped was because I saw your bruises. That may have been the right thing to do, but had they not been there, I wouldn’t have stopped. I wouldn’t have even considered it.” Gently, he cups my cheek with his warm hand. “You’re beautiful and intriguing, and the more time I spend with you, the more I’m falling for you.”

He said something like that the last time. And just like the last time, his words have a strange effect on me. Strange, but still welcoming. They warm me, but not just in my core. It’s like, he’s wrapped me in an invisible blanket.

For weeks, I’ve not felt anything like what he’s making me feel now.

Safe.

After last night, I doubt there’s anyone lurking outside again, watching. Even if there is, I don’t care.

“Then don’t stop this time.” I pull Penny’s college blazer off and toss it to the side. My fingers don’t tremble as I deftly unfasten the buttons of the blouse.

Payne steps back. “Tori, what are you doing?”

The blouse joins the blazer, then I push the skirt down over my hips and allow it to pool around my feet on the floor.

When I dressed this morning, I wasn’t thinking about the underwear I put on. My bra and panties don’t match, and there’s nothing about them that’s sexy.

But Payne stares at me like he’s ready to devour me, and I’ve never felt so wanted.

He steps up to me, pushing me with his body back against the almost empty shelves. Then he clutches both sides of my face and kisses me.

The kiss is possessive, and the way his mouth claims mine confirms the desire I saw in his eyes. Each movement has him sucking on my lower lip until he finally pushes his tongue into my mouth.

It’s only when I grind up against him, wanting more, that he lets go of my face. Without pausing the kiss, he grabs my waist and pulls me up, waiting for me to wrap my legs around him and cling to him before he carries me to his desk.

One hand lets go of me and then he sweeps everything off the desk and onto the floor. As everything lands with a clatter, he breaks the kiss and sets me down on the edge.

“I’ve always wanted to do that,” he murmurs.

His hot hands slide up my side, following the bottom of my bra, to the back. It takes no time for him to unfasten it. After tossing the bra to join the mess on the floor, Payne’s hungry eyes take in my near naked body.

The mottled bruises and marks haven’t disappeared overnight. I don’t like looking at them, and I despise seeing the reminders left there, but I don’t shy away, even when Payne starts to frown.

“My body may look like a mess, but you won’t break me.”

Payne’s gaze flicks up to meet mine. “No bruise or scar could make you any less beautiful, Tori,” he tells me. “But no, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“It looks worse than it is, but it won’t hurt if you’re not rough.”

“Rough?” Payne looks aghast. “I want to worship your body, not destroy it.” He shakes his head. “You deserve so much better than this office.”

I reach for his hand. “Forget what I deserve. What about what I want?” There’s a little resistance, but he allows me to pull his hand to me and place it on my breast. “Don’t you want me?”

The magic words are spoken.

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